Copyright © 1998 NFPA, All Rights Reserved NEPA 231 Standard for General Storage 1998 Edition ‘This edition of NFPA 331, Standard for General Storage, was prepared by the Technical Com- mittee on General Storage and acted on by the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., at its Annual Meeting held May 18-21, 1998, in Cincinnati, OH. 1 was issued by the Standards Council on July 16, 1998, with an effective date of August 5, 1998, and supersedes all previous editions. ‘Changes other than editorial are indicated hy a vertical cule in the margin of the pages on which they appear. These lines are included as an aicl to the user in identifying changes from the previous edicion, This edition of NFPA 231 was approved as an American National Standard on August 6, 1998, (Origin and Development of NEPA 231 In 1048, the U.S, War Production Board promulgated General Storage Specifications for Crit calStrategic Materats. These specifications were based largely on existing NFPA standards and ‘on generally accepted good practice in fire protection. They were published for reference in NEPA National Pie Codes for Building Construction and Eyuipment in) 1944, and an NFPA Gom- miutee on General Storage was appointed that same year. On the recommendation of the Committee, general storage standard was adopted at the NFPA Annual Meeting in 1946, The Standard covered indoor and outdoor storage. A revision of the standard was tentatively adopted in 1958, ‘In 1955, the committee submitted the draft of a new document, Recommended Safe Practices {for General Storage, No. 231-T, which covered indoor storage, outdoor storage, and refrigerated. ‘warehouses, The draft was tentatively adopted, while the 1945 general storage standard Femained the official document. NFPA 281, Recommended Safe Practices fov General Storage, was adopted in 1956 and included amendments to the original draft. Th 1965, the document was rewritten as a standard and published under its current ttle ‘The sections of the 1965 edition that pertained to outdoor storage and refrigerated ware- houses were deleted, and an appendix on pallets and palletized storage was added, In the 1970 edition, amendments included doubling the maximum recommended area, for Type | and Type Il storage, placing height limitations on empty wooden pallet storage, and reducing the water requirements for Type Il storage. In 1972, protection requirements for empty combustible pallets and design curves for sprinkler water demands were added, In 1974, the height of storage to which NEPA 281 applies was increased from (76 m0 9.1 m). ‘The standard was partially revised in 1979 and 1985 ‘The 1987 edition incorporated minor revisions. ‘The 1990 edition of the standard was modified to include the requirements of early sup- pression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers. In addition, Chapter 6 was modified to include stor- Age heights for encapsulated commodities up to 13 f (4.6 m), “The 1995 edition of the standard was revised to include recent developments with regard to miscellaneous storage, extradatge orifice sprinklers, arge-drop sprinklers, and ESER sprin: Miers. Efforts were made to increase the user friendliness of the document. Chapters 6 and 7 ‘underwent significant modification, “The 1998 edition includes expanded descriptions and examples of storage commodities, Protection criteria has been added for mixed commodity storage, storage on plastic pallets, and storage up to 12 tin height. Other changes include mote options for protecting idle pal- Tets, expanded applications for ESFR and large-drop sprinklers and the application of new types of sprinklers. Additionally, the rules for protecting plastic commodities have been revised, and additional examples illustrating the application of these rules have been included. 5 fe 10 80 ft231-2 GENERAL STORAGE ‘Technical Committee on General Storage Christopher T. Lammus, Insurance Services Office, Inc, TX [I] Michael T. Keoman, Stary Fireman's Fund Insurance Co.,CA (1) Hamid R. Bahadori, City of Orlando Fire Dept, FL (U} Kerry M. Bel, Underwriters Laboratories Ine, tL. (RE] Robert B. Combs, | H/Matsh & MeLennsan, WA (1) Robert C. Everson, Calais, NC (SE) Gallup, Rolt Jensen & Assoc, Ine TL. (SE] wea, Central Sprinkler Corp.,PA [M) Rep. Natl Fite Sprinkler Assn. ‘Thomas Goonan, Tom Goonan Assoc, VA (SE Richard Greenberg, Carteret Fie Dept. NJ [E] Richard 8. Johnson, Hilton Head, SC (U] Rep, Owenslinoie Rodiney A. MePhee, Canadian Wood Council, ON, Canada (M] Jennifer L. Nelson, AT&T EH&S, Nj (U}. “Michael T: Newman, Johnson & Johnson, NJ (U} Rep. NFPA Industrial Fite Protetion Section Gerald W. O'Rourke, O'Rourke & Co,, CA [SE] Donald “Don” D. Becker, Midland Automatic Sprinkler Co. Tne, (1M) (Alt 0] F Viola) Wiliam M. Carey, Underwriters Laboratories Inc, IL (RT (Alt to KM. Bell) ‘Stephen A. Clas, Je, Fiteman's Fund Insurance Co., NC {I] (Alt co MT. Kroman) J. Grayson Gilbert, Industral Risk Ineuress, GA [1] {Alc to TE Schumann) Salvatore Gitto, J&H/Marsh & MeLennan, N¥ 1} (Woting Alt. to M&B Rep.) Joseph B. Hankins, J, Factory Matual Research Corp, MA (I) (Alt 10 RD. Spaulding) ‘Martin M. Brown, Laguna Hills CA, ‘(Member Emeritus) MiloshT. Puchovsky, NEPA Staff Liaison Mark Oltszewiz, Schirmer Enge Corp. 1 [SE] Albert W. Reed, Reed Fire Protection Engr, TX (SE] ‘Toda B. Schuman, Industrial Risk Insurers, I (1) ery Shiner, Keepsafe Systems Ine, ON, Canada (SE) Peter A. Smith, Intl Paper Co,, TN (U Robert D. Spaulding, Factory Mutal Research Corp, MA (I) ack Thacker, Allan Automatic Sprinkler Corp. of Southetn Calon. nia, CA IM] Rep. Nat Fite Sprinkler Ass, Wiliam P. Thomas, fr Kemper Nat Insurance Cost. (1) FA. Underwood, The Trinity Co , TX (U] ‘Teny L. Views, Tyeo Int Led, MD (1M) John F. Viola, HEP Sprinkler Ine, MA [IM] Rep. American Fite Sprinkler Assn, Inc. Susan J. Welgund, Victory Fire Protection, Inc., PA (IM) Rep, American Fire Sprinkler Assn, Inc. Alternates ‘Stephen R. Hoover, Kemper Nat'l Tnsurance Cos IL (1) (Ale to W, P. Thomas, J.) Roland J. Huggins, Ametican Fire Sprinkler Ass, Ine, TX [1M] (Ale 0. J. Weigand) Richard E. Hughey, ISO Commercial Rsk Services, NY] {le to. T- Lammas) Kenneth F loman, Nat (Alto J. Thacker) Steven G. Krone, Schirmer Engr Corp., TX (SE] (Alto M. Olsen) Donald C. Moder, Rot Jensen & Assoc, Inc, CA (SE) (Alt 10.6. Gallup) Peter Thomas, The Viking Corp. MM (M) {Ale to J-Golinveaus) Sprinkler Ass, NY (TB) Nonvoting Soltan M. Javeri, AXA Global Risks, France This ist eprevents the membeship atthe rme the Come was alot the ext ofthis edition. Since that ts, changin the wen ers may has occured A hy to lasifeations i found atthe back ofthis document NOTE: Membership on a committe shall not in and of ie co tute an endorsement ofthe Association or any doc: ‘ument developed by the committee on which the member serves, Committee Sco Covered by other NEPA standards, 1998 Eton This Committee shall have primary responsibly for documents on safeguarding general warehousing, and commodities agains fre where stored indoors or outdoors. This Committee does not cover storage tha nspeciiallyCONTENTS 2513 Contents Chapter 1 Iotroduction 231-4 Chapter8 Fire Protection —LargeDrop 1 Scope Bi 4 Sprinklers 21-12 12 Reoactivity Clause 231-4 81 General 1-8. Definitions 231-4 82 Protection Criteria Chapter 2 Classification of Storage 281-5 Chapter 9 Fire Protection —Early Suppression Fast 21 Commodity Classification 231-5 Response (ESER) Sprinklers $1 General Chapter 3. Building Construction 21-6 92 Water Supplies 34 Constiuetion 231-6 98. Sprinkler Sytem Design 32 Emergency Smoke and Heat Venting 231-6 Chapter 10 Building Equipment, Maintenance, and Chapter 4 Storage Arrangement B17 Operations pind 41 Piling Procedures and Precautions 2-7 101. Mechanical Handling Equipment — Industrial 42. Commodity Clearance 231-7 aa 251-14 43 Aisles as 7 102 Building Service Equipment — Electrical “44 Storage of Idle Pallets 231-7 Equipment 291-14 45 Flammable and Combustible Liquids 21-8 108 Cutting and Welding Operations ee Chapter. ire Protection —-Generl es 10-4 Waste Disposal 21-14 ile Bire amore Gener oe 105. Smoking 231-14 Beem aa cee 106 Maintenance and Inspection 231-4 52 HighExpansion Foam 21-8 te mance % 5 Manual Inside Protection 231-8 ee ee Eleth Sab Hydrant 231-8 , , 55 Fhe Organon gsi. g Chapter 11 Referenced Publications 231-14 546. Alarm Senvice 231-9 ‘Appendix A Explanatory Material 234 Chapter 6 Fire Protection for Commodity Classes 1 through IV — Spray Sprinklers 331-9 Appendix B- Example for Determining Protection, einer 21-9 Griteria For Plastic and Rubber 62 Protection Criteria. zi- 9 Commodities 63. High-Expansion Foam 231-10 Appendix C_ Protection of Outdoor Storage Chapter? Fire Protection for Plastic and Rubber Commodities — Spray Sprinklers 251-10 Appendix D_ Referenced Publications 231-29 7A. General 231-10 2 Protection Criteria 231-10 Index 231-802814 GENERAL STORAGE, NEPA 231 Standard for General Storage 1998 Edition NOTICE: An asterisk (*) folowing the number or eter des Jgnating a paragraph indicates that explanatory material on the paragraph can be found in Appendix A Information on referenced publications can be found in ‘Chapter TT and Appendix D Chapter 1 Introduction 1A Scope. 141.1. This standard shall apply to the storage of materials that represent the broad range of combustibles, including plastics that are stored palletized, solid piled, in bin boxes, or on shelves. Exception: Miscellaneous storage shall be perited fo be proteced in ‘accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 1.1.2 Outdoor Storage of a Broad Range of Combustibles, Sce Appendix C. 141.8 This standard shall not apply to the following: (a) Unsprinklered buildings (b) Storage of commodities that, with their packaging and storage aids, are classified as noncombustible (©) Unpackaged bulk materials such as grain, coal, or similar commodities (@) Inside or outside storage of commodities that are covered. by other NFPA standards, except where specifically men- tioned herein (e., pyroxylin plastics). Storage of high hhazard materials such as tires, roll paper stored on end, and flammable liquids is outside the scope of this stan dard, Storage of such commodities shall be protected in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 30, Flammableand Combustible Linuids Code; NFPA 30B, Code forthe Manufac- lure and Sionage of Aerosol Products; NFPA 40, Standard forthe Storage and Handling of Clluloe Nitrate Motion Picture Film; NFPA 58, Liguefied Puroiewm Gas Code; NFPA 231C, Stan dard for Rack Storage of Materials; NFPA 2B1D, Standard for Storage of Rubber Tires; NEPA 231F, Standard for the Storage of oll Paper; NFPA. 282, Standard for the Protection of Records, [NEPA 430, Cade forthe Storage of Liguid and Solid Oxidizers; and NFPA 490, Cade or the Storage of Ammonium Nitrate (©) Storage on racks 1-14 Nothing in this standard is intended to restrict new tech- nologies or alternate arrangements, provided the level of safety prescribed by the standard is not reduced. 1.2 Retroactivity Clause. The provisions of this document shall be considered necessary to provide a reasonable level of protection from loss of life and property from fire, The provi- sions reflect situations and the state of the art at the time the standard was issued, Unless otherwise noted, itis not intended that the provi sions of this document be applied 0 facilites, equipment, 1888 Eon structures, or installations that were existing or approved for construction or installation prior to the effective date of this document. Exception: This standard shall apply in cases where iis determined by the authority having jurisdiction that the existing situation ine volves a distinct hazard to lif or property. 153 Definitions. Unless expressly stated elsewhere, for the purpose of this standard, the terms in this section shall be defined as follows: |. Approved.* Acceptable to theauthority having juris Array. Glowd Amey. A storage arrangement where sit movement through a pile is restricted due to vertical flues 6. (152 mm) in width or narrower Open Array.® A storage arrangement where air movement Unough a pile is enhanced due to Vertical lucs wider than Gin. (152 mm), Authority Having Jurisdiction.* The organization, office, or individual responsible for approving equipment, an installa tion, ora procedure. Available Height for Storage.* The maximum height at which commodities can be stored above the floor and still maintain adequate clearance from structural members and the required clearance below sprinklers. Bin Box Storage. Storage in fivesided wood, metal, or cardboard boxes with open face on the aisles. Ceiling Height. The distance between the floor and the underside of the ceiling above, or roof deck within, a storage Glearance. The distance from the top of storage to the ceil ing sprinkler deflectors, Commodity. The combination of products, their packing materials, and their containers, ‘Compartmented.* The rigid separation of the products in a container by dividers that form a stable unit under fire con= ditions. Container (shipping, master, or outer container). A recep- tacle that is strong enough, by reason of material, design, and ‘construction, to be shipped safely without further packaging. Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) Sprinkler. A listed ESFR sprinkler is a thermosensitive device that is designed to react ata predetermined temperature by automat- ically releasing a steam of water and distributing itin a speci fied pattern and quantity over a designated area to provide carly suppression of a fire where installed on the appropriate sprinkler piping, Encapsulated. A method of packing that consists of a plas tic sheet that completely encloses the sides and top of a pallet load that contains a combustible commodity or combustible packages. Expanded (foamed or cellular) Plastic. Plastic whose den sity is reduced by the presence of numerous small intercon necting or noninterconnecting cavities (cells) that are dispersed throughout their mass. Exposed Group A Plastic Commodity.* A plastic that is not ‘enclosed in packaging or coverings that absorb water or thatCLASSIFICATION OF STORAGE otherwise appreciably retard the burning hazard of the com- modity FreeFlowing Plastic Materials.* ‘Those plastics that fall out of their containers during a fire, fil flue spaces, and create a smothering effect on the fire. High-Temperature Rated Sprinkler. A sprinkler that has temperature: rang peween 250°F and 00°F (321°C and 149°C) Intermediate-Temperature-Rated Sprinkler. A sprinkler that has a temperature rating between 175°F and 225°F (79°C and 107°C), Labeled. Equipment or materials to which has been auached a label, syinbol, or other identifying mark of an orga ‘nization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains peri- ‘dic inspection of production of labeled equipment or mate- Fials, and by whore labeling the manufacturer indicates Compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner. Large-Drop Sprinkler. A listed sprinkler characterized by a K factor between 11.0 and 11.5 and a proven ability to meet the prescribed penetration, cooling, and distribution criteria, Specified in the large-drop sprinkler examination require ments. The deflector/discharge characteristics ofa largedrop Sprinkler generate large drops of such size and velocity that they enable effective penetration of a high-vclocity fire plume, Listed.* Equipment, materials, or services included in list published by an organization that is acceptable (o the author- hty having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of prod- et or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic eval- Nation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, material, or service meets identified standards oF has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose. Miscellaneous Storage. Storage that does not exceed 12 ft (6:7 m) in heightand that is incidental to another occupancy tse group as defined in NFPA 18, Standard fo the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Such storage shall not constitute more than 10 percent of the building area or 4000 f (872 m*) of the sprinklered area, whichever is greater. Sach storage shall not ceed 1000 f (28 m*) in one pile or area, and each such pile or area shall be separated from other storage areas by atleast 25 8 (7.6m) Noncombustible, Commodities, packaging, or storage aids that do not ignite, burn, or liberate flammable gases when heated toa temperature of 1880°F (749°C) for 5 minutes ‘Ordinary-Temperature Rated Sprinkler.* A sprinkler that has a temperature rating between 185°F and 170°F (57°C and 70), ‘Packaging. A commodity wrapping, cushioning, or com Palletized Storage. Storage of commodities on pallets or “other storage aids that form horizontal spaces between tiers of storage. Pile Stability. Stable Pies.* ‘Those arrays where collapse spillage of contents, or leaning of stacks across flue spaces is not likely to occur soon after initial fire development, 251-5 Unstable Piles, Those arrays where collapse, spillage of con- tents, or leaning of stacks across flue spaces Gecurs soon after initial fire development. Roof Height. The distance beween the floor and the underside of the roof deck within a storage area. Shall, Indicates a mandatory requirement. SheifStorage. Storageon structuresless tan 3Um. (/0Zem) deep with shelves usually 2ft (0.6 m) apart vertically and sepa- rated by approximately 304n. (76.2-cm) aisles. Should, Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required. Solid Unit Load of a Nonexpanded Plastic (either cartoned or exposed), A load that does not have voids (air) within the Toad and that burns only on the exterior of the load; water from sprinklers might reach most surfaces available to burn, Spray Sprinkler. A sprinkler listed for its ability to provide fire control for a wide range of fire hazards, Storage Aids. Commodity storage devices, such as pallets, dunnage, separators, and skids. UnitLoad. A palletload or module thatis held togetherand that is normally transported by material-handling equipment, Chapter 2 Classification of Storage 2.1* Commodity Classification. 24.1 General. 21.1.1* Commodity classification and the corresponding protection requirements shall be determined based on the makeup of individual storage units (i. unit load, pallet Toad), 24.1.2 Mixed Commodities. Protection requirements for mixed commodities shall not be based on the overall com: ‘modity nix in a fie area. Mixed commodity storage shall be protected by the requirements for the highest commodity and Morage arrangement. Exception No, I: Wherein accordance with this standard, up to 10 (pale loads ofa higher hazard commodity shall be permitted in a area that does not exceed 40,000 fi? (3716 mé). The kigher hazard com ‘modity shall be randomly dispersed with no adjacent loads in any di- ‘rection (including diagonal). Ifthe cxling protection is based on Class Tor Il commodities, the permited number of pale loads for Class IV or Group A plastics shall be reduced to five. Exception No. 2: Whote the higher hazard materials are confined toa designated area and propery protected for that area. 2.1.2 Pallet Types. Where loads are palletized, the use of ‘Wooden o metal pallets shall be assumed in the classification of commodities. Where plastic pallew are used, the classifica- tion of the commodity unit shall be increased by one class (eg, Class Ill becomes Class IV and Class IV becomes Group {A plastics). No increase shall be required fora Group A plastic ‘commodity, Exception: Where other than wood pallets are used, and where specific ‘conmadity classification txt data are aoailable from a nationally rec ‘ognized testing laboratory, the authority having jurisdiction shall per- sited to use such data in determining the classification of commodity. 1998 Eaton231-6 21.8% Commodity Classes. 2.1.3.1" A Class 1 commodity shall be defined as a noncom- bustible product that meets one of the following criteria (a) Itis placed directly on wooden pallets. (b) eis stored in single-layer corrugated cartons, with or with= ‘out single-thickness cardboard dividers, with or without pallets (©) Ttisshrink-wrapped or paperwrapped as a unit load with ‘or without pallets 2.1.3.2" A Class II commodity shall be defined as a noncom= bustible product that is stored in slated wooden crates, solid ‘wood boxes, mukiple-layer corrugated cartons, or equivalent ‘combustible packaging material, with or without pallets, 21.3.3 A Class III commodity shall be defined as a product fashioned from wood, paper, natural fibers, or Group € plas tic, with or without cartons, boxes, or crates and with or with- ‘out pallets. Such products shall be permitted to contain a limited amount (5 percent by weight or volume) of Group A or Group B plastic. 21.3.4" A Class IV commodity shall be defined as a product, ‘with or without pallets, that meets one of the following crite- (a) Tis constructed partially or totally of Group B plastic (b) Te consists of free-flowing Group A plastic materials. (©) Itcontains, within itself or its packaging, an appreciable amount (5 percent to 15 percent by weight of 5 percent to 5 percent by volume) of Group A plastic. ‘The temaining materials shall be permitted to be any of the following 1. Meat 2 Wood 8, Paper 4. Natural or synthetic fibers 5. Group Bor Group C plastic 2.1.4 Classification of Plastics, Flastomers, and Rubber. Plastics, elastomers, and rubber shall be clasified as Group A, Group B, or Group C Groups A, B, and C classifications are based on unmodified plastic materials. The use of firexetarding or flame-retarding ‘modifiers or the physical form of the material ean change the standard classification 2.1.4.1 Group A. ABS (acryionitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer) Acetal (polyformaldehyce) Acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate) Butyl rubber EPDM (ethylene-propylene rubber) FRP (fiberglassreinforced polyester) Natural rubber (if expanded) Nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber) PET (thermoplastic polyester) Polybutadiene Polycarbonate 1998 Eton GENERAL STORAGE Polyester elastomer Polyethylene Polypropylene Polystyrene Polyurethane PVG (polyvinyl cholride — highly plasticized, with plasiciz- er content greater than 20 percent) (rarely found) SAN (styrene acrylonitrile) SBR (syrene-butadiene rubber) 2.4.4.2 Group B, Gellulosics (cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, ethyl cellulose) Chloroprene rubber Fluoroplastics (ECTFE — ethylene-chlorotrifiuoro-ethyl- ene copolymer; ETFE — ethylene-tetrafhuoroethylene co polymer; FEP — fluorinated — ethylene-propylene copolymer) Natural rubber (not expanded) ‘Nylon (Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6) Silicone rubber 21.4.3 Group C. Fluoroplastics (PCTFE — polychlorotriftuoroethylene; PIFE —polytetrafluoroethylene) ‘Melamine (melamine formaldehyde) Phenolic PVC (polyvinyl chloride — A content up to 20 percent) PYDE (polyvinylidene chloride) PVD (polwinidene fluoride) PVE (poling! fluoride) Usea (urea formaldehytle) le —PVGs with plast Chapter 3. Building Construction 341 Construction, 3.1.1 Buildings used for storage of materials that are stored and protected in accordance with this standard shall be of any ‘of the types described in NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Buil- ing Construction $41.2 Adequate access shall be provided to all portions of the premises for firefighting purposes. 32° Emergency Smoke and Heat Venting. The protection ‘outlined in this standard shall apply to buildings with or with: ‘out roof vents and draft curtains, Exception: Where local codes require heat and smoke vents in build ‘ngs that are protected by ESER sprinklers, the vents shall be manually ‘operated or shall hae an operating mechanism with a standardxe- sponse fusible element that is ated no less than 360°F (182°C). Drop- (ut vents sll not be perited.‘STORAGE ARRANGEMENT 2317 Chapter 4 Storage Arrangement 441 Piling Procedures and Precautions. 44.1 Any commodities that are hazardous in combination with each other shall be stored so they cannot come into con- tact with each other. Absorbent commodities are stored, normal floor loads shall be Teduced to lake into account the added weight of water that Can be absorbed during firefighting operations. 42 Commodity Clearance. 42.1 The clearance bewveen the top of sto Ker deflectors shall be in accordance with for the instalation of Sprinkey Systems. Exception: Where molified by this standard. 42.2% Where a commodity is stored above the lower chord of roof trusses, atleast 1 ft (30.5 em) of clear space shall be main- tained to allow the wuss to be wetted. Exception: The tras is proected with Hhour fireproofing 42.8 Storage clearance from ducts shall be maintained in faccordance with NFPA 91, Standavd for Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying of Materials, Section 25. age and the sprin- FPA 13, Slandasd 424 The clearance between stored materials and unit heat ters, radiant space heaters, duct furnaces, and fluesshall not be Tess than 3 ft (0.9 m) in all directions, or clearances shall be in accordance with those specified on the approval agency label. 42.5% Clearance shall be maintained co fights and Tight fx- tures to prevent possible ignition. 4.2.6 Sullicient clearance shall be maintained around the path ‘of Fite door travel to ensure proper operation and inspection 43 Aisles. 4.3.1 Wall nsles shall be atleast 24 in. (61 em) wie in ware Tnouses used for the storage of commodities that expand with the absorption of water 48.2% Aisles shall he maintained to retard the transfer of f froin one pile to another and to allow convenient access for fire fighting, salage, and removal of storage. 44% Storage of Idle Pallets. 44.1 Wood Pallets. 14 Exception: Indoor pale storage shal be perattl in acrordance with 4412 1® Palletsshallbestored ousideorinadetachedstructure ‘Table 44.1.2 Protection for Indoor Storage of Wood Idle Pallets 44.1.2 Pallets that are stored indoors shall be protected as specified in Table 44.1.2, Table 8-1, or Table 91.1 Exception: White the following conditions ave met: a) Pallets shall be stored no higher than 6 ft (1.8 9) (6) Ech pale pil of no mave than four stacs shall be separated from other pallet ples by atleast 8 ft (2:4 m) of lear shace or 25 (7.6 m) of commodity. 44.2 Plastic Pallets. 44.2.1 Plastic pallets shall be stored outside ot in a detached Excsption No. I> Indoo storage of plestc pallets shall be permitted in tacondance ath 44.2.2 Exception No.2> Iuoor sorageo) nonespanded polyethylene said deck les shall be permite to by protected in accondemce with 44.1.2, Exception No. 3: Indoor storage of plastic pallets shal be permitted to le protein accordance with Table 91.1. Exesption No. 4 Indoor storage of nonwood pallets that have been demonstrated lo eset fire hazavd equal 01 tess than thet of ile tod pallets and that are list fo such equivalency shall be permit tue protectin accordance with 44.1.2. 44.2.2 Plastic pallets that are stored indoors shall be prom tected as follows (a) Where plastic pallets are stored in cutoff rooms, the fol Towing shall apply: 1. The eutofl sooms ha 2 The plastic pallet storage shall be separated from the remainder of the building by Showrrate fre walls 8. The storage shall he protected by sprinklers that are designed to deliver 0.60 gpm/R [(24.5 L/min) /1n?] for the entire room or by high-expansion foam and sprinklers as specified in Section 52 4. Thestorage shall be pled no higher than 12 5. Any steel coluinns shall be protected by tour fire- proofing ora sidewall sprinkler ditected to one side of the column atthe top or atthe 15 (4.5) level which= ever is lowe, Flow from these sprinklers used to protect Columns shall be permitted to be omitted from the Sprinkler system demand for hydraulic calculations. Where plastic pallets are stored without cutoffs from other storage, the following shall appl 1. Plastic pallet storage shall be piled no higher than 44 (12m) 2 Sprinkler protection shall employ bi sted sprinklers 3. Each pallet pileof no more than two stacks shall be sep= arated from other pallet piles by at least 8 ft (2.4 m) of clear space or 25 f¢ (7.61) of stored commority Ihave at least one exterior wall O) temperature ‘Area of Sprinkler Demand Sprinkler Density "Temperature- ‘Ordinary-Temperature-Rated Storage Height Requirements Sprinklers n = spm/fe—_L/min/m* e mt fe a Upws Upwis 020 Be 3000 186 3000 oy 6108 15024 030 122 2500 232 4000 372 8t0 12 24037 0.60 245 3500 535, 6000 557 12020 3.7061 0.60 245 4500 418 = = 1998 Eton231-8 GENERAL STORAGE, 45° Flammable and Combustible Liquids. Only limited quantities of flammable and combustible liquids shall be per= ‘mitted in general storage warehouses. Any such storage shall be segregated from other stored combustible material Chapter 5 Fire Protection — General 5:1 Automatic Sprinkler Systems. 5.1 Sprinkler systems that are installed in buildings used for solid pile, bin box, shelf, or palletized storage shail he accordance with NFPA 13, Standard fr the Installation of Sprin- lr Systems Exception: Where modified by this standard. 51.2 The minimum temperature rating of ceiling sprinklers shall be 150°F (66°C). 5.1.8 The design density shall not be less than 0.15 gpm/ft® {U6.1 L/min)/m?}, and the design area shall not be less than 2000 f (186 m?) for wet systems or 2600 f? (242 m2) for dry systems for any commodiry, class, or group. 5:1.3.1 The sprinkler design density for any given area of oper- ation for aClass I ora Class IV commodity, calculated in accor ‘dance with Chapter 6, shall not be less than the density for the corresponding area of operation for Ordinary Haratd Group 2in NFPA 13, Standard jo the Installation of Sprinkler Systems 5.1.5.2 The water supply requirements for sprinklers only shall be based on the actual caleulated demand for the hazard in accordance with Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, or Chap ter 9, depending on the ‘pe of sprinkler that is selected and the commodity that is to be protected. 5:14 Where palletized or solid pile storage is placed on top of racks, the provisions of NFPA 231C, Standard for Rack Storage of Materials, shall apply to the entire height of the storage with regard to sprinkler requirements and water supplies for ceil ing and rack sprinklers. 541.5 In warehouses with areas that contain rack storage and. other areas that contain palletized, solid pile, bin box, or shelf storage, the standard that pertains to the particular storage configuration shall apply. 5:1.6° Standard response '/,.in,(12.7-mm) orifice or "/si (13.5.mm) orifice spray sprinklers shall be used in applying Figures 62.2.2, 62.2.3, and 62.2.4 and the tables in Chapters Gand 7. (See Chapters 8 and 9 for lagedrop and ESFR sprinklers) Brerpion No, 1: Useof Figures 6-2 2.2, 62.23, and 62.2.4 0nd the lables én Chapters 6 and 7 with quick response spray sprinklers shall be permite when Ese for Such use, Exeption No.2: The use of°/yin.(19.92m) or lngr orifice spray Sprinklers shal be peated where lite or such use. 51.7 Where buildings are occupied, in part, for storage within the scope of this standard, the tequited sprinkler pro. tection shall extend 15 f (46 m) beyond the perlmeter ofthe storage atea Exception: This requirement shall not apply ashere separated by a bay er partition that i capable of preventing heat from five inthe ston ‘ag area from fusing sprinklers in the nonstorage aren. 541.8 Where nonstorage spaces have lower ceilings than the Storage portion of the building, the space above the drop cei 1008 Eaton ing shall be sprinklered, Where the area abo ve a drop ceiling issprinklered, the sprinkler sytem shall conform to 5-17 or its exception, Exception: The space above the dop cling shall not be required tbe Sprnleredcahere it complies with the provisions of NFPA 13, Stan. dard forthe Installation of Sprinkler Systems, for allowable wn prin ered, concealed spaces ‘5-2 High-Expansion Foam, 5.2.1 High-expansion foamsystems thatare installed inaddition {0 automatic sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 1A, Standard for Mediumn-and High-Fxpansion Foam Systems Exception: This requiroment shall not apply where modified by this Mandard, 522 Highexpansion foam used to protect the idle pallets shall have a maximum fill time of 4 minutes 52.3 High-expansion foam systems shall be automatic in operation. 5.24 Detectors for highexpansion foam stems shall be Isted and shallbe insaed ano more han oe ae ned ang 525 Datction sates, concenate pups, generat, and ether stem componens tha ar csentalvo Se once et the sce sa have an spproved sandy ponerse 526 A reduction in ceiling density © one-half that required for Class through Class 1V commodities, idle pallets, ot plas tics (using the secondary demand point) shall be permitted Without revising the design area but the density shall be not Jess than 0.15 gpm/? ((6.1 L/min) /m] 58 Manual Inside Protection. 5.8.1 Small Hose Systems. Small hose lines (11/,in, (38mm) shall be available to reach all portions of the storage area: dle consideration shall be given to access aisle configuration with ‘maximum anticipated storage in place. Such small hose shall be supplied from one ofthe following: (a) Outside nydrants (b)_A separate piping system for small hose stations (©) ‘Valved hose connections on sprinkler risers where such connections are made upstream of sprinkler control vakes (a)*Adjacent sprinkler systems 58.2 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 10, Siandard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, Up to one-half of the required com plement of portable fire extinguishers for Class A fires shall be permitted to be omitted in storage areas where fixed small hose lines (1/3 in. (38 mm)] are available to reach all portions of the storage area. 54° Hydrants. At locations without public hydrants, or where hydrantsare not within 250 f (76.2 m), private hydrants shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Five Service Mains and Their Appurtenances. 5.5" Fire Organization. 55.1 Arrangements shall be made to allow the municipal fre department, police department, or other authorized personnel toenter the premises rapidly in case offre or other emergency.FIRE PROTECTION FOR COMMODITY CLASSES I THROUGH IV — SPRAY SPRINKLERS 231-9 55.2 Plant emergency organizations, where provided, shall be instructed and trained in the following procedures: (a) Maintenance of the security of the premises (b) Means of summoning outside aid immediately in an emergency (©). Use of hand extinguishers and hose lines on small fires and mop-up operations (a) Operation of the sprinkler sytem and water supply equip- {e) Use of materiathandling equipment while sprinklers are operating to effect final extinguishment (0 Supervision of sprinkler valves after ystem is turned off 0 ‘hat system can be reactivated if rekindling occurs (g) Need for breathing apparatus (h) Proper operation of emergency smoke venting and heat venting systems where such systems are provided 55.8 A fire watch shall be maintained when the sprinkler sys 45.6% Alarm Service. A central station, remote station, auxi iary, or proprietary sprinkler waterflow alarm shall be pro- vided. A local waterflow alarm shall be permitted where recorded guard service is provided, Chapter 6 Fire Protection for Commodity Classes I through IV — Spray Sprinklers 6-1* General. 6-11 Protection for Class I through Class IV commodities in the following configurations shall be provided in accordance with this chapter: (a) Nonencapsulated commodities that are solid pile, pallet ized, or bin box storage up 10 30 ft (9.1 m) in height (b) Nonencapsulated commodities on shelf storage up to 15 fe (4.6m) in height (c)*" Encapsulated commodities that are solid pile, palletized, bin box, or shell storage up to 15 ft (4.6m) in height 61.2 Bin box and shelf storage that is over 12 ft (3.7 m) but not in excess of the height limits of 61.1 and that is provided ‘wth walkiways at vertical intervals of not over 12 ft (3.7 m) shall be protected with automatic sprinklers under the walkivay(s) Protection shall be as follows {a) Ceiling design density shall be based on the total height of storage within dhe building, (b) Automatic sprinklers under walkways shall be designed to maintain a mininnusn clischarge pressure of 15 psi (0.72 kPa) for the most hydraulically demanding six sprinklers on each level. Walkway sprinkler demand shall not be required be added to the ceiling sprinkler demand. Sprinklers under ‘yaysshall nthe spaced more than 8f1 (2.4m) apart horizontally. 62 Protection Criteria, 62.1 The water supply shall be capable of providing the sprin- klersjstem demand that isdevermined in accordance with 02.3 including the hose stream demand specified in 62.4for thedur tion requirements specified in 625. 62.2 The arca and density for the hydraulically remote area shall be determined as specified in 62.2.1 through 62.2.7. {62.21 Sprinkler protection criteria for storage 12 ft (3.7 m) ‘or less in height shall be in accordance with Table 62.2.1, All btherrequirementsof this standard shall apply tosuch storage. Commodities Stored Up to 12 ft (3.7 m) in Height Commodity Storage Height Sprinkler Protection Se itera Upwi2 37 Class | NFPA 13— Ordinary Hazard Group 1 Glass Upto8 4 NFPA13— Ordinary Hazard Group 1 Chass il Over to 3:7—-NFPA18— Ordinary 12 Hazard Group 2 Class Upto12—-37—-NFPA 13 — Ordinary Hazard Group 2 ClassIV Upto? 3.7 NFPA 13— Ordinary Hazard Group 2 62.2.2 Where using ordinarytemperatureated sprinklers, single point shall be selected from the appropriate commodity curve in Figure 62.22 mn? te 3806000 g 00 & 450 50 = a0 ae 4000) 5 0 = 0 000: ® 20 200 2000. gmt 01 015 02 025 03 08S Od Umino? 416182 10221436 Sprinkler dontty Figure 62.2.2 Sprinkler aystem design curves, 204¢ (6.4) high storage — ordinantemperatureated sprinklers. 6.2.2.3 Where using high-temperatuse-rated sprinklers, a sin- gle point shall be selected from the appropriate commodity Curve in Figure 62.2.3. 62.2.4 The density selected in accordance with Figure 62.2.2 ‘or Figure 62.2 3 shall he modified in accordance with Figure 6.2.24 without revising the design area. 62.25 Where dry-pipe systems are used, the areas of oper ation indicated in the design curves in Figures 62.2.2 and 6.2.2.3 shall be increased by 30 percent. 1908 EstonGENERAL STORAGE 21-10 na te 375 4000: £ f 5 ‘E200 s0oo- 3 180 2000: sort? 01 01s oe 025, os Uminn? a et a2 102 wee ‘Sprinkier density Figure 62.2.3 Sprinkler system design curves, 20. (6.1m) high storage — high emperaturerated sprinklers. 250 200 & 150 2 100 0 ° k 10 15 20 25 0 moan 4s 8s 78 94 ‘Storage height Figure 62.2 Celling sprinkler density versus storage height 62.2.6 In the case of metal bin boxes with face areas not exceeding 16 f (1.5 m?) and metal closed shelves with face areas not exceeding 16 f (1.5 m?), the area of application shall be permitted to be reduced by 50 percent, provided the ‘minimum requirements of Chapter 5 are met 62.2.7 The final area and density shall not be less than the ‘minimum specified in Chapter 5, 6.2.3 Given the area and density determined in accordance ‘with 62.2, the fire sprinkler system shall he hydraulallycaleu lated in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkle Systems. 6.2.4 A minimum of 500 gpm (32 L/sec) shall be added to the sprinkler demand for combined large and small hose stream demand, 1998 tion 62.5 Water supply duration shall bein accordance with Table 625. 63 High-Expansion Foam. 6-8.1 See Section 5-2. ‘Table 6-2.5 Water Supply Duration in Hours ‘Storage Height (Commodity Clase Glasses 1, (oe ‘and it” Class 1V Owerl2 87 Upw20 61 7, z Over20__ 61 _Upio30 91 2 ae Chapter 7_ Fire Protection for Plastic and Rubber Commodities — Spray Sprinklers 7A* General. See Appendix B. TA.1® Plastics that are stored up to 25 ft (7.62 m) in height and protected by spray sprinklers shall be in accordance with this chapter. The decision tree (see Figure 7-1.1) shown in Fig- ure 7.1.1 shall be used to determine the protection in each situation, 7-1.2* Factors that affect protection requirements such as closed /open array, clearance between storage and sprinklers, and stable/unstable piles, shall apply only to the storage of Group A plastics. The factors contained in 7-2.1, Ac7-2.1, and Appendix B shall be given serious consideration prior to determining the final protection requirements. Figure 71.1 also shall be used to determine protection for commodities that do not entirely consist of Group A plasties but that con- tain such quantities and arrangements of Group A plasties that they are deemed more hazardous than Class IV commodities, 71.3 Group B plastics and free-flowing Group A plastics shall bbe protected in the same manner as Class IV commodity. See (Chapter 6 for requirements forthe protection of these storage commodities using spray sprinklers. 74.4 Group C plastics shall be protected in the same manner asa Clas Ill commodity. See Chapter 6 for equirementsfor the protection of these storage commodities using spray sprinklers, 72 Protection Criteria. 72.1% The design of the sprinkler system shall be based on the existence of routine or periodic building conditions that ‘reate the greatest water demand, These conditions include the following: (a) Pile height (b) Clearance (c) Pile stability (@) Array Where the distance between the cciling/roof height and. the top of the storage exceeds 20 ft (6.1 m), protection shall, be provided for the storage height that would result in a 20-¢ (6.1m) distance beeween the ceiling roof height and the top of the storage. 72.2% Design areas and densities for the appropriate storage configuration shall be selected from Table 7-22. Columns A, B, GD, and E correspond to the protection required by the decision tree shown in Figure 7.1.1.FIRE PROTECTION FOR PLASTIC AND RUBBER COMMODITIES — SPRAY SPRINKLERS 21-11 Plastics GroupA (See Nolo) «Group Group Class iv ‘lass artoned Unstable Table 722 Calumn Stable Unstable _Stable_-_Unstable. Solid Unit Load Cartoned Exposed yler22 Table -22 Teble722 Table722 Tale 7-22, Table722 Table 7-22 Gounné CoumeD Colm Cokmn Column = Column = Column ‘Note: Cartons that contain Group A plate material shal be permited tobe treatod as Clas WV commodities Under ha folowing conaltans: {@) There shel be muliole ayers of corugation or equivalent outer mater that would significantly delay fre Invelvement ofthe Group Aplastic, and (2) The amount ana rangement ol Group A plasma win an ona caton wo ot be expects {a signticanyInrease he fe haze Figure 71 Decision ree. ‘Table 7-2.2 Design Densities for Plastic and Rubber Commodities Sprinkler Systems Storage Ceiling/Roof Height Height Density gpm/ft® ((L/min)/m*} ft = ft a a B € D E 5 15 |Upw2 76 one Ona ona one On? 12 37 |Upwis 46 02 (82) 02(82) 03122) BHA EH2 3151020 46061 | 03[122] 06 (245) 05 [204] EHR EH2 Ss0t032 «619.8 | 04 [163] 0.8 [926] 0.6 [24.5] 0.45 [18.3] 0.7 [28.5] 15 46 [Upw20 61 025 [102] 05 (204) 04 [163] 09122] 0.45 (183) 1-901095 6.1076 | O4(16.5] 0.8 [326] 0.6 (24.5) 045 [183] 0.7 (28.5) 5951035 7610 10.7 | 0.45 [18.8] 0.9 [36.7] 0.7 [285] 0.55 [224] 0.85 (34.6) 20 61 fupw2 76 031122) 0.6 [245] 0.45 [18.3] 035 [143] 0.55 [22.4] 5251030 761091 | 0.45 1188) 0.9 [36.7] 0.7 [285] 055 [224] 0.85 [34.6] 5301035 9.1 1010.7 | 06 [245] 1.2 [489] 0.85 (546) 0.7 (28.5) 1.1 [448] % 76 fupwso 9.1 041163] 0.75 (306] 0.55 [22.4] 045 [183] 0.7 [285] J-30t035 Slt 10.7_| 06(245] 1.2 [489] 0.85 (34.6) 0.7 (285) 1.1 (448) Notes: 1 ‘The minimum clearance between the sprinkler deflector and the top ofthe storage 3 Gohan heady correspond tothe coniguravon of pass storage as follows AU} Nonexpanded, unstable " ws (2) ‘Nonexpanded, stable, solid unit oad 1: Expanded, exponed sable Uy Expanded? exposed, unstable '@) Nonenpanded, sible, eattoned D: Expanded, eattonedunsabie EO} Expanded. sable (G) Nonexpanded, stable, exposed 3. Column suthealings coreapond co requted densities forthe flowing 1 Sin Has rp Bocca, rd Group 1 occupancies. EHLR - Density required for Extra Hazard Group 2 occupancies as specti in NEPA 13, Stondand for the Insaltion o Sprinter Sytem 4. Hse seams shall be provided in accordance with 723. bbe maintained as required 1900 Eton231-1 GENERAL STORAGE 72.2.1 The design areas for Table 72.2 shall be a minimum ‘of 2500 ft (232 m2). Exception No. 1: Where Table 7-22 permits densities and areas to be Selecied in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard fr the Installation of Sprinkler Stems, Ordinary Hazard Group 2, any area/density b> tained that curve shall be permite Exception No. 2: The design area for closed arrays shal be permitted {be reduced to 2000 fi? (186 me) 7.2.2.2 Interpolation of densities berween storage heights shall be permitted. Densities shall be based on the 2500 fe? (252 m") design area The use of “up to" in Table 7-2 2is intended to aid. in the interpolation of storage height densities. Interpolation of ceiling/roof heights shall not be permitted 72.23 Where Table 72.2 requires densities of 0.4 gpin/fé [(16.81/min)/m4] or greater, Vin. (12.7:mm) orifice sprin- ers shall not be permitted. 72.3 Where sprinkler protection has been designed. for Group A plastics, at east 500 gpm (32 L/sec) shall be added to the density/area demand for hose streams, 7-24 Water supply duration (sprinkler demand plus hose streams) shall be 2 hours where storage heights are 5 ft to 20 ft (1.5 m (0 6.1 m) and 21/z hours where storage heights are over 20 fe up to 25 f (6.1 m up to 7.6 in). 7.2.5° Whete drypipe systems are used for Group A plastics, the operating area shall be increased by 30 percent without revising the density. Chapter 8 Fire Protection — Large-Drop Sprinklers 8.1 General. Largedrop 5 with the hazards specifier 82 Protection Criteria, 82.1 Sprinkler water demand for large-drop sprinklers shall bein accordance with Table 81. 82.2 A minimum of 500 gpm (1900 L/min) shall be added to the sprinkler demand for combined large and small hose stream demand, klers shall be permitted for use Table 8: Table 8:1 Large-Drop Sprinkler Data Pressure and Number of Design Sprinklers Required for Various Hazards for LargeDrop Sprinklers ‘Number of Design Sprinklers by Minimum Maximum Operating Pressure Water Maximum | Building {psi (bar)] Hose Stream | Supply Commodity | Storage Height | Height’ | Type of (See 82.4.) Demand [Duration Configuration Class | ftom =| fm | System (25017) 504) 756)| gpm L/min) he Patietized 1,t1,ortt | 25 76 | 35 107 | Wet 1% 1 15 | 500 1900] 2 Dry ef | Pallewzed 10 2 er | 3 aT | Wee 201515) 5001900 Dry NANA NA | — PalletiedCarconed or | 20 61_[ 308.1 | Wer 3% 15 15 | 800 1900/2 exposed Dry NA NA NA | =] = unexpanded plastics PalietizedCartoned or | 1853 | 2 79 | Wer NA 1515] 5001900] = exposed Dry NA NA NA | — J] = expanded plastics Palletzed Idle wood | 20 61_[ 30 81 | Wer i516 | S00 1900] 17 pallets Diy % me | Sold Fle TT, orl [20-61] 808.1} Wer 115155001900] 1173 Dy ee ee Sold Pile 1 261 | 8 aT | Wer NA 15 1B |-300 1900 TZ Dry. NANA NA | — — | — Solid Pile Cartoned or | 20-61 | 303.1] Wer NA 1515 | 8001900] 17, exposed. Dry NA NA NA f= | unexpanded plastics Note: NA— Not Allowed. 1909 EtonFIRE PROTECTION — EARLY SUPPRESSION FAST RESPONSE (ESFR) SPRINKLERS. 231-13 82.3 Water supply duration shall be as specified in Table 81 8.2.4 Where largedrop sprinklers are installed under open woodjoist construction, their minimum operating pressure shall be 50 psi (3-4 bar) 82.5 The requirements of NFPA 13, Siandard forthe Installa liom of Sprinkler Sylems, that pertain to largedrop sprinklers stall apply. Exception: Wheve modified by this standard 8.2.6 For the purpose of applying Table 8-1, preaction systems shall be classified as dry-pipe systems. Exception: Where it canbe demonstrated that the detection system ac tionting the preaction system will couse waler to be discharged from sprinklers as quickly aswel systems 82.7 For weepipe systems, ordinarytemperauute, intermedi- ate temperatute, or high-temperature sprinklers shall be used. For dry-pipe systems, hightemperature sprinklers shall be used, Chapter 9. Fire Protection — Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) Sprinklers 941% General. ‘941.1 ESFR sprinklers shall be permitted to be used for the protection of commodities in accordance with Table 9-11. ‘Table 9.1.1 ESFR Sprinkler Data 941.2 ‘The maximum celing/roof height ofa building shall be measired to the underside of the root deck or ceiling, 9-1.3% ESER sprinklers shall be permitted for use in buildings with the following types of roof construction (a) Smooth ceiling (b) Bar joist hoiseeaant paces (@) Panel 91.4 Roof slope shall not exceed 2 in. per foot (51 mm per meter). 9.2 Water Supplies. 92.1 The design area shall consist of the most hydraulically demanding area, which shall be protected by 12 sprinklets, consisting of 4 sprinklers on each of 8 branch lines. The ‘design shall include a minimum of 960 fe (89.2 m). 92.2 A minimum of 250 gpm (946 L/min) shall be added to the sprinkler demand for combined large and small hose 9.2.3 Water supply duration shall be atleast 1 hour. 9.24 ESER sprinklers shall be limited to wetpipe systems. 98 Sprinkler System Design. 9.3.1 The requirements of NEPA 15, Standand forthe Install. tion of Sprinkler Systems, shall apply. Exception: Where modified by this standard. Maximum Maximum | Ceiling/Roof Sprinkler Height of Height of [Nominal] Design “Type of Storage Commodity ‘Storage Building |KFactor| Pressure x mi| fm pal Palleized and solid pile |1.Cartonedunexpanded plastic | 25 76 | 30 91 (135-145, 50 34 2 Cartoned expanded plastic 3. Uncartoned unexpanded plastic 4. Class 1, Class IL, Class 1, oF Class IV commodities, encapsulated or uunencapsulated 5. Idle wood or plastic pallets storage (no open-top con- tainers or solid shelves) T. Gartoned or uncartoned unex panded plastic 2, Chass I, Class I, Class IN, or (Class IV commodities, encapsu- lated or unencapsulated 3, Idle wood ot plastic pallets 3 to7 | ao 182 [issiaa) 7 BE T, Cartoned or uncartoned unex panded plastic 2. Class I, Class I, Class IM, or lass IV commodities, encapsu- lated or unencapsulated we to7 | 187 00 T, Cartoned unexpanded plastic 2, Class 1, Class Il, Class IL, or (Class TV commodities, encaps- lated or unencapsulated wel | ee | SVT 1990 Eston21-14 GENERAL STORAGE Chapter 10 Building Equipment, Maintenance, and Operations 10-1* Mechanical Handling Equipment — Industral Trucks. Power-operated industrial trucks shall comply with NFPA 505, ie Softy Standard for Powered Industrial Truce Including TypeDes. ‘gnations, Areas of Use, Conversions, Maintenance, and Operation. 10-2 Building Service Equipment — Electrical Equipment. Etectrical equipment shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 70, Notional Erica! Cat? 108 Cutting and Welding Operations. 103.16 Where welding or cutting operations are necessary, the requirements of NEPA 518, Standard fr Fie Prevention i Use of Cutting and Welding Process, shall apply. Where possible, ‘work shall be removed toa safe area. 103.2 Welding, soldering, brazing, and cutting shall be per ntted to be performed on bung component tat canto be removed, prosided no sorage i located below and within 25 (7 6m) ofthe working aren and provided fameproot tar paulinsenclose the working aren, During any welding solder Ing, basing, and eattng operations, the spvnkler system shall br in service. Extinguishers that are suitable for Clas Aftes witha minima rating of 4 nd charged and atended inside hose lines, where pronded, hal be located in the working sea A re watch shall be maintained during welding, solder ing, brazing and citing operations and shal continue to be maintained for not ss than 8 minutes following completion tt opendlame operation 104 Waste Disposal. The disposal of rubbish, trash, and other waste material shall be performed at regular intervals. 105 Smoking. Smoking shall be strictly prohibited. Signs that read no smoking shall be posted in prohibited areas Exception: Smoking shall be permited in locations that are promi- rently designated as smoking areas. 10.6 Maintenance and Inspection. 106.1 Fire wals, fre doors, and floors shall be maintained in good repair ar all ines, 10.6.2 The sprinkler system and the water supplies shall be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with NEPA 25, Standard jo the Inspection, Testong, and Maintenance of Wat Based Fre Protection Stems. 10-7 Refrigeration Systems. Refrigeration systems shall con form t0 ASHRAE 15, Softy Coe or Mechanical Rafigeraton Chapter 11 Referenced Publications 1-1 The following documents or portions thereof are refer- ‘enced within this standard as mandatory requirements and shall be considered part of the requirements of this standard ‘The edition indicated for each referenced mandatory docu ‘ments the current edition as ofthe date of the NFPA issuance Of this standard. Some of these mandatory documents might also be referenced in this standard for specific informational purposes and, therefore, are also listed in Appendix D. 1-1.1 NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Associa- tion, 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quiney, MA 02269- 9101 ‘NFPA 10, Standand for Portable Five Extinguishers, 998 edition. 1908 Eaton NFPA 11A, Standard for Medium. and Hightxpansion Foam ‘Shuuems, 1994 edition NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 1996 edition, NEPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service ‘Mains and Their Appurtenancss, 1995 edition [NEPA.25, Standard forthe Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Five Proizcton Sysiems, 1998 edition. NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liguids Cade, 1996 edition, NFPA 80B, Code jor she Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products, 1998 edition, NFPA 40, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Cellulose Niwate Motion Picture Film, 1997 edition, NEPA 51B, Standard for Fre Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes, 1994 edition. NFPA 58, Ligueied Petroleum Gas Cods, 1998 edition, NFPA 70, National Electrical Codé®, 1999 edition, NFPA 91, Siandard for Exhaust Systems for Air Comveying of Materials, 1985 edition, NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction, 1995 edition. NFPA 251C, Standard for Rack Storage of Materials, 1998 edition, NFPA 21D, Standard for Storage of Rubler Tires, 1998 edition NFPA Q31F, Standard for the Storage of Roll Paper, 1996 edition. NFPA 232, Standard forthe Protection of Records, 1995 edition, NFPA 430, Code for the Storage of Liguid and Solid Oxidizers, 1985 edition, NFPA 490, Cade for the Storage of Ammonium Nitrate, 1998 edition. NFPA 505, Five Safty Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks Inchuting Type Designations, Areas of Us, Conversions, Mainte- nance, and Operation, 1996 edition. 11-1.2 ASHRAE Publication. American Society of Heating, Refiigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tule lie Cirele, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30828-2505, ASHRAE 15, Safaty Code for Mechanical Refigeation, 1992. Appendix A Explanatory Material Appendis A is not a pant ofthe requirements ofthis NEPA docu ‘ment but is included fo informational purpotes only, This appendix ‘contains explanatory material, nusnbered to corespand with the appl- ‘aie text paragraphs, ‘ALS Approved. The National Fire Protection Association does not approve, inspect, or certify any installations, proce- dures, equipment, or materials nor does itapprove or evaluate testing laboratories. In determining the acceptability of instal lations or procedures, equipment, or materials, the “authority having jurisdiction” may base acceptance on compliance with NFPA or other appropriate standards. In the absence of such standards, said authority may require evidence of proper installation, procedure, or use. The “authority having jurisdic- tion” may also refer to the listings oF labeling practices of an ‘organization thats concerned with product evaluations and is thus in a position to determine compliance with appropriate standards for the current production of Histed items.APPENDIX A 251-15 ALL3 Open Array. Fire tests that were conducted to repre- senta closed array used Gin, (152mm) longitudinal flues and ho transverse flues, Fie tests that were conducted co represent fan open array used 12in, (305mm) longitudinal flues. AS Authority Having Jurisdiction. The phrase "authority having jurisdiction” is used in NFPA documents in a broad. F Iuriedietinns od appeal agencies wary ae de ite, Where public sate Is primary, the alton hating jurdcton maybe a eda, sate, local, oF ater regional department orinvidual sch ava fe ci fre mara hel ofa Bre prevention bureau, labor depart mentor heal departmene building fal clea Inopetoroouhera Raving statutory author. For insurance pulporehainorance nspecion department ating Buren reer urance company represetatie maybe eho Sy having jusdedon. any crcumsancey, the property iene oft her designated agent sunmes the role oc he fury haeing freon: a government naan the tommanding slicer or deparenental oficial tay be the Sauer hag jurisdiction AALS Available Height for Storage. ‘The maximum height of ‘Storage for new sprinkler installations is the height at which ‘commodities can be stored above the floor where the mini- mum required unobstructed space below sprinklers is main- tained. For the purpose of evaluating existing situations, the ‘masimum height of storage for new sprinkler installations is the maximum existing height, provided the space between sprinklers and storage is equal to or greater than that required, AAS Bin Box Storage, Boxes are self-supporting or sup- ported bya structure so designed that litle or no horizontal or vertical space exists around boxes. A-L-3 Comparimented. ‘The cartons that were used in most of the Factory Mutuaksponsored plastic tests involved an ovdi= nary 2004b (90.7-kg) test of outside corrugated cartons with five layers of vertical pieces of corrugated carton that were used as dividers on the inside. Single horizontal pieces of cor rrugated carton were also used between each layer, Other tests sponsored by the Society of Pasties Incustry, Industrial Risk Insurers, Factory Mutual, and Kemper tsed two vertical pieces of carton (not corrugated) co form an X within the carton to separate the product, Such an arrangement is not considered ‘compartmented, since the pieces of carton that were used for separations were flexible (not rigid), and only two pieces were tused in each carton. AA Container. The (etm containey inclueles items such as cartons andl wrappings, Fireretardant containersor tote boxes do not themselves create @ need for automatic sprinklers unless they are coated with oil or grease. Containers can lose their frevetardant properties if washed and should not be exposed to rainfall AA Encapsulated. Where 2 pallet load is banded (ic. stretchswrapping) around only the sides, iis not considered. tw be encapsulated. AL Exposed Group A Plastic Commodity. Paper-wrapped ‘or encapsulated commodities, or both, should be consic- cred exposed. AAS FreeFlowing Plastic Materials. Examples are powder, pellets, flakes, or random-packed small objects [eg razor blade dispensers, lz to 202 (28-g 10 57-4) boules) AJ Listed. The means for identifying listed equipment ‘may vary for each organization concerned with product evalu- ation; some organizations do not recognize equipment as listed unless itisalso labeled. The authority having jurisdiction should uiilize the system employed by the listing organization to identify a listed product. AS OrdinaryyTemperatureRated Sprinkler. Paragraph 5:12 places @ minimum temperature rating on sprinklers that can be used in storage occupancies, ‘A43 Pile Stability, Pile stability performance hasbeen shown to be a difffeult factor to judge prior t0 the subjection ‘of a given pile to an actual fire. In the tests that were com: pleted), compartinented cartons (s A-f-3, Compartment) nave been shown to be stable under fire conditions. Tests on car- tons that were not comparimented tended to be unstable under fire conditions, ALLS Stable Piles. Storage on pallets, compartmented stor- ‘age, and plastie components that are held in place by materi- als that do not deform readily under fire conditions are texamples of stable pile storage. ALL Unstable Piles. Leaning stacks, crushee-bottom car tons,and reliance on combustible bands for stability are exam piles of potential pile instability under a fire condition, An nerease in pile height tends to inerease instability A21 Specification of the type, amount, and arrangement of ‘combustibles for any commodity classification is essentially an fiteimpt to define the potential fie severity, based om its burn ing characteristics, so the fire can be successfully controlled by the prescrihed sprinkler protection for the commodity class. In actual storage situations, however, many storage arrays do not fit precisely into one of the fundamental classifications; therefore, the user needs to make judgments after comparing each classification to the existing storage conditions. Storage arrays consist of thousands of possible products, which makes it iinpossible to specify all the acceptable variations for any cdass.As an alternative, the Technical Committee on General Storage has classified a variety of common products in this appendix, based on jucginent, loss experience, and fire test results, “Table A-2-1 provides examples of commodities that are side the scope ofthis standard. ‘Table A2-1.3 is an alphabetized list of commodities with cconsesponding classifications Tables A21.8.1,A21.5:2, ALL33,A21 84 and AQ1AL provide examples of commodities within a specific class. ‘Table A2-1 Examples of Commodities Outside the Scope of, NFPA 231 fox Gates ~ Empyy, wood, slated” Lighters (butane) = Loose in lange containers (Level 3 aerosol) "Should be treated as idle pallets. A111 Commodity classification is governed by the types ‘and amounts of materials (e g., metal, paper, wood, plastics) that are part of a product and ils primary packaging. However, ina storage or warehouse situation, classification is also affected by such factors as the primary storage or shipping 1908 Eaton231-16 ‘container material, the amount of air space, and the location ‘of the more hazardous materials within the container. For example, a Group A plastic product enclosed in a fivesided or sixsided metal container can be considered Class Tl; while a ‘ceramic product heavily wrapped in tissue paper and placed in a corrugated carton can be considered Class I. ARS See Table A21.3. Table A21.3 Alphabetized Listing of Commodity Classes commodity ‘ommodity Class Aerosols Cartoned or uncartoned = Level | Chass Alcoholic Beverages Cartoned or uncartoned. = Up to 20 percentalcohol in metal, glass, or ceramic containers Chass = Up to 20 percent alcohol in wood Ammunition Small arms, shotgun = Packaged, cartoned Class 1 Appliances, Major (eg, stoves, reftig- erator) ~ Not packaged, no appreciable plastic exterior im Chass ~ Corrugated, cartoned, (no appre- lable plastic wim) Chass Baked Goods Cookies, cakes, pies ~ Frozen, packaged in cartons! Cass 1 — Packaged in cartons lass I Batteries ry cells (nonlithium or similar exotic metas) ~ Packaged in cartons Cast ~ Blstenpacked, cartoned Gas Automobile Filled? Cassi “Truck or larger = Empty or filed? Group A plastics Beans Dried — Packaged, cartoned Chass Boules, ars Empty, cartoned = Glass Class! ~ Plastic PET (polyethylene tereph- thalate) as 1v Filled noncombustible powders ~ Glass, eartoned Class 1 ~ Plastic, cartoned (less than 1 gal 8b) Chass ~ Plastic, uncartoned (other than _PET) (any size) _ Group A plastics 1909 Eston GENERAL STORAGE ‘Table A.21.3 Alphabetized Listing of Commodity Classes ‘Commodity Clase (less than 1 gal (8.81)1 ~ Plastic, solid plastic crates = Plastic, open plastic erates Filled noncombustible liquids Group A plasties Group A plasties Group A plastics ~ Glass, cartoned. Class 1 Plastic, cartoned (less than 5 gal (1a91)) Class 1 Plastic, open or solid plastic erates? Boxes, Crates Empty, wood, solid walls ~ Empry, wood, satted* Group A plastics Chass I Outside of seape Bread ‘Wrapped, cartoned Chass 1 Butler ~ Whipped, spread Class HI Candles Packaged, cartoned = Treat as expanded plastic Group A plastics Candy Packaged, cartoned (Class 1 Canned Foods In ordinary cartons lass 1 Cans Metal :mpey Class 1 Carpet Tiles ‘Cartoned Group A plasties Cartons Corrugated ~ Unassembled (neat piles) (Chass ~ Partially assembled Class 1V Wax coated, single walled Group A plastics Cement Bagged Chass 1 Cereals Packaged, cartoned (Class I Charcoal Bagged = Standard Class Cheese ~ Packaged, cartoned Chass = Wheels, cartoned Glass Chewing Gum Packaged, cartoned Class M1 Chocolate Packaged, cartoned Class m1 loth Cartoned and nat eartoned ~ Natural fiber, viscose Class I Synthetic? Glass IV Cocoa Products Packaged, cartoned Class M1