As resourceful as large warehouses may be for large businesses, it’s important not to overlook the hazards they pose day to day. Furthermore, service companies that have these buildings in their territories should also be aware of and informed about them. By understanding the complexities of warehouse fire hazards, they can ensure safety and maximize their value to the customer. This article explores the challenges posed by warehouses and the measures that can be taken to safeguard them.
The Problem of Warehouse Fires
While everyone hears of house fires almost every single day on the nightly news, warehouse fires are just as common. According to a report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were an estimated 1,508 warehouse fires annually from 2018 to 2022.
In this same report, the NFPA also addressed the risks associated with warehouse fires. These 1,508 incidents racked up an estimated average of three civilian deaths, 19 injuries, and $323 million in direct property damage. The total damage doesn’t account for the loss associated with any operational disruptions, which would make this number even higher. It would be even more so if warehouses that are part of manufacturing or retail properties, as well as refrigerated storage facilities, were included.
Naturally, the number of fires will increase as the number of warehouses increases. Recently, the footprint of warehouses has also been growing. Unfortunately, this is continuing to present special challenges for protection systems due to the content and layout. Not only do these factors affect the effectiveness of fire protection systems, but they also affect the response of the fire service. Since companies often build new warehouses in rural areas to accommodate their size, this creates additional obstacles for firefighters to overcome. This can include water supply, response time, and equipment. Often, rural fire departments rely on volunteers, which can exacerbate these problems to a whole new level.
There are many causes of warehouse fires. However, some that stand out from the rest. The International Fire and Safety Journal notes their top seven causes as:
- Arson: Acts of arson account for approximately 15% of all warehouse fires and can cause significant property damage, as well as endanger lives.
- Electrical Equipment Malfunctions: Faulty electrical systems, such as overloaded circuits and damaged wiring, are common ignition sources, requiring regular inspections and timely repairs.
- Heating Equipment: Improperly maintained or malfunctioning heating systems pose considerable risks, especially during colder months.
- Combustible Materials: Proper storage protocols and regular safety audits are crucial for mitigating the risks associated with flammable substances.
- Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS): Malfunctions in ASRS systems due to electrical failures or overheating can be mitigated through regular system checks and the use of fire-resistant designs.
- Smoking: Unauthorized smoking and careless disposal of cigarette butts can ignite fires in combustible environments and must be prevented through designated smoking areas and proper disposal practices.
- Human Error: Comprehensive training programs and regular drills are effective in mitigating mistakes such as mishandling equipment or neglecting protocols.
As previously stated, several other factors must be considered, including the concentration of combustible materials, accessibility and depth of racks, layout, and new or emerging hazards (e.g., lithium-ion batteries). With all of this in mind, warehouses must always have the proper fire protection systems in place. Without them, the risk of losing life and property is exponentially higher.
Importance of Sprinkler Systems
Sprinklers can be found in just about any public building you visit. And there’s a good reason for this requirement. The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) states that the presence of sprinklers can reduce both the risk of fatalities and the average property damage by 50% to 66%, compared to situations where sprinklers aren’t installed.
That said, they do play a significant role in mitigating fire damage. It’s worth noting, however, that there are different degrees of effectiveness in controlling fire spread. Overall, systems are designed to suppress, control, or extinguish fires. Suppress means to reduce the intensity, control means to confine the fire, and extinguish means to put out the fire completely. The NFPA states that while most sprinkler systems are designed to suppress fires, most are intended to control them. They define these different types of sprinkler systems as:
- Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems: Commonly used in environments with above-freezing temperatures, they provide immediate response with pressurized water in pipes.
- Dry Fire Sprinkler Systems: Ideal for cold environments where pipes may freeze, they utilize pressurized air or nitrogen, with water flowing only upon activation.
- Pre-Action Fire Sprinkler Systems: Designed to minimize accidental water discharge, they activate only after fire detection by a separate alarm system.
- Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems: Used in high-hazard areas prone to rapid fire spread, they feature open sprinkler heads and dry pipes, activated by a deluge valve for simultaneous water release.
Since the use of each system is unique and personal, they present their own challenges in maintenance and optimization, according to the NFSA. For example, dry sprinklers require more maintenance and testing than other systems due to the air compressors and dry valves that make them compatible for unheated spaces, such as warehouses, loading docks, and attics. Pre-action sprinklers help protect sensitive materials within data centers, libraries, and museums. That said, they’re more complex and costly due to the separate detection system and pre-action valve. Careful design and maintenance are also essential for deluge fire sprinklers due to their use in aircraft hangars, power plants, and other areas where flammable liquids and gases are present. Fortunately, wet sprinklers are easy to maintain due to their frequent use in residential buildings, office spaces, and retail stores.
When choosing one of these sprinkler systems, it’s important to consider their applications and the corresponding commodity classifications. NFPA recommends designing the system to accommodate the commodity with the highest hazard or separating the products into different zones based on their hazard levels. Regardless of the decision, having more than one type of fire protection system is always a brilliant idea.
Advanced Smoke Detection Systems
With technology advancing by the day, so have fire protection systems. Even though simple extinguishers, sprinklers, etc., may seem like enough, there’s no harm in being overprepared. Recent technological advancements have brought a plethora of new systems to the forefront of the Fire and Life Safety industry. Some of these devices connect to the internet to detect fires based on factors such as humidity, air quality, and more. This allows them to send notifications to the necessary individuals when abnormal levels are reached.
For example, the Kidde Commercial ModuLaser system features scalable, multi-channel aspirating smoke detectors that are easy to install and expand, thanks to its flexible modules and backplane design. With patented ClassiFire AI, ModuLaser automatically adapts to environmental changes, minimizes false alarms with advanced dust discrimination, and ensures reliable early fire detection while streamlining maintenance. Additional details are available here.
Another option is the Xtralis air-aspirating VESDA series, which continues to impress industry professionals worldwide. As market leaders in early detection, they constantly sample the air to provide the earliest warning of any issues. Their multi-level warnings and sensitivity range enable them to detect the most minimal traces of smoke. More advanced models in the series are even capable of detecting hazardous and combustible gases. More information on the benefits of VESDA for warehouses can be found at this link.
Since there are other, less expensive options available, it can be challenging for warehouse owners to make a decision. That’s why it’s essential to highlight the shortcomings of conventional fire detection solutions, such as spot detectors, beam detectors, and rate of rise heat detectors. Xtralis notes that spot detectors can produce false alarms or lose sensitivity due to the presence of dust, insects, and debris. Similar concerns can be raised regarding beam detectors, as they can be triggered by obstructions or building movement. Rate of rise heat detectors do not detect slow, smoldering fires early since little heat is generated at first. All of this, and more, makes advanced smoke detection systems perfect for warehouses, as well as other settings with high-value assets and complex fire risks.
High-Flow Fire Extinguishers Near Relevant Hazards
Having the most advanced fire protection systems available is a great way to ensure the safety of warehouses and those working within them. However, it’s important not to forget the basics.
While most places are equipped with standard ABC extinguishers to cover ordinary combustible, flammable liquid, and electrical fires, those for warehouses need to be a little different. The Occupational Health and Safety Magazine states that high-flow fire extinguishers are optimal for high-risk environments where there’s a greater chance of pressure, gravity-fed, three-dimensional, and obstacle fires. Since these fires typically require a flow rate of more than one pound per second to eliminate, standard extinguishers may not be sufficient.
One thing that’s just as important as the extinguisher itself is placement. Once a specific extinguisher type is chosen, it must be stored in visible, accessible locations near combustible materials, machinery, and warehouse travel paths. Combining extinguishers with other fire protection systems helps companies put their best foot forward when ensuring the safety of life and property.
Conclusion
Guarding a warehouse against fires is not an easy task. It requires a calculated blend of advanced detection technologies, sprinkler systems, and high-flow extinguishers. Understanding and addressing the risks that warehouses face daily can better protect the assets and personnel within them. Staying vigilant and adhering to best practices is key to minimizing fire hazards and ensuring operational continuity. More information on the challenges that warehouses and distribution centers face is available here.
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