Racks in Lahore

Why we need Racks and shelving?

This standard states Approval requirements for open shelving for racks. Rack storage of combustible commodities creates a substantial hazard and potential for large fires should ignition occur in the storage area due to several issues such as large amounts of fuel that can be concentrated in racks, uninhibited airflow throughout a stable rack array and the potential for shielding of commodity from overhead sprinklers. While solid shelves may inhibit vertical fire growth they, at the same time, promote horizontal fire spread and can prevent sprinkler water from penetrating down through a rack to the fire area. They also limit the pre-wetting of combustibles. Once the fire breaks out of the area of origin, it may be too large in intensity for the sprinkler systems to be effective. Shelving not Approved by FM Approvals may be considered a fire hazard and, if not properly addressed, may require special protection such as in-rack sprinklers.

This standard sets the performance requirements of open shelving for Racks. Specifically it addresses their ability to allow a sprinkler water flow penetration rate equivalent to rack shelving having 70% (or greater) open area. All requirements in this standard shall be met in order for these products to be eligible to receive FM Approvals certification.

This standard is intended to evaluate only those hazards investigated and is not intended to determine the suitability for all end use conditions of these products. Conditions under which these products are used vary widely. For example, these materials may be subjected to environments, storage arrangements and fuel loadings not anticipated by this standard.

This standard does not address the issue of open shelving for Racks during natural hazard events such as seismic occurrences.

Approval criteria shall include, but are not limited to, performance requirements, marking requirements, an examination of manufacturing facilities, an audit of quality assurance procedures and a follow-up program.

Basis for Requirements

The requirements of this standard are based on experience, research and testing and/or the standards of FM Approvals and other organizations. The advice of manufacturers, users, trade associations and loss control specialists was also considered.

The requirements of this standard reflect tests and practices used to examine characteristics of open shelving for rack for the purpose of obtaining FM Approval. These requirements are intended primarily as guides and strict conformity is not always mandatory. Open shelving for racks having characteristics not anticipated by this standard may be FM Approved if performance equal, or superior, to that required by this standard is demonstrated, or if the intent of the standard is met. Alternatively, open shelving for racks that meet all the requirements identified in this standard may not be FM Approved if other conditions that adversely affect performance exist or if the intent of this standard is not met.