Logistics Centers Fire Protection: A Different View
Logistics Centers Require Optimal Fire Protection Systems
Logistics centers are large industrial facilities focused on the storage and distribution of goods. Often referred to as “mini-cities,” they are hubs for ground, air, and maritime transportation. In today’s fast-paced business world, logistics centers are essential to maintaining competitiveness by ensuring efficient and timely service.
As logistics services become increasingly vital to business success, the importance of fire protection in these environments cannot be overstated.
It’s crucial to understand that over one-third of all major fire damage in commercial operations and industrial facilities occur in storage and logistics areas. Given that logistics centers typically house substantial amounts of goods in confined spaces, the fire risks are significantly high, with fire spreading quickly and endangering entire operations.
Fire Risks and Special Considerations in Logistics Centers
Certain types of goods, such as paper rolls or tires, pose unique fire protection challenges and require specialized solutions. Additionally, areas such as commissioning zones, server rooms, and peripheral storage zones must also be considered when planning fire protection.
Protection Zones in Logistics Centers
In logistics centers, safeguarding valuable assets—including inventory, data, and the building itself—is paramount. Flammable materials such as packaging, shipping boxes, and chemicals are commonly found in these environments, heightening the fire risk. Failure to implement effective fire protection measures can result in devastating losses.
The best approach to mitigating this risk is a multi-faceted fire protection strategy. This includes both detection and suppression systems that act quickly to contain and extinguish fires, preventing them from escalating.
Storage of Hazardous Materials: A Special Focus
When storing hazardous materials, stringent regulations must be followed to minimize fire risks. It is essential that warehouses designed for hazardous goods are built to withstand various environmental factors. Some key elements include:
- Water Retention Systems: To contain fire outbreaks or leaks.
- Soil Protection: Prevents hazardous substances from contaminating surrounding areas.
- Storage Requirements: In some cases, fall-safe storage is necessary for materials stored above two meters.
Fire Protection Risks and Requirements
Understanding the fire risks involved in a logistics center is critical to determining the appropriate fire protection systems. Key risks include:
- Rapid Fire Spread: Fires in tightly packed storage areas can spread quickly, causing severe damage.
- Environmental Impact: The spread of smoke and uncontrolled runoff from firefighting efforts can have far-reaching consequences.
- Noise Levels: During a fire, the noise levels may be hazardous and disrupt operations.
Choosing the Right Fire Protection Systems
Fire protection in logistics centers is highly dependent on the type of materials stored. For hazardous materials, inert gas or foam extinguishing systems are often the best choice. Additionally, fire detection systems, including heat and flame detectors, should be employed for early fire detection.
Fire Protection in Different Storage Types
High Rack Storage
High rack storage systems allow for dense stacking of goods, making them highly efficient but also prone to rapid fire spread. These systems can reach heights of up to 50 meters, with rows of racks designed for pallet storage. The biggest risk in high rack storage is the chimney effect, where flames and hot gases quickly rise through gaps between stacks, increasing temperatures and speeding up fire spread.
Fire Protection
Sprinkler systems, especially Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinklers, are the most effective solution for high rack storage. These systems can quickly suppress fires without damaging stored goods. Additional early fire detection systems, such as aspirating smoke detectors, can further enhance safety.
Block Storage Facilities
Block storage facilities store goods in blocks without the use of shelves, maximizing space efficiency. These areas are commonly used for bulk storage of similar products, like pallets of cartons or plastic crates.
Fire Protection
To protect block storage facilities, sprinkler systems should be installed in the ceiling to activate only when needed. Aspirating smoke detectors can be added for early detection of fires.
Paper Roll Storage
Paper rolls present unique fire risks due to their composition and the chimney effect that can rapidly spread fire. The storage of sanitary paper or similar materials can make it difficult to apply traditional water-based extinguishing methods.
Fire Protection
For paper roll storage, ESFR sprinklers or carbon dioxide extinguishing systems are effective. In warehouses with automatic paper roll depots, oxygen reduction systems may also be a viable option to prevent fire spread.
Tire Storage
Storing tires presents challenges due to their size, shape, and high fire loading. The dense packing of tires can quickly escalate fire intensity and spread.
Fire Protection
A deluge system with foam additives is recommended for tire storage. This method ensures rapid fire suppression despite the difficulty of directly applying water to the tires.