Stacked goods and high stacked storage
In a fire, flames will tend to spread very rapidly
and vertically through the stored goods to the
top of the stack or racking and then spread
laterally to all levels. When fires occur in these
conditions they can spread extremely quickly,
presenting greater life risk to occupants.
(Experimental testing has shown that with
boxes stored on a 10m high racking system,
fires started in vertical flues frequently reached
to top of the racking within two minutes.
Consider the following to reduce these risks:
• a minimum clear space of 1m, between
stack and ceiling or lighting;
• aisle width of at least 2.5m, to restrict the
spread of fire across an aisle;
• aisle with adequate access, to minimise
collisions;
• a minimum clear space of 0.5m, between
stored goods and the internal walls
to provide access (e.g. for the fire and
rescue service);
75)