FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

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May 1998 Revised January 2003 Page 1 of 10

PROTECTION FOR AUTOMATIC STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS

Table of Contents
Page 1.0 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.1 Changes .......................................................................................................................................... 2 2.0 LOSS PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 2 2.1 Protection ......................................................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Equipment and Processes .............................................................................................................. 2 2.3 Alarms .............................................................................................................................................. 2 3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................... 6 3.1 Description ....................................................................................................................................... 6 3.2 Five-Sided, Noncombustible Containers ......................................................................................... 6 3.3 All Other Containers ........................................................................................................................ 7 4.0 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................... 7 4.1 FM Global ........................................................................................................................................ 7 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS ....................................................................................................... 7 APPENDIX B DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY ....................................................................................... 9

List of Figures
Fig. 1. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing Five-sided non-combustible containers storing any product. ........................................................................................................................................ 4 Fig. 2. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing products protected as Class II, III or IV commodity. ......................................................................................................... 5 Fig. 3. Racks over 12 ft (3.7 m) to 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing any product. ............................................................................................................................................... 6 Fig. 4. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing Group A or B unexpanded plastic. ................................................................................................................................................. 7 Fig. 5a. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing Group A or B expanded plastic. ............................................................................................................................................... 8 Fig. 5b. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing Group A or B expanded or unexpanded plastic. ................................................................................................. 8 Fig. 6. Package automatic storage/retrieval system. ..................................................................................... 9 Fig. 7. Aisle view of Figure 6. ...................................................................................................................... 10 Fig. 8. Cut-away of Figure 6. ....................................................................................................................... 10

List of Tables
Table 1. Five-sided Noncombustible Containers .......................................................................................... 3 Table 2. All Other Containers ........................................................................................................................ 3

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1.0 SCOPE This Data Sheet provides fire protection guidelines for Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems that utilize five sided, open top containers to store parts to any storage height. 1.1 Changes January 2003. Clarification regarding the storage clearance was added. 2.0 LOSS PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Protection 2.1.1 Five-sided, noncombustible containers should be protected as outlined in Table 1. All other containers should be protected as outlined in Table 2. Container material and contents including packaging identified in Tables 1 and 2 as 2, 3, 4 are products which if stored on pallets would constitute Class 2, 3 and 4 commodities respectively. 2.1.2 Ceiling sprinklers should be 286F (141.1C) rated unless otherwise footnoted in Tables 1 and 2. When a ceiling sprinkler density of 0.45 gal/min/ft2 (18 mm/min) is specified, 1732 in. (14 mm) orifice sprinklers should be installed. Otherwise, either 1732 in. (14 mm) or 12 in. (13 mm) orifice sprinklers are acceptable. 2.1.3 In-rack sprinklers should be rated at 165F (74C) or less. Either 1732 in. (14 mm) or 12 in. (13 mm) orifice in-rack sprinklers are acceptable. Vertical and horizontal spacing should be as shown in the appropriate figure designated in Tables 1 and 2. Hydraulic design specifications, as well as general in-rack installation rules in regard to clearance, piping, valving and flow alarms as found in Data Sheet 8-9, Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities, should be applied. Removal of one or two container levels will probably be necessary to accommodate each level of in-rack sprinklers. 2.1.4 Provide sufficient 1-12 in. (38.1 mm) hose to reach the length of the aisles. Allow at least 100 gal/min (380 l/min) for inside hose streams and at least 500 gal/min (1900 l/min) for combined inside and outside hose streams. 2.1.5 For systems where the clearance between the top of storage and ceiling is greater than 20 ft (6 m), place a horizontal barrier over the top of the storage with sprinklers under the barrier. Ceiling density should be 0.2 gal/min/ft2 (8 mm/min) over 2000 ft2 (186 m2). 2.1.6 Maintain storage a minimum of 36 in. (915 mm) below sprinkler deflectors. 2.2 Equipment and Processes 2.2.1 Install emergency lighting in each aisle, and provide an entry door in each aisle at the end opposite the picking station. 2.3 Alarms 2.3.1 Smoke actuated detectors should be installed to ensure quick manual firefighting response. Fixed temperature or rate-of-rise detectors are acceptable when containers are not five-sided and/or noncombustible. Locate the detectors at the ceiling on a spacing not exceeding the allowable ceiling sprinkler spacing. In addition, where in-rack sprinklers are installed, locate one line of detectors at each in-rack sprinkler level in the longitudinal flue. Detectors should be at the same horizontal spacing as the in-rack sprinklers. Alarms for the detection system should be located where prompt response is ensured, such as a constantly attended location on the property.

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Protection for Automatic Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

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Table 1. Five-sided Noncombustible Containers Contents Including Product Packaging All Products 2, 3 4, all Plastics Ceiling Sprinklers Area Density, ft2 gal/min/ft2 In-Rack Sprinklers (mm/min) (m2) NOTE 1 0.20 (8) 2500 (232) None Applicable Table from Data Sheet 8-9 1 level at 12 to 23 storage elevation with sprinklers spaced a maximum of 8 ft (2.4 m). Design so that 6 most Applicable Table for Class 3 remote sprinklers discharge a minimum commodity from Data Sheet 8-9 of 22 gal/min (83 l/min) each. 0.30 (12) 2000 (186) See Figure 1. Design so that 10 most remote sprinklers (5 on the top two levels) discharge a minimum of 30 gal/ min (114 l/min) each.

Height ft (m) 12 (3.7) 12 and <25 (3.7 and <7.6)

>25 (7.6)

All Products

Note 1: As alternatives to installing in-rack sprinklers: a) Provide noncombustible hinged covers on each storage container, which would have to be closed before the container could be reinserted into the rack. b) Provide containers that have 1 in. (2.5 cm) or less clear space between the top of one container and the bottom of the container above. Ceiling sprinklers alone, designed to provide 0.25 gal/min/ft2 (10 mm/min) over 2000 ft2 (186 m2) will provide adequate protection for either alternative.

Table 2. All Other Containers Ceiling Sprinklers Contents Area Including Density, ft2 Product gal/min/ft2 (mm/min) (m2) Packaging 2, 3, 4 0.15 (6) 2000 (186) Group A & B 0.30 (12) 2000 (186) Unexpanded Plastic Polyurethane and 0.45 (18) 2000 (186) Group A & B Expanded Plastic 2, 3, 4 Applicable Table from Data Sheet 8-9 Group A & B 0.30 (12) 2000 (186) Unexpanded Plastic 0.45 (18) 2000 (186) Polyurethane and Group A & B Expanded Plastic 2, 3 0.24 (9.8)* 2000 (186) 4 0.28 (11.4)* 2000 (186) Group A & B 0.30 (12) 2000 (186) Unexpanded Plastic Polyurethane and 0.30 (12) 2000 (186) Group A & B Expanded Plastic

Height ft (m) 12 (3.7)

In-Rack Sprinklers NOTE 2 1 level at the 12 storage elevation with sprinklers spaced a maximum of 8 ft (2.4 m). Hydraulically design per Data Sheet 8-9.

12 and <25 (3.7 and <7.6)

See Figure 3. Hydraulically design per Data Sheet 8-9.

>25 (7.6) NOTE 1

See Figure 2. Hydraulically design per Data Sheet 8-9. See Figure 4 or 5b. Hydraulically design per Data Sheet 8-9. See Figure 5a or 5b. Hydraulically design per Data Sheet 8-9.

Note 1: 165F ceiling sprinklers should be installed when sprinkler density is followed by an asterisk. Note 2: If plastic containers are used, horizontal barriers should be provided over every level of in-rack and/or face sprinklers. Sprinkler protection should be the same as for a Group A and B Unexpanded Plastic commodity.

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Protection for Automatic Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Fig. 1. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing Five-sided non-combustible containers storing any product.

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Protection for Automatic Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

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Fig. 2. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing products protected as Class II, III or IV commodity.

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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Fig. 3. Racks over 12 ft (3.7 m) to 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing any product.

3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 Description These systems consist of multiple levels of containers that slide into a rack frame. Containers storing the parts are removed from the rack by a motorized picker. The picker, located in the aisle on a set of rails, is usually operated via a computer terminal. The picker can move in three directions: back and forth in the aisle, up and down the height of the rack, and in and out of the rack when removing or returning a container to its location (see Figures 6, 7, 8). Depending on the size of the system, more than one picker may be used. Aisles are generally about 4 ft (1.2 m) wide. Systems vary in size. Smaller systems, which measure approximately 15 ft wide by 50 ft long by 20 ft high (4.5 by 15 by 6 m), are generally package units where racks are contained within a metal enclosure. Larger systems may exceed 100 ft wide by 100 ft long by 35 ft high (30 by 30 by 11 m). Maximum height is usually 40 ft (12 m). These larger systems may be installed inside an existing structure a) with sides enclosed by corrugated sheet metal, b) with sides and top open, c) with sides and top enclosed by corrugated sheet metal. The system may also be installed as a rack-supported structure with the roof and siding directly attached to the rack. Systems are often used for storage of parts highly prone to heat, smoke or water damage. The loss expectancy may be difficult to estimate. Values differ for each system depending on the type of system, storage and business interruption. There may be instances where the parts stored are low in value but critical for production. Such situations will usually involve large business interruptions. There are various types of containers in which parts may be stored within the retrieval system. For purposes of providing protection guidelines they have been divided into two groups. 3.2 Five-Sided, Noncombustible Containers These containers are generally painted or galvanized sheet metal. The dimensions of these containers in small package retrieval systems are approximately 1 ft wide by 3 ft long (0.30 m by 0.9 m). Larger retrieval systems utilize containers that are approximately 2 ft wide by 4 ft long (0.6 by 1.2 m). Heights of containers

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Protection for Automatic Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

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Fig. 4. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing Group A or B unexpanded plastic.

for both small and large systems may range anywhere from 2 to 15 in. (0.05 to 0.38 m), depending on the product being stored. Container interiors may be subdivided with cardboard or plastic liners or dividers. To classify a noncombustible container, combustible liners, dividers or storage should not come above the metal container sides. 3.3 All Other Containers Containers that have less than five sides and/or are constructed of combustible materials present a greater fire hazard. Oxygen supply is not limited, and horizontal flame spread can be expected to be more rapid. Combustible containers are usually cardboard or plastic. Metal containers with combustible liners, dividers, or storage which extend above the metal sides are considered combustible. Dimensions for these containers are similar to the noncombustible containers. 4.0 REFERENCES 4.1 FM Global Data Sheet 8-9, Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities. APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS This document does not have any defined terms.

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Fig. 5a. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing Group A or B expanded plastic.

Fig. 5b. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing Group A or B expanded or unexpanded plastic.

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Protection for Automatic Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

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Fig. 6. Package automatic storage/retrieval system.

APPENDIX B DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY September 2000. This revision of the document has been reorganized to provide a consistent format.

FMELPC Nov. 1992

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Protection for Automatic Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Fig. 7. Aisle view of Figure 6.

Fig. 8. Cut-away of Figure 6.

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.