CHAPTER 32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

6. Maximum pile volume for each storage array.

SECTION 3201 GENERAL 7. Location and classification of commodities in
3201.1 Scope. High-piled combustible storage accordance with Section 3203.
shall be in accordance with this chapter. In addition 8. Location of commodities that are banded or
to the requirements of this chapter, the following encapsulated.
material-specific requirements shall apply:
9. Location of required fire department (Civil
1. Aerosols shall be in accordance with Chapter Defense) access doors.
51.
10. Type of fire suppression and fire detection
2. Flammable and combustible liquids shall be systems.
in accordance with Chapter 57.
11. Location of valves controlling the water
3. Hazardous materials shall be in accordance supply of ceiling and in-rack sprinklers.
with Chapter 50.
12. Type, location and specifications of smoke
4. Storage of combustible paper records shall removal and curtain board systems.
be in accordance with NFPA 13.
13. Dimension and location of transverse and
5. Storage of combustible fibers shall be in longitudinal flue spaces.
accordance with Chapter 37.
14. Additional information regarding required
6. General storage of combustible material shall design features, commodities, storage
be in accordance with Chapter 3. arrangement and fire protection features
3201.2 Permits. A permit shall be required as set within the high-piled storage area shall be
forth in Section 105.6. provided at the time of permit, when required
by the fire code official.
3201.3 Construction documents. At the time of
building permit application for new structures 3201.4 Evacuation plan. Where required by the
designed to accommodate high-piled storage or for fire code official, an evacuation plan for public
requesting a change of occupancy/use, and at the accessible areas and a separate set of plans
time of application for a storage permit, plans and indicating location and width of aisles, location of
specifications shall be submitted for review and exits, exit access doors, exit signs, height of storage,
approval. In addition to the information required by and locations of hazardous materials shall be
the SBC 201, the storage permit submittal shall submitted at the time of permit application for
include the information specified in this section. review and approval. Following approval of the
Following approval of the plans, a copy of the plans, a copy of the approved plans shall be
approved plans shall be maintained on the premises maintained on the premises in an approved location.
in an approved location. The plans shall include all
of the following:
SECTION 3202 DEFINITIONS
1. Floor plan of the building showing locations
and dimensions of high-piled storage areas. 3202.1 Definitions. The following terms are
defined in Chapter 2:
2. Usable storage height for each storage area.
• ARRAY.
3. Number of tiers within each rack, if
• ARRAY, CLOSED.
applicable.
• AUTOMATED RACK STORAGE.
4. Commodity clearance between top of storage
• BIN BOX.
and the sprinkler deflector for each storage
arrangement. • COMMODITY.
• EARLY SUPPRESSION FAST-
5. Aisle dimensions between each storage array.
RESPONSE (ESFR) SPRINKLER.

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 CHAPTER 32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

• EXPANDED PLASTIC. • Inert materials, bagged

• EXTRA-HIGH-RACK COMBUSTIBLE • Insulation, noncombustible
STORAGE. • Noncombustible liquids in plastic
• HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE containers having less than a 19 L
STORAGE. capacity
• HIGH-PILED STORAGE AREA. • Noncombustible metal products
• LONGITUDINAL FLUE SPACE. 3203.3 Class II commodities. Class II
• MANUAL STOCKING METHODS. commodities are Class I products in slatted wooden
• MECHANICAL STOCKING crates, solid wooden boxes, multiple-thickness
METHODS. paperboard cartons or equivalent combustible
• SHELF STORAGE. packaging material with or without pallets. Class II
commodities are allowed to contain a limited
• SOLID SHELVING. amount of Group A plastics in accordance with
• TRANSVERSE FLUE SPACE. Section 3203.7.4. Examples of Class II
commodities include, but are not limited to, the
following:
SECTION 3203 COMMODITY
CLASSIFICATION • Foods in combustible containers
3203.1 Classification of commodities. • Incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs in
Commodities shall be classified as Class I, II, III, IV cartons
or high hazard in accordance with this section. • Thinly coated fine wire on reels or in
Materials listed within each commodity cartons
classification are assumed to be unmodified for 3203.4 Class III commodities. Class III
improved combustibility characteristics. Use of commodities are commodities of wood, paper,
flame-retarding modifiers or the physical form of natural fiber cloth, or Group C plastics or products
the material could change the classification. See thereof, with or without pallets. Products are
Section 3203.7 for classification of Group A, B and allowed to contain limited amounts of Group A or B
C plastics. plastics, such as metal bicycles with plastic handles,
3203.2 Class I commodities. Class I commodities pedals, seats and tires. Group A plastics shall be
are essentially noncombustible products on wooden limited in accordance with Section 3203.7.4.
pallets, in ordinary corrugated cartons with or Examples of Class III commodities include, but are
without single-thickness dividers, or in ordinary not limited to, the following:
paper wrappings with or without pallets. Class I • Aerosol, Level 1 (see Chapter 51)
commodities are allowed to contain a limited
amount of Group A plastics in accordance with • Biomass briquettes, bagged, and static
Section 3203.7.4. Examples of Class I commodities piles
include, but are not limited to, the following: • Biomass pellets, bagged, and static piles
• Charcoal
• Appliances noncombustible, electrical
• Combustible fiberboard
• Cement in bags
• Cork, baled
• Ceramics
• Dairy products in nonwax-coated • Corn cobs, static piles
containers (excluding bottles) • Corn stover, baled and chopped
• Dry insecticides • Feed, bagged
• Foods in noncombustible containers • Fertilizers, bagged
• Fresh fruits and vegetables in nonplastic • Firewood
trays or containers • Food in plastic containers
• Frozen foods • Forest residue, round wood or chipped
• Glass (branches, bark, cross-cut ends, edgings
• Glycol in metal cans and treetops)
• Gypsum board

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 CHAPTER 32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

• Furniture: wood, natural fiber, • Aerosol, Level 2 (see Chapter 51)

upholstered, nonplastic, wood or metal • Clothing, synthetic or nonviscose
with plastic-padded and covered armrests • Combustible metal products (solid)
• Glycol in combustible containers not
• Furniture, plastic upholstered
exceeding 25 percent
• Furniture, wood or metal with plastic
• Lubricating or hydraulic fluid in metal
covering and padding
cans
• Glycol in combustible containers (greater
• Lumber
than 25 percent and less than 50 percent)
• Mattresses, excluding foam rubber and
• Linoleum products
foam plastics
• Paints, oil base in combustible containers
• Noncombustible liquids in plastic
containers having a capacity of more • Pharmaceutical, tonics, etc.
than 19 L Paints, oil base, in metal cans • Rugs, foam back
• Paper, waste, baled • Shingles, asphalt
• Paper and pulp, horizontal storage, or • Thread or yarn, synthetic or nonviscose
vertical storage that is banded or protected 3203.6 High-hazard commodities. High-hazard
with approved wrap commodities are high-hazard products presenting
• Paper in cardboard boxes special fire hazards beyond those of Class I, II, III
• Peanut hulls, bagged, and static piles or IV. Group A plastics not otherwise classified are
• Pillows, excluding foam rubber and foam included in this class. Examples of high-hazard
plastics commodities include, but are not limited to, the
following:
• Plastic-coated paper food containers
• Plywood • Aerosol, Level 3 (see Chapter 51)
• Rags, baled • Commodities of any class in plastic
• Recovered construction wood containers in carousel storage
• Rice hulls, bagged, and static piles • Flammable solids (except solid
combustible metals)
• Rugs, without foam backing
• Glycol in combustible containers (50
• Seasonal grasses, baled and chopped percent or greater)
• Straw, baled • Lacquers that dry by solvent evaporation,
• Sugar, bagged in metal cans or cartons
• Wood, baled • Lubricating or hydraulic fluid in plastic
• Wood chips, bagged, and static piles containers
• Woody biomass, round wood or chipped • Mattresses, foam rubber or foam plastics
(vase-shaped stubby bushes, bamboo, • Pallets and flats that are idle combustible
willows; branches, bark and stem wood) • Paper and pulp, rolled, in vertical storage
• Wood doors, frames and cabinets that is unbanded or not protected with an
• Wood pellets, bagged, and static piles approved wrap
• Yarns of natural fiber and viscose • Paper, asphalt, rolled, horizontal storage
3203.5 Class IV commodities. Class IV • Paper, asphalt, rolled, vertical storage
commodities are Class I, II or III products • Pillows, foam rubber and foam plastics
containing Group A plastics in ordinary corrugated • Pyroxylin
cartons and Class I, II and III products with Group • Rubber tires
A plastic packaging, with or without pallets. Group
• Vegetable oil and butter in plastic
B plastics and free-flowing Group A plastics are
containers
also included in this class. The total amount of
nonfree-flowing Group A plastics shall be in 3203.7 Classification of plastics. Plastics shall be
accordance with Section 3203.7.4. Examples of designated as Group A, B or C in accordance with
Class IV commodities include, but are not limited Sections 3203.7.1 through 3203.7.4.
to, the following:

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 CHAPTER 32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

3203.7.1 Gr oup A plastics. Group A • PVC (polyvinyl chloride greater than 5-

plastics are plastic materials having a heat of percent, but not exceeding 15-percent
combustion that is much higher than that of plasticized)
ordinary combustibles, and a burning rate higher • Silicone rubber
than that of Group B plastics. Examples of Group A
plastics include, but are not limited to, the 3203.7.3 Gr oup C plastics. Group C
following: plastics are plastic materials having a heat of
combustion and a burning rate similar to those of
• ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene ordinary combustibles. Examples of Group C
copolymer) plastics include, but are not limited to, the
• Acetal (polyformaldehyde) following:
• Acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate) • Fluoroplastics (PCTFE,
• Butyl rubber polychlorotrifluoroethylene; PTFE,
• EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber) polytetrafluoroethylene)
• FRP (fiberglass-reinforced polyester) • Melamine (melamine formaldehyde)
• Natural rubber (expanded) • Phenol
• Nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile butadiene • PVC (polyvinyl chloride, rigid or
rubber) plasticized less than 5 percent, e.g., pipe,
• PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) pipe fittings)
• Polybutadiene • PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride)
• Polycarbonate • PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride)
• Polyester elastomer • PVF (polyvinyl fluoride)
• Polyethylene • Urea (urea formaldehyde)
• Polypropylene 3203.7.4 Limited quantities of Group A
• Polystyrene (expanded and unexpanded) plastics in mixed commodities. Figure 3203.7.4
shall be used to determine the quantity of Group A
• Polyurethane (expanded and unexpanded)
plastics allowed to be stored in a package or carton
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride greater than 15- or on a pallet without increasing the commodity
percent plasticized, e.g., coated fabric classification.
unsupported film)
• SAN (styrene acrylonitrile)
• SBR (styrene butadiene rubber) SECTION 3204 DESIGNATION OF
HIGH-PILED STORAGE AREAS
3203.7.2 Gr oup B plastics. Group B
plastics are plastic materials having a heat of 3204.1 General. High-piled storage areas, and
combustion and a burning rate higher than that of portions of high-piled storage areas intended for
ordinary combustibles, but not as high as those of storage of a different commodity class than adjacent
Group A plastics. Examples of Group B plastics areas, shall be designed and specifically designated
include, but are not limited to, the following: to contain Class I, Class II, Class III, Class IV or
high-hazard commodities. The designation of a
• Cellulosics (cellulose acetate, cellulose high-piled combustible storage area, or portion
acetate butyrate, ethyl cellulose) thereof intended for storage of a different
• Chloroprene rubber commodity class, shall be based on the highest
• Fluoroplastics (ECTFE, ethylene- hazard commodity class stored except as provided
chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer; in Section 3204.2.
ETFE, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene 3204.2 Designation based on engineering
copolymer; FEP, fluorinated analysis. The designation of a high-piled
ethylene-propylene copolymer) combustible storage area, or portion thereof, is
• Natural rubber (nonexpanded) allowed to be based on a lower hazard class than
• Nylon (Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6) that of the highest class of commodity stored when
a limited quantity of the higher hazard commodity
has been demonstrated by engineering analysis to

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 CHAPTER 32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

be adequately protected by the automatic sprinkler 3205.7 Arrays. Arrays shall comply with Section
system provided. The engineering analysis shall 3207.4.
consider the ability of the sprinkler system to
3205.8 Flue spaces. Flue spaces shall comply with
deliver the higher density required by the higher
Section 3208.3.
hazard commodity. The higher density shall be
based on the actual storage height of the pile or rack
and the minimum allowable design area for SECTION 3206 GENERAL FIRE
sprinkler operation as set forth in the density/area
PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY
figures provided in NFPA 13. The contiguous area
occupied by the higher hazard commodity shall not FEATURES
exceed 11 m2 and additional areas of higher hazard 3206.1 General. Fire protection and life safety
commodity shall be separated from other such areas features for high-piled storage areas shall be in
by 7.5 m or more. The sprinkler system shall be accordance with Sections 3206.2 through 3206.10.
capable of delivering the higher density over a
3206.2 Extent and type of protection. Where
minimum area of 81 m2 for wet pipe systems and
required by Table 3206.2, fire detection systems,
111 m2 for dry pipe systems. The shape of the
smoke and heat removal and automatic sprinkler
design area shall be in accordance with Section 903.
design densities shall extend the lesser of 4.5 m
beyond the high-piled storage area or to a
permanent partition. Where portions of high-
SECTION 3205 HOUSEKEEPING AND
piled storage areas have different fire protection
MAINTENANCE requirements because of commodity, method of
3205.1 Rack structures. The structural integrity storage or storage height, the fire protection features
of racks shall be maintained. required by Table 3206.2 within this area shall be
based on the most restrictive design requirements.
3205.2 Ignition sources. Clearance from ignition
sources shall be provided in accordance with 3206.3 Separation of high-piled storage areas.
Section 305. High-piled storage areas shall be separated from
other portions of the building where required by
3205.3 Smoking. Smoking shall be prohibited.
Sections 3206.3.1 through 3206.3.2.2.
Approved “No Smoking” signs shall be
conspicuously posted in accordance with Section 3206.3.1 Separ ation from other uses.
310. Mixed occupancies shall be separated in accordance
with the SBC 201.
3205.4 Aisle maintenance. When restocking is not
being conducted, aisles shall be kept clear of 3206.3.2 Multiple high-piled stor age
storage, waste material and debris. Fire department ar eas. Multiple high piled storage areas shall be in
(Civil Defense) access doors, aisles and exit doors accordance with Section 3206.3.2.1 or 3206.3.2.2.
shall not be obstructed. During restocking
3206.3.2.1 Aggregate area. The aggregate of
operations using manual stocking methods, a
all high-piled storage areas within a building shall
minimum unobstructed aisle width of 600 mm shall
be used for the application of Table 3206.2 unless
be maintained in 1200 mm or smaller aisles, and a
such areas are separated from each other by 1-hour
minimum unobstructed aisle width of one-half of
fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section
the required aisle width shall be maintained in aisles
707 the SBC 201. Openings in such fire barriers
greater than 1200 mm. During mechanical stocking
shall be protected by opening protectives having a
operations, a minimum unobstructed aisle width of
1-hour fire protection rating.
1100 mm shall be maintained in accordance with
Section 3206.9. 3206.3.2.2 Multiclass high-piled storage
areas. High-piled storage areas classified as Class
3205.5 Pile dimension and height limitations.
I through IV not separated from high-piled storage
Pile dimensions and height limitations shall comply
areas classified as high hazard shall utilize the
with Section 3207.3.
aggregate of all high-piled storage areas as high
3205.6 Designation of storage heights. Where hazard for the purposes of the application of Table
required by the fire code official, a visual method of 3206.2. To be considered as separated, 1-hour fire
indicating the maximum allowable storage height barriers shall be constructed in accordance with
shall be provided. Section 707 of the SBC 201. Openings in such fire

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 CHAPTER 32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

barriers shall be protected by opening protectives 3206.6.1.3 Locking devices. Only approved
having a 1-hour fire protection rating. locking devices shall be used.
Exception: As provided for in Section 3204.2. 3206.7 Smoke and heat removal. Where smoke
and heat removal is required by Table 3206.2 it
3206.4 Automatic sprinklers. Automatic
shall be provided in accordance with Section 910.
sprinkler systems shall be provided in accordance
with Sections 3207, 3208 and 3209. 3206.8 Fire department (Civil Defense) hose
connections. Where exit passageways are required
3206.4.1 Pallets. Automatic sprinkler
by the SBC 201 for egress, a Class I standpipe
system requirements based upon the presence of
system shall be provided in accordance with
pallets shall be in accordance with NFPA 13.
Section 905.
3206.4.1.1 Plastic pallets. Plastic pallets
3206.9 Aisles. Aisles providing access to exits and
listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2335 or
fire department (Civil Defense) access doors shall
FM 4996 shall be treated as wood pallets for
be provided in high-piled storage areas exceeding
determining required sprinkler protection.
46 m2, in accordance with Sections 3206.9.1
3206.5 Fire detection. Where fire detection is through 3206.9.3. Aisles separating storage piles or
required by Table 3206.2, an approved automatic racks shall comply with NFPA 13. Aisles shall also
fire detection system shall be installed throughout comply with Chapter 8 of SBC 201.
the high-piled storage area. The system shall be
Exception: Where aisles are precluded by rack
monitored and be in accordance with Section 907.
storage systems, alternate methods of access and
3206.6 Building access. Where building access is protection are allowed when approved.
required by Table 3206.2, fire apparatus access
3206.9.1 Width. Aisle width shall be in
roads in accordance with Section 503 shall be
accordance with Sections 3206.9.1.1 and
provided within 45 m of all portions of the exterior
3206.9.1.2.
walls of buildings used for high-piled storage.
Exceptions:
Exception: Where fire apparatus access roads
cannot be installed because of topography, 1. Aisles crossing rack structures or storage
railways, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other piles, that are used only for employee access,
similar conditions, the fire code official is shall be not less than 600 mm wide.
authorized to require additional fire protection.
2. Aisles separating shelves classified as shelf
3206.6.1 Access doors. Where building storage shall be not less than 750 mm wide.
access is required by Table 3206.2, fire department
3206.9.1.1 Sprinklered buildings. Aisles in
(Civil Defense) access doors shall be provided in
sprinklered buildings shall be not less than 1100
accordance with this section. Access doors shall be
mm wide. Aisles shall be not less than 2400 mm
accessible without the use of a ladder.
wide in high-piled storage areas exceeding 232 m2
3206.6.1.1 Number of doors required. Not in area, that are accessible to the public and
less than one access door shall be provided in each designated to contain high-hazard commodities.
30 m, or fraction thereof, of the exterior walls
Exception: Aisles in high-piled storage areas
that face required fire apparatus access roads. The
exceeding 232 m2 in area, that are accessible to the
required access doors shall be distributed such that
public and designated to contain high-hazard
the lineal distance between adjacent access doors
commodities, are protected by a sprinkler system
does not exceed 30 m.
designed for multiple-row racks of high-hazard
Exception: The linear distance between adjacent commodities shall be not less than 1100 mm wide.
access doors is allowed to exceed 30 m in existing
Aisles shall be not less than 2400 mm wide in areas
buildings where no change in occupancy is
accessible to the public where mechanical stocking
proposed. The number and distribution of access
methods are used.
doors in existing buildings shall be approved.
3206.9.1.2 Non-sprinklered buildings.
3206.6.1.2 Door size and type. Access doors
Aisles in non-sprinklered buildings shall be not less
shall be not less than 900 mm in width and 2000 mm
than 2400 mm wide.
in height. Roll-up doors shall not be used unless
approved. 3206.9.2 Clear height. The required aisle
width shall extend from floor to ceiling. Rack

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 CHAPTER 32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

structural supports and catwalks are allowed to

cross aisles at a minimum height of 2 m above the
finished floor level, provided that such supports do
SECTION 3208 RACK STORAGE
not interfere with fire department (Civil Defense) 3208.1 General. Rack storage shall be in
hose stream trajectory. accordance with Section 3206 and this section. Bin
boxes exceeding 1.5 m in any dimension shall be
3206.9.3 Dead-end aisles. Dead-end aisles
shall not exceed 6 m in length in Group M regulated as rack storage.
occupancies. Dead-end aisles shall not exceed 15 m 3208.2 Fire protection. Where automatic
in length in all other occupancies. sprinklers are required by Table 3206.2, an
Exception: Dead-end aisles are not limited where approved automatic sprinkler system shall be
the length of the dead-end aisle is less than 2.5 times installed throughout the building or to 1-hour fire
the least width of the dead-end aisle. barriers constructed in accordance with Section
707 of the SBC 201. Openings in such fire barriers
3206.10 Portable fire extinguishers. shall be protected by opening protectives having a
Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in 1-hour fire protection rating. The design and
accordance with Section 906. installation of the automatic sprinkler system and
other applicable fire protection shall be in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and NFPA 13.
SECTION 3207 SOLID-PILED AND
3208.2.1 Plastic shelves. Storage on
SHELF STORAGE plastic shelves shall be protected by approved
3207.1 General. Shelf storage and storage in solid specially engineered fire protection systems.
piles, solid piles on pallets and bin box storage in 3208.2.2 Racks with solid shelving. Racks
bin boxes not exceeding 1.5 m in any dimension, with solid shelving having an area greater than 1.9
shall be in accordance with Sections 3206 and this m2, measured between approved flue spaces at all
section. four edges of the shelf, shall be in accordance with
3207.2 Fire protection. Where automatic this section.
sprinklers are required by Table 3206.2, an
Exceptions:
approved automatic sprinkler system shall be
installed throughout the building or to 1-hour fire 1. Racks with mesh, grated, slatted or similar
barriers constructed in accordance with Section shelves having uniform openings not more
707 of the SBC 201. Openings in such fire barriers than 150 mm apart, comprising not less than
shall be protected by opening protectives having a 50 percent of the overall shelf area, and with
1-hour fire protection rating. The design and approved flue spaces are allowed to be
installation of the automatic sprinkler system and treated as racks without solid shelves.
other applicable fire protection shall be in 2. Racks used for the storage of combustible
accordance with the SBC 201 and NFPA 13. paper records, with solid shelving, shall be in
3207.2.1 Shelf stor age. Shelf storage accordance with NFPA 13.
greater than 3.6 m but less than 4.5 m in height shall 3208.2.2.1 Fire protection. Fire protection
be in accordance with the fire protection for racks with solid shelving shall be in accordance
requirements set forth in NFPA 13. Shelf storage with NFPA 13.
4.5 m or more in height shall be protected in an
approved manner with special fire protection, such 3208.3 Flue spaces. Flue spaces shall be provided
as in-rack sprinklers. in accordance with Table 3208.3. Required flue
spaces shall be maintained.
3207.3 Pile dimension and height limitations.
Pile dimensions, the maximum permissible storage 3208.3.1 Flue space pr otection. Where
height and pile volume shall be in accordance with required by the fire code official, flue spaces
Table 3206.2. required by Table 3208.3, in single-, double or
multiple-row rack storage installations shall be
3207.4 Array. Where an automatic sprinkler equipped with approved devices to protect the
system design utilizes protection based on a closed required flue spaces. Such devices shall not be
array, array clearances shall be provided and removed or modified.
maintained as specified by the standard used.

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 CHAPTER 32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

3208.4 Column protection. Steel building provide for observation of the carousel
columns shall be protected in accordance with system.
NFPA 13.
3209.4 Automated rack storage. High-piled
3208.5 Extra-high-rack storage systems. storage areas with automated rack storage shall be
Approval of the fire code official shall be obtained provided with a manually activated emergency
prior to installing extra high-rack combustible shutdown switch for use by emergency personnel.
storage. The switch shall be clearly identified and shall be in
a location approved by the fire chief.
3208.5.1 Fire pr otection. Buildings with
extra-high-rack combustible storage shall be SECTION 3210 SPECIALTY
protected with a specially engineered automatic STORAGE
sprinkler system. Extra-high-rack combustible
storage shall be provided with additional special 3210.1 General. Records storage facilities used for
fire protection, such as separation from other the rack or shelf storage of combustible paper
buildings and additional built-in fire protection records greater than 3.6 m in height shall be in
features and fire department (Civil Defense) accordance with Sections 3206 and 3208 and NFPA
access, where required by the fire code official. 13. Palletized storage of records shall be in
accordance with Section 3207.

SECTION 3209 AUTOMATED

STORAGE
3209.1 General. Automated storage shall be in
accordance with this section.
3209.2 Automatic sprinklers. Where automatic
sprinklers are required by Table 3206.2, the
building shall be equipped throughout with an
approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with Section 903.3.1.1.
3209.3 Carousel storage. High-piled storage
areas having greater than 46 m2 of carousel storage
shall be provided with automatic shutdown in
accordance with one of the following:
1. An automatic smoke detection system
installed in accordance with Section 907,
with coverage extending 4.5 m in all
directions beyond unenclosed carousel
storage systems and that sounds a local alarm
at the operator’s station and stops the
carousel storage system upon the activation
of a single detector.
2. An automatic smoke detection system
installed in accordance with Section 907 and
within enclosed carousel storage systems,
that sounds a local alarm at the operator’s
station and stops the carousel storage system
upon the activation of a single detector.
3. A single dead-man-type control switch that
allows the operation of the carousel storage
system only when the operator is present.
The switch shall be in the same room as the
carousel storage system and located to

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 CHAPTER 32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

Tables and Figures of Chapter 32:

TABLE 3206.2
GENERAL FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
SOLID-PILED STORAGE, SHELF
ALL STORAGE AREAS
SIZE OF HIGH- STORAGE AND PALLETIZED STORAGE
(See Sections 3206, 3207 and 3208)b
PILED (see Section 3207.3)
STORAGE AREAa Automatic Fire
COMMODITY Maximum
(square meter) fire- detection Building Smoke and
CLASS Maximum pile permissible Maximum
(see Sections extinguishing system access heat removal
dimensionc storage pile volume
3206.2 and system (see (see Section(see Section
(m) heightd (m3)
3206.4) (see Section Section 3206.6) 3206.7)
(m)
3206.4) 3206.5)
Not Not Not Not Not Not Not
0-46.5
Requireda Required Requirede Required Required Required Required
Not Not Not
46.6-232 Yesi 30 12 2831
Requireda Requirede Required
233-1,114 Not Not Not
Yes 30 12 11,328
Public accessible Required Requirede Required
233-1,114
Not Not Not
Nonpublic accessible Yes 30 12 11,328
Required Requirede Required
(Option 1)
I-IV
232-1,114
Not
Nonpublic accessible Yes Yes Yesj 30 9f 5,663
Requireda
(Option 2)
Not
1,115-1,858 Yes Yes Yesj 30 12 11,328
Required
Not
1,859-46,450 Yes Yes Yesj 30 12 11,328
Required
Greater than Not
Yes Yes Yesj 30 12 11,328
46,450g Required
Not Not Not Not Not Not
0-46.5 15
Requireda Required Requirede Required Required Required
46.6-232 Not Not Not
Yes 15 9 2,124
Public accessible Required Requirede Required
46.6-232
Not Not Not
Nonpublic accessible Yes 15 9 2,124
Required Requirede Required
High (Option 1)
hazard 46.6-232
Not
Nonpublic accessible Yes Yes Yesj 15 6 1416
Requireda
(Option 2)
Not
233-27,870 Yes Yes Yesj 15 9 2,124
Required
Not
27,871-46,450g,h Yes Yes Yesj 15 9 2,124
Required
a. Where automatic sprinklers are required for reasons other than those in Chapter 32, the portion of the
sprinkler system protecting the high-piled storage area shall be designed and installed in accordance with
Sections 3207 and 3208.
b. For aisles, see Section 3206.9.
c. Piles shall be separated by aisles complying with Section 3206.9.
d. For storage in excess of the height indicated, special fire protection shall be provided in accordance with
Note g where required by the fire code official. See Chapters 51 and 57 for special limitations for aerosols
and flammable and combustible liquids, respectively.
e. Section 503 shall apply for fire apparatus access.
f. For storage exceeding 9 m in height, Option 1 shall be used.
g. Special fire protection provisions including, but not limited to, fire protection of exposed steel columns;
increased sprinkler density; additional in-rack sprinklers, without associated reductions in ceiling sprinkler
density; or additional Civil Defense hose connections shall be provided required by the fire code official.
h. High-piled storage areas shall not exceed 46450 m 2. A 2-hour fire wall constructed in accordance with
SBC 201 Section 706 shall be used to divide high-piled storage exceeding 46450 m 2 in area.
i. Not required where an automatic fire-extinguishing system is designed and installed to protect the high-
piled storage area in accordance with Sections 3207 and 3208.
j. Not required where storage areas are protected by either early suppression fast response (ESFR)
sprinkler systems or control mode special application sprinklers with a response time index of 50 (m • s)½
or less that are listed to control a fire in the stored commodities with 12 or fewer sprinklers, installed in
accordance with NFPA 13.

SBC 801-CR-18 424

 CHAPTER 32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

TABLE 3208.3
REQUIRED FLUE SPACES FOR RACK STORAGE
SPRINKLER AT THE CEILING
IN-RACK NON
AUTOMATIC WITH OR WITHOUT
SPRINKLERS
RACK SPRINKLER MINIMUM IN-RACK SPRINKLERED
AT EVERY TIER
PROTECTION SPRINKLERS
CONFIGURATION
 7.5 m
> 7.5 m Any height Any height
Storage height Option 1 Option 2
Not
Sizeb 75 mm 75 mm Not Required Not Required
Transverse Applicable
flue space Vertically Not Not
Single-row rack Yes Not Applicable Not Required
aligned Required Applicable
Longitudinal flue Not Not Not
Not Required Not Required
space Required Applicable Required
Sizeb 150 mma 75 mm 75 mm Not Required Not Required
Transverse
flue space Vertically Not Not
Yes Not Applicable Not Required
Double-row rack aligned Required Required
Longitudinal flue Not
150 mm 150 mm Not Required Not Required
space Required
Not
Sizeb 150 mm 150 mm Not Required Not Required
Transverse Applicable
flue space Vertically Not Not
Multirow rack Yes Not Applicable Not Required
aligned Required Applicable
Longitudinal flue Not Not Not
Not Required Not Required
space Required Applicable Required

a. 75 mm transverse flue spaces shall be provided not less than every 3 m where ESFR sprinkler protection
is provided.
b. Random variations are allowed, provided that the configuration does not obstruct water penetration

SBC 801-CR-18 425

 CHAPTER 32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

FIGURE 3203.7.4
MIXED COMMODITIESa, b

a. This figure is intended to determine the commodity classification of a mixed commodity in a package, carton
or on a pallet where plastics are involved.
b. The following is an example of how to apply the figure: A package containing a Class III commodity has 12-
percent Group A expanded plastic by volume. The weight of the unexpanded Group A plastic is 10 percent.
This commodity is classified as a Class IV commodity. If the weight of the unexpanded plastic is increased
to 14 percent, the classification changes to a high-hazard commodity.
Volume of plastic in pallet load
c. Percent by volume =
Total volume of pallet load,including pallet
Weight of plastic in pallet load
d. Percent by weight =
Total weight of pallet load,including pallet

SBC 801-CR-18 426