Selective Rack + Fire Safety for Document Storage

Solution at a Glance:


Scope: Storage System Needed for Safe Storage of Boxes of Paper

A company that stores boxes of documents needed to expand their storage capacity. The company’s stored paper products are considered a Class III commodity as dictated by the National Fire Code Association (NFPA). In addition, the company had to comply with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) fire code specifications. Together, these regulations dictate multiple fire code compliance features that must be present in the storage system design.

Thus, the company had to ensure that their design included all necessary specifications to adhere to fire codes and ensure a safe environment for employees and their customers’ stored materials. They needed a professional material handling system designer that is knowledgeable about fire code requirements and how to integrate them while still maintaining efficient operations in a cost-effective manner.

Solution: Unique Design to Adhere to Fire Codes and Cut Costs

The company hired their longtime storage system provider, REB Storage Systems, to project manage their new storage system, including the design. REB designers assessed the space, product volume, picking practices, and applicable codes.

The final design allowed for all 147,816 boxes of documents to be stored. REB designers concluded that the warehouse’s existing early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers were code compliant, and designed the layout to ensure they could be used. This provided cost savings for the customer.

Selective racking system with flue spacers and carton stops highlighted and labeled The design included a flue space per beam level in every row. Furthermore, REB installed a mid-span carton stop every 5 feet, which creates additional flue spaces. Flue spaces are defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as clear vertical lines of sight from the floor to the ceiling within rack storage systems. They are important fire safety measures because they decrease both the time it takes for the sprinkler system to detect a fire and the time it takes for the water from the sprinkler system to reach the fire in lower areas of the system.

Outcome: Significant Cost Savings for Fire Code Compliant Storage System

REB’s unique combination of design elements allowed the system to incorporate solid decking as opposed to the typical, more costly, 50% open decking. It also eliminated the need for in-rack sprinklers. This provided the company cost savings of more than $300k without comprising adherence to NFPA fire codes.


Ensure Your Storage System is Code Compliant

If you’re in need a of new material handling system, consider hiring the experts at REB Storage Systems. Our team will ensure that your system meets all safety codes necessary for your location and commodity classification while also optimizing the space you have for efficient operations.

We’d appreciate the opportunity to help you further, whether that be more information or a quote. Fill out the contact form on this page or call us at (800) 252-5955 to get in touch with a REB representative.

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REB has completed more than 100,000 projects in 15 countries (including all 50 states) for more than 20,000 customers across 50 industries, with 70% of customers as repeat buyers.

This is made possible by our team that has more than 300 years of industry experience designing and project managing material handling systems.

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Brian Dubin

All Products Automotive, Inc.

“We have been a customer for over 15 years. REB offers a good selection of products at great prices. They are an excellent source of materials along with suggestions and information on a variety of storage issues."

Bruce Moulton

Harrington Industrial Plastics

“REB is by far my favorite vendor, the customer service and dedication to making sure every order is complete and on time. Fantastic communication, and an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Gary Rothschild

Epko Industries

“First time customer and REB provided excellent service and competitive pricing. Would use them again.”

Elliot Sneen

Cabernet Corporation

“Great customer service with an accurate storage system!”

Richard Steed

Pacific Storage Company

“We have used REB Storage Systems for a number of years and will continue to do so in the years to come. Their entire staff are wonderful to work with and provide a seamless installation from beginning to end. Their focus to detail and quality installation has been a valuable resource to our company.”

Tom Beckermann

Felling Trailers Inc.

“REB Storage Systems provides a high quality product with the best customer service in the industry, no matter the volume of products we buy.”

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