Fire Safety for Warehouses and Industrial Buildings

What This Requirement Covers

Warehouses and industrial buildings present specific fire safety challenges due to high fire loads (stored goods and raw materials), large open floor areas, high ceiling heights, and the use of processes involving heat, chemicals, or combustible materials. Approved Document B Volume 2 provides guidance for these buildings under Purpose Groups 7 (Industrial) and 8 (Storage and other non-residential).

Key Requirements

Compartmentation

Maximum compartment sizes depend on building height and sprinkler provision

1. Single-storey industrial/storage (no sprinklers): 2000 m² (with limitations depending on height)
2. Single-storey with sprinklers: Up to 4000 m² or more, depending on the specific use
3. Multi-storey industrial (no sprinklers): 2000 m² per floor
4. Multi-storey with sprinklers: 4000 m² per floor
5. High-bay warehousing (storage height exceeding 11 metres) has specific requirements and typically requires sprinklers

Means of Escape

1. Maximum travel distances:

- 25 metres in one direction (single escape route) - 45 metres where alternative escape routes are available

1. In high-risk industrial processes, travel distances may be reduced
2. Exit widths are calculated from the occupancy, using occupancy factors for the specific use
3. High-rack storage areas must provide escape routes that are not obstructed by racking or stored goods

Fire Detection and Alarm

1. The minimum standard depends on the fire risk assessment:

- Category M (manual call points only) for low-risk industrial and storage premises - Category P (property protection detection) for high-value storage facilities - Category L (life safety detection) where the fire risk assessment identifies it as necessary

1. In very large buildings, the fire alarm system may need to be divided into zones to allow phased evacuation

Sprinkler Systems

1. Sprinklers are strongly recommended and often required by insurers for warehouses
2. Design standard: BS EN 12845 (commercial and industrial sprinklers)
3. The sprinkler design must be matched to the hazard classification (OH, HH, HHP) and the type and height of storage
4. In-rack sprinklers may be required for high-bay storage exceeding 4 metres

Structural Fire Resistance

1. Single-storey industrial buildings may have reduced fire resistance requirements for the structure (as low as 15 minutes) where the building is remote from boundaries
2. Multi-storey buildings require the standard fire resistance periods based on height (30, 60, or 90+ minutes)
3. Portal frame buildings must be assessed for structural stability in fire to ensure they do not collapse onto adjacent buildings or escape routes

Practical Compliance Tips

1. Engage a fire engineer for warehouse and industrial building design to optimise compartmentation and sprinkler provision
2. Coordinate the racking layout with the fire strategy to ensure escape routes, sprinkler coverage, and fire service access are maintained
3. Maintain clear separation between storage areas and escape routes; do not allow goods to encroach on escape corridors
4. Test fire alarm systems weekly and carry out fire drills at least twice yearly
5. Ensure forklift truck operators and warehouse staff receive fire safety training specific to the hazards present
6. Consider the impact of seasonal stock increases on fire load and escape route accessibility
7. Review the fire risk assessment whenever the stored goods or processes change significantly