A Comprehensive Guide on Pallet Rack Flue Spaces

Warehouse safety and risk prevention are crucial due to the high risks involved in warehouse operations. One major concern is the threat of fire, and implementing effective solutions to protect both people and property is essential. Maintaining proper pallet rack flue space is a key strategy to reduce the risk of fire spreading. Flue spaces are clear areas defined by horizontal and vertical lines within the racking system and indicate the loading direction. A well-designed pallet racking system should include flue spaces between pallet loads and upright frames. Keeping these flue spaces clear helps protect inventory and serves as a fire safety measure.

 

Importance of Pallet Rack Row Flue Spaces

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), flue spaces are clear vertical openings within the pallet rack structure that provide a line of sight from the floor to the ceiling. These spaces are essential for fire safety as they help minimize damage to pallet racks by allowing fire, heat, and smoke to ventilate upward and quickly activate the sprinkler systems. Additionally, they enable water to reach through multiple layers of stored products. Therefore, keeping flue spaces free of inventory is crucial for effective fire suppression and detection.

 

Types of Flue Spaces in Pallet Rack Systems

 

According to NFPA flue space requirements, there are two types of flue spaces to consider when designing pallet racks for a warehouse:

 

• Transverse Flue Space: This is the gap or opening between products stored parallel to the loading direction. If products are stacked less than 6 inches from other pallets, they may obstruct the transverse flue space. Flue keepers, which are designed according to NFPA standards, help prevent pallets from intruding into this space and ensure the proper function of sprinkler systems. These can be installed in non-standard storage units.
• Longitudinal Flue Space: This refers to the space between back-to-back rows of pallet racks. Products loaded too far back in either row may block this flue space. Adhering to proper warehouse rack spacing and flue protection standards helps prevent such blockages.

📚 Also Read: How to design your pallet rack layout around your warehouse columns

 

Flue Space Dimensions and Guidelines

Recommended Flue Space Dimensions

 

Flue spaces are gaps between rows of pallet racks designed to allow ventilation, provide access for firefighting personnel, and dissipate heat during a fire. Proper dimensions of these spaces are vital for safety and operational efficiency in warehouses:

• Typical Width: The recommended width for a flue space between pallet racks is typically 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). This width ensures adequate ventilation and allows easy access for forklifts or firefighting equipment.
• Height: Flue spaces should extend from the floor to at least 18 inches (45 cm) above the top of the highest load. This height is necessary for effective air circulation and accessibility.

Factors Influencing Flue Space Requirements

 

Several factors impact the specific flue space dimensions needed for a pallet rack system:

• Rack Type: Various pallet rack configurations (e.g., single deep, double deep, drive-in) have different flue space requirements based on their design and storage capacity.
• Fire Safety Regulations: Local fire codes and regulations may specify flue space dimensions according to the type of goods stored, rack layout, and fire suppression systems such as sprinklers.
• Sprinkler Systems: The design and placement of sprinkler systems can influence flue space dimensions. Adequate space must be provided to ensure sprinklers can effectively address potential fires.
• Aisle Width: The width of aisles between rack rows affects flue space dimensions. Wider aisles might permit slightly narrower flue spaces, but overall ventilation and accessibility must be maintained.

Consequences of Inadequate Flue Spaces

 

Failing to maintain proper flue space dimensions can lead to several issues:

• Fire Hazard: Insufficient flue spaces can hinder heat dissipation and ventilation, leading to faster fire spread and less effective firefighting efforts.
• Limited Accessibility: Narrow flue spaces can obstruct forklift and equipment movement, making it difficult to store or retrieve goods efficiently.
• Reduced Safety: Emergency responders may struggle to access the fire source or navigate within the warehouse if flue spaces are too narrow.
• Compromised Sprinkler Effectiveness: Blocked flue spaces can prevent sprinklers from reaching the fire effectively, reducing the success of fire suppression efforts.
• Structural Strain: Overloading or stacking items too close to racks or within flue spaces can put undue pressure on the racks, potentially compromising their structural integrity.

 

How to Keep Flue Spaces Clear?

Several factors can influence the effectiveness of flue spaces in preventing fire spread. With a well-designed pallet racking system and properly sized products, several safety solutions can help maintain a clear and visible flue space:

• Rack Straps: These are commonly used to keep flue spaces clear. Attached to the back of each bay, rack straps prevent pallets from being pushed into the flue space.
• Wire Rack Backing: Installed on the rear side of the rack, wire rack backing primarily prevents products from falling off the racking system and can also help keep products from obstructing the flue space.
• Pallet Stop Beams: Bolted into the pallet rack uprights at a height of 6 to 12 inches from the beam level, pallet stop beams prevent products from being pushed back into the flue space.

FAQ’s

What is a flue space in a pallet racking system?

A flue space is a clear vertical opening within a pallet racking system that allows fire, heat, and smoke to ventilate upward. It also helps with effective sprinkler activation and ensures that water can reach through multiple layers of stored products. Maintaining these spaces is crucial for fire safety and proper ventilation.

 

Why are flue spaces important for fire safety in warehouses?

Flue spaces are essential because they help minimize damage to pallet racks by allowing heat and smoke to escape, which helps prevent the fire from spreading rapidly. They also facilitate the efficient operation of sprinkler systems and ensure that water can penetrate through stored products for effective fire suppression.

 

What are the recommended dimensions for flue spaces in pallet racking systems?

The typical width of a flue space is between 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm), which provides adequate ventilation and access for forklifts and firefighting equipment. The height should extend from the floor to at least 18 inches (45 cm) above the top of the highest load to ensure effective air circulation and accessibility.

 

What factors influence the dimensions of flue spaces in pallet rack systems?

Factors include the type of rack configuration (single deep, double deep, drive-in, etc.), local fire safety regulations, the design and placement of sprinkler systems, and the width of aisles between rack rows.

 

What are the consequences of inadequate flue spaces?

Inadequate flue spaces can lead to faster fire spread, reduced effectiveness of firefighting efforts, obstructed movement of forklifts and equipment, challenges for emergency responders, compromised sprinkler effectiveness, and potential structural strain on racks.

 

How can I keep flue spaces clear in my warehouse?

To maintain clear flue spaces, you can use rack straps to prevent pallets from being pushed into the flue space, install wire rack backing to keep products from falling or obstructing the space, and use pallet stop beams bolted into the rack uprights to stop products from being pushed back into the flue space.

 

Conclusion

Proper management of flue spaces in pallet racking systems is vital for fire safety and operational efficiency. Maintaining these clear openings ensures effective ventilation, sprinkler activation, and prevents rapid fire spread. By following recommended dimensions and using safety measures like rack straps and pallet stop beams, you enhance both safety and efficiency in your warehouse.