Greetings:
I've seen some mobile (or compacting) storage systems that are tied into a
building's fire protection system so that they will open slightly when an
alarm goes off to permit the sprinklers to douse any fires that may be in
that area. Ideally, the sprinkler heads over the shelving units will
discharge individually so that only those in the area of the fire will
release the water.
In the US, there is a code requirement for at least 18" between the
sprinkler and the shelving units (or other materials) beneath. I have also
learned a lot by touring collections storage facilities with a property risk
management consultant who using FM (Factory Mutual) standards looks at the
materials being stored, the fire suppression systems installed, the type of
sprinkler heads, their spread, and the way that storage equipment is loaded
to ensure the ability of water to penetrate all the way to the floor and for
smoke and heat to be able to pass to the ceiling.
I don't know Canadian codes. However, Canadian Conservation Institute has
an advisory service for Facilities Upgrading and they should know the
required codes. Contact Siegfried Rempel, Senior Advisor of Collections
Preservation @ CCI in Ottawa for advice.
Wendy Claire Jessup
President and Conservator
Wendy Jessup and Associates Inc.
Care of Cultural Property
933 North Kenmore Street, Suite 323
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 522-2801
FAX: (703) 522-2802
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Timothy McShane
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2005 5:50 PM
Subject: Fire codes and compact shelving
Hi all;
We've just run into an issue with our new compact storage units
apparently not being compliant with our local fire codes--the issue
being that the closed units will not allow the sprinkler system to
function as intended. We're being urged to consider wire shelving
(which would cost bucks we don't have, and besides, I expect an Ethafoam
lining wouldn't be looked upon favourably by our FD either), or
eliminating every second compactor unit (which would, of course, destroy
the whole intend of acquiring compact storage). Has anyone ever run
into, or even heard about a similar situation elsewhere? Any
suggestions for arguments we can use to win over our fire department?
Thanks,
------------------------------------------------------------
Tim McShane, Assistant--Cultural History
Medicine Hat Museum and Art Gallery
1302 Bomford Crescent S.W.
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 5E6
Tel: (403) 502-8587
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