FM Global

Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

8-34
May 1998
Revised January 2003
Page 1 of 10

PROTECTION FOR AUTOMATIC STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS

Table of Contents
Page
1.0 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Changes .......................................................................................................................................... 2
2.0 LOSS PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 2
2.1 Protection ......................................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Equipment and Processes .............................................................................................................. 2
2.3 Alarms .............................................................................................................................................. 2
3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................... 6
3.1 Description ....................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Five-Sided, Noncombustible Containers ......................................................................................... 6
3.3 All Other Containers ........................................................................................................................ 7
4.0 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 FM Global ........................................................................................................................................ 7
APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS ....................................................................................................... 7
APPENDIX B DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY ....................................................................................... 9

List of Figures
Fig. 1. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing Five-sided non-combustible containers storing
any product. ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Fig. 2. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing products protected
as Class II, III or IV commodity. ......................................................................................................... 5
Fig. 3. Racks over 12 ft (3.7 m) to 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing any
product. ............................................................................................................................................... 6
Fig. 4. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing Group A or B unexpanded
plastic. ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Fig. 5a. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing Group A or B expanded
plastic. ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Fig. 5b. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing Group A or
B expanded or unexpanded plastic. ................................................................................................. 8
Fig. 6. Package automatic storage/retrieval system. ..................................................................................... 9
Fig. 7. Aisle view of Figure 6. ...................................................................................................................... 10
Fig. 8. Cut-away of Figure 6. ....................................................................................................................... 10

List of Tables
Table 1. Five-sided Noncombustible Containers .......................................................................................... 3
Table 2. All Other Containers ........................................................................................................................ 3

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of Factory Mutual Insurance Company.

8-34

Protection for Automatic Storage

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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

1.0 SCOPE
This Data Sheet provides fire protection guidelines for Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems that utilize
five sided, open top containers to store parts to any storage height.
1.1 Changes
January 2003. Clarification regarding the storage clearance was added.
2.0 LOSS PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1 Protection
2.1.1 Five-sided, noncombustible containers should be protected as outlined in Table 1. All other containers
should be protected as outlined in Table 2. Container material and contents including packaging identified
in Tables 1 and 2 as 2, 3, 4 are products which if stored on pallets would constitute Class 2, 3 and 4
commodities respectively.
2.1.2 Ceiling sprinklers should be 286F (141.1C) rated unless otherwise footnoted in Tables 1 and 2. When
a ceiling sprinkler density of 0.45 gal/min/ft2 (18 mm/min) is specified, 1732 in. (14 mm) orifice sprinklers
should be installed. Otherwise, either 1732 in. (14 mm) or 12 in. (13 mm) orifice sprinklers are acceptable.
2.1.3 In-rack sprinklers should be rated at 165F (74C) or less. Either 1732 in. (14 mm) or 12 in. (13 mm) orifice
in-rack sprinklers are acceptable. Vertical and horizontal spacing should be as shown in the appropriate figure designated in Tables 1 and 2. Hydraulic design specifications, as well as general in-rack installation rules
in regard to clearance, piping, valving and flow alarms as found in Data Sheet 8-9, Storage of Class 1, 2, 3,
4 and Plastic Commodities, should be applied. Removal of one or two container levels will probably be necessary to accommodate each level of in-rack sprinklers.
2.1.4 Provide sufficient 1-12 in. (38.1 mm) hose to reach the length of the aisles. Allow at least 100 gal/min
(380 l/min) for inside hose streams and at least 500 gal/min (1900 l/min) for combined inside and outside
hose streams.
2.1.5 For systems where the clearance between the top of storage and ceiling is greater than 20 ft (6 m),
place a horizontal barrier over the top of the storage with sprinklers under the barrier. Ceiling density should
be 0.2 gal/min/ft2 (8 mm/min) over 2000 ft2 (186 m2).
2.1.6 Maintain storage a minimum of 36 in. (915 mm) below sprinkler deflectors.
2.2 Equipment and Processes
2.2.1 Install emergency lighting in each aisle, and provide an entry door in each aisle at the end opposite
the picking station.
2.3 Alarms
2.3.1 Smoke actuated detectors should be installed to ensure quick manual firefighting response. Fixed temperature or rate-of-rise detectors are acceptable when containers are not five-sided and/or noncombustible. Locate the detectors at the ceiling on a spacing not exceeding the allowable ceiling sprinkler spacing.
In addition, where in-rack sprinklers are installed, locate one line of detectors at each in-rack sprinkler level
in the longitudinal flue. Detectors should be at the same horizontal spacing as the in-rack sprinklers. Alarms
for the detection system should be located where prompt response is ensured, such as a constantly attended
location on the property.

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Protection for Automatic Storage

8-34

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Page 3

Table 1. Five-sided Noncombustible Containers

Height
ft (m)
12 (3.7)
12 and <25
(3.7 and <7.6)

Contents
Including
Product
Packaging
All Products
2, 3
4, all Plastics

>25 (7.6)

All Products

Ceiling Sprinklers
Area
Density,
ft2
gal/min/ft2
In-Rack Sprinklers
(mm/min)
(m2)
NOTE 1
0.20 (8)
2500 (232)
None
Applicable Table from Data Sheet 8-9 1 level at 12 to 23 storage elevation
with sprinklers spaced a maximum of
8 ft (2.4 m). Design so that 6 most
Applicable Table for Class 3
remote sprinklers discharge a minimum
commodity from Data Sheet 8-9
of 22 gal/min (83 l/min) each.
0.30 (12)
2000 (186)
See Figure 1. Design so that 10 most
remote sprinklers (5 on the top two
levels) discharge a minimum of 30 gal/
min (114 l/min) each.

Note 1: As alternatives to installing in-rack sprinklers:

a) Provide noncombustible hinged covers on each storage container, which would have to be closed before the container could
be reinserted into the rack.
b) Provide containers that have 1 in. (2.5 cm) or less clear space between the top of one container and the bottom of the container
above.
Ceiling sprinklers alone, designed to provide 0.25 gal/min/ft2 (10 mm/min) over 2000 ft2 (186 m2) will provide adequate protection
for either alternative.

Table 2. All Other Containers

Height
ft (m)
12 (3.7)

12 and <25
(3.7 and <7.6)

>25 (7.6)
NOTE 1

Ceiling Sprinklers
Contents
Area
Including
Density,
ft2
Product
gal/min/ft2
(mm/min)
(m2)
Packaging
2, 3, 4
0.15 (6)
2000 (186)
Group A & B
0.30 (12)
2000 (186)
Unexpanded
Plastic
Polyurethane and
0.45 (18)
2000 (186)
Group A & B
Expanded Plastic
2, 3, 4
Applicable Table from Data Sheet 8-9
Group A & B
0.30 (12)
2000 (186)
Unexpanded
Plastic
0.45 (18)
2000 (186)
Polyurethane and
Group A & B
Expanded Plastic
2, 3
0.24 (9.8)*
2000 (186)
4
0.28 (11.4)*
2000 (186)
Group A & B
0.30 (12)
2000 (186)
Unexpanded
Plastic
Polyurethane and
0.30 (12)
2000 (186)
Group A & B
Expanded Plastic

In-Rack Sprinklers
NOTE 2
1 level at the 12 storage elevation with
sprinklers spaced a maximum of 8 ft
(2.4 m).
Hydraulically design per Data Sheet 8-9.

See Figure 3.
Hydraulically design per Data Sheet 8-9.

See Figure 2.
Hydraulically design per Data Sheet 8-9.
See Figure 4 or 5b.
Hydraulically design per Data Sheet 8-9.
See Figure 5a or 5b.
Hydraulically design per Data Sheet 8-9.

Note 1: 165F ceiling sprinklers should be installed when sprinkler density is followed by an asterisk.
Note 2: If plastic containers are used, horizontal barriers should be provided over every level of in-rack and/or face sprinklers. Sprinkler
protection should be the same as for a Group A and B Unexpanded Plastic commodity.

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8-34
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Protection for Automatic Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Fig. 1. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing Five-sided non-combustible containers storing any product.

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Protection for Automatic Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Fig. 2. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing products
protected as Class II, III or IV commodity.

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

8-34
Page 5

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Protection for Automatic Storage

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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Fig. 3. Racks over 12 ft (3.7 m) to 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing any product.

3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1 Description
These systems consist of multiple levels of containers that slide into a rack frame. Containers storing the
parts are removed from the rack by a motorized picker. The picker, located in the aisle on a set of rails, is usually operated via a computer terminal. The picker can move in three directions: back and forth in the aisle,
up and down the height of the rack, and in and out of the rack when removing or returning a container to its
location (see Figures 6, 7, 8). Depending on the size of the system, more than one picker may be used.
Aisles are generally about 4 ft (1.2 m) wide.
Systems vary in size. Smaller systems, which measure approximately 15 ft wide by 50 ft long by 20 ft high
(4.5 by 15 by 6 m), are generally package units where racks are contained within a metal enclosure. Larger
systems may exceed 100 ft wide by 100 ft long by 35 ft high (30 by 30 by 11 m). Maximum height is usually 40 ft (12 m). These larger systems may be installed inside an existing structure a) with sides enclosed
by corrugated sheet metal, b) with sides and top open, c) with sides and top enclosed by corrugated sheet
metal. The system may also be installed as a rack-supported structure with the roof and siding directly
attached to the rack.
Systems are often used for storage of parts highly prone to heat, smoke or water damage. The loss expectancy may be difficult to estimate. Values differ for each system depending on the type of system, storage
and business interruption. There may be instances where the parts stored are low in value but critical for production. Such situations will usually involve large business interruptions.
There are various types of containers in which parts may be stored within the retrieval system. For purposes
of providing protection guidelines they have been divided into two groups.
3.2 Five-Sided, Noncombustible Containers
These containers are generally painted or galvanized sheet metal. The dimensions of these containers in
small package retrieval systems are approximately 1 ft wide by 3 ft long (0.30 m by 0.9 m). Larger retrieval systems utilize containers that are approximately 2 ft wide by 4 ft long (0.6 by 1.2 m). Heights of containers

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Protection for Automatic Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

8-34
Page 7

Fig. 4. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing Group A or B unexpanded plastic.

for both small and large systems may range anywhere from 2 to 15 in. (0.05 to 0.38 m), depending on the
product being stored. Container interiors may be subdivided with cardboard or plastic liners or dividers. To
classify a noncombustible container, combustible liners, dividers or storage should not come above the metal
container sides.
3.3 All Other Containers
Containers that have less than five sides and/or are constructed of combustible materials present a greater
fire hazard. Oxygen supply is not limited, and horizontal flame spread can be expected to be more rapid.
Combustible containers are usually cardboard or plastic. Metal containers with combustible liners, dividers,
or storage which extend above the metal sides are considered combustible. Dimensions for these containers are similar to the noncombustible containers.
4.0 REFERENCES
4.1 FM Global
Data Sheet 8-9, Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities.
APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
This document does not have any defined terms.

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

8-34
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Protection for Automatic Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Fig. 5a. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing Group A or B expanded plastic.

Fig. 5b. Racks over 25 ft (7.6 m) high utilizing All other containers storing Group A or B expanded or unexpanded plastic.

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Protection for Automatic Storage

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

8-34
Page 9

Fig. 6. Package automatic storage/retrieval system.

APPENDIX B DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY

September 2000. This revision of the document has been reorganized to provide a consistent format.

FMELPC Nov. 1992

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8-34

Protection for Automatic Storage

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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Fig. 7. Aisle view of Figure 6.

Fig. 8. Cut-away of Figure 6.

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.