Warehouses are buildings used by manufacturers, exporters, importers, wholesale dealers for the storage of goods. Every warehouse is built according to the conditions required for the goods that are intended to be stored. Therefore the construction and the model of every warehouse vary, but irrespective of the same, warehouse fire safety is the paramount requirement to be considered before using it for storage purposes. Let’s look into how fire safety measures in warehouses can be maintained and the risk of fire be reduced:

1. Systematic storage

The storage system in a warehouse has to be structured in a very efficient manner to prevent fire hazards. The two major storage arrangements used in a warehouse are racks and pallets. These storage systems have certain challenges or risks regarding warehouse fire safety. Yet the rack system is the better option as there is ample space between the goods, due to which in case of a fire, it won’t spread too quickly.

2. Installation of fire alarms and other devices

It is crucial to set up proper and efficient fire alarms and automatic sprinklers as a part of fire prevention measures in warehouses. In this digitally advanced world, where technology has vastly developed, there are several detectors available. Alarms and other technical products detect even the slightest symptoms of fire.

In a warehouse, a fire might not be detected through one’s natural senses, such as smell or color, as there might be numerous smells or odors coming from different products, which a small fire might go unnoticed. Thus it is highly necessary to have smoke detectors and fire alarms to detect even the slightest fire.

3. Proper housekeeping

Housekeeping and maintenance are essential for a warehouse building. As a storage facility, there would be a cumbersome amount of waste materials such as paper, plastic metal, etc. These materials can catch fire quickly and lead to a critical fire situation within minutes. Daily housekeeping and waste removal procedures must be followed as a part of fire prevention measures.

4. Proper usage of power equipment

A warehouse is a workplace where various machines and equipment are used for different purposes such as shifting, loading, unloading goods, etc. All these machines generally function with different powering sources. Significantly, properly trained workers deal with these power sources and the electrical materials present in a warehouse as one small loose connection can lead to a short circuit which could ruin the whole storage facility.

Warehouse safety regulations mandate the usage of proper machinery while using a particular amount of electricity. These guidelines have to be followed before establishing a properly functioning warehouse.

5. Aisle and fire exits

As per fire safety regulations, proper fire emergency exits must be constructed in buildings and warehouses that are prone to sudden fires. Warehouses might not have adequate air passage. Therefore a proper pipeline system for sufficient airflow has to be set up to facilitate the removal of smoke in case of a hazardous fire.

6. Building servicing

The quality of a warehouse has to be maintained for efficiently storing materials in the long run. Building maintenance and servicing at least twice a year is mandatory. This must include inspecting every nook and corner of the warehouse, from minor electrical wires to any slight leakage or seepage.

It’s better to get an accurate inspection and building servicing to your warehouse fire safety checklist.

7. Smoking regulations

It is essential to have strict smoking regulations amongst workers in warehouses to prevent a catastrophic warehouse fire. Proper unbending rules such as the prohibition of smoking during work hours, smoking inside the warehouse, etc., have to be established as a part of the warehouse fire safety regulations. Even the proper disposal of cigars, cigarettes, vapes, etc., has to be ascertained and mandated amongst workers.

8. Flammable substance storage

Proper storage should also include separate storage of highly flammable substances present in the warehouse. Liquids or other hazardous materials should be stored separately in air-tight compartments. These should be kept away from other goods present in the warehouse, as highly flammable substances can lead to combustion due to the slightest chemical reaction. This is one way to prevent fire in a warehouse.

9. Fire drills and training

To ensure the proper functioning of a warehouse, the fire exits have to be marked, and exit maps have to be printed out and stuck inside the warehouse. Proper fire drills and training on how to prevent fire and the different ways to prevent fire have to be conducted for the staff and every other worker working in the warehouse as a part of fire prevention measures.

10. Fire inspection

A fire safety inspection conducted by authorised officers should be a part of the list of safety measures to prevent fire. The fire department officials can explain or detect the different factors that can lead to fire better than any other person. Therefore monthly or quarterly inspections by fire officials can help prevent fires.

A fire breaking out in a warehouse with various goods would be catastrophic. There is no ideal room construction, wiring, or any other fool-proof guide on how we can prevent fire completely. Still, we can observe and control the situations that we know can lead to fire because a fire in a warehouse can lead to grave damage or loss to property, products, and the workers.