Fire Protection of Solid Shelves in Rack Storage
Garner Palenske, Aon Fire Protection Engineering

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One of the more controversial requirements of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, concerns the protection of solid shelves within storage racks. These requirements have recently been upgraded, resulting in the increased use of rack sprinkler protection. The basis of these requirements is fire testing work conducted by Chet Schirmer in the 1970s. The overall testing program has withstood the test of time, but limited testing was conducted for solid shelves, and sprinkler technology has changed enormously since then. This session will both address current testing and review the original testing, including information found in the previously unpublished notes and letters of Mr. Schirmer.