High-piled storage refers to the storage of materials in large quantities and at heights that may exceed
normal limits, especially in warehouses and industrial spaces. These materials may include items such as
paper products, cardboard boxes, textiles, or plastic goods, among others. High-piled storage can
present a significant fire hazard, as the materials can easily ignite and spread flames quickly. As such,
regulations and permits have been put in place to ensure that high-pile storage is conducted in a safe
manner.
A high-piled storage permit is required by law in many jurisdictions for facilities that store materials in
high piles. The permit is issued after a thorough review of the storage facility and considers factors such
as the size of the facility, materials being stored, height of the piles, fire suppression, and detection
systems in place.
TERPconsulting can provide critical assistance in the design and implementation of high-piled storage
systems. TERPconsulting’s high-piled storage team of fire protection specialists are experts at ensuring
compliance with the necessary codes, including International Building Code (IBC), International Fire
Code (IFC), NFPA 13 —Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and NFPA 25 — Standard for
the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, which contain
special requirements for combustible storage or high-hazard storage commodities.
Unlike classifying the occupancy as required in other building types, sprinkler protection in warehouses
is typically driven by classifying the specific materials that will be stored in the space. Also important for
classification is the packaging of the contents and the storage arrangements of the warehouse.
TERPconsulting’s licensed fire protection engineers confirm storage facilities are designed with the
appropriate fire safety considerations in mind depending on the building’s storage contents and that
appropriate fire protection systems are in place. This can include the installation of sprinkler systems,
smoke detection systems, and other fire suppression measures. By carefully designing and monitoring
high-piled storage systems, TERPconsulting’s fire protection engineers can help to minimize fire risk.
