Fire Code of the Philippines Ebook - SafetySignsPH.com Fire Code of the Philippines eBook - SafetySignsPH | Page 253

Table 15: STANDARDS OF VENTING FOR THE STORAGE AND
HANDLING OF COMBUSTIBLE COMMODITIES
HAZARD
CLASSIFICATION
Low
Average
High
Very High
VENT AREA TO
FLOOR AREA RATIO
14.00
9.30
4.70
2.80
MAXIMUM SPACING
BETWEEN VENT CENTERS
50 meters
40 meters
30 meters
23 meters
d. Vents shall consist of automatic roof vents equipped with a fusible
link designed to release prior to sprinkler operation, or roof openings
covered with approved plastic that will melt when heated and
drop out prior to sprinkler operation. Windows shall be equipped
with single thickness glass or plastic panels.
e. Aisles separating combustible commodities shall be not less than
two hundred forty centimeters (240 cm) in width. Aisles separating
commodities more than six meters (6m) in height shall be not less
than three meters (3m) in width. Main aisles shall be located
beneath draft curtains. Stock piles shall not extend beyond or
beneath a draft curtain. Aisles not less than one thousand one
hundred eighteen millimeters (1,118 mm) in width shall be
established to provide access to exits and firefighters’ access
doors. Aisles shall be kept clear of storage, waste materials and
debris at all times.
f.
Firefighters’ access door, aisles and exit doors shall not be
obstructed. Access shall be provided at ground level for
firefighting. There shall be at least one (1) door not less than two
meters (2 m) in height for each thirty lineal meters (30 m). Metal roll-
up doors are not allowed for such purpose.
g. The structural integrity of racks shall be maintained. Clearance
between ignition sources, such as light fixtures, heaters and flame-
producing devices, and combustible materials shall be maintained.
Smoking shall be prohibited and a “NO SMOKING” sign shall be
posted in conspicuous places.
2. Factors to be considered in the storage of common commodities:
a. Method and Height of Stock Piling
i.
Bulk storage - consists of piles of loose, free-flowing materials,
including powder, granules, pellets, or flakes, and agricultural
items. The commodities are typically stored in silos, bins, tanks, or
in large piles on the floor.
ii. Solid piling - consists of cartons, boxes, bales, bags, etc., in
direct contact with each other. Air spaces or flues exist only
237