Fire protection for steel warehouses

Often less than you think – but rarely none

Many single-storey warehouses with sprinklers and short escape distances need no fire rating on the main portal frame. But codes and insurers often require protection for columns at fire walls, mezzanines, office blocks, escape routes and structures supporting fire-rated walls or racking.

Typical protected elements

• Columns and rafters at compartment walls, so the wall stays standing.
• Mezzanine beams and columns.
• Office and amenities blocks inside the warehouse.
• Steel supporting fire-rated ceilings, shafts or plant rooms.

Keeping the cost down

• Ask the fire engineer to define exactly which elements need a rating.
• Use heavier sections where they reduce the section factor of protected members.
• Apply the coating in the factory with the steel.
• Use boards on columns that need long ratings, coatings on beams.

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