**Can chemical warehouses use vertical shelving for storage?
Thread Content
The company plans to build a new **chemical warehouse, of Category B. When designing, consider whether to use double-layer or single-layer shelving for construction. After all, even in double-story warehouses, elevators must be installed due to load-bearing requirements and other reasons. Materials that can only be stacked in one layer. If a single-layer rack system is used, as long as the appropriate racks are chosen, it’s possible to stack items in several layers; from the perspective of storage capacity, this is certainly a suitable approach. Issues such as elevators and load-bearing capacity are no longer problems. However, new challenges arise: 1. Are the relevant standards and regulations permissible? I checked the \"General Guidelines for the Storage of Common **Chemicals\" and the \"Storage and Maintenance Requirements for Flammable and Explosive Goods,\" but neither of them specifies whether storage on shelves is permitted for such hazardous **substances ； 2. Stacking height: The stacking height must not exceed 3m. This 3m distance is likely set to ensure the stability of the material stack. So each layer cannot exceed 3m. Still, the total height of the shelf cannot exceed 3m. 3. In the event of leaks, fires, etc., how should hazardous materials be handled in emergency situations? For example, if the chemicals are stored on the 4th floor and a leak is detected, or if the materials catch fire, how should we transfer those materials and extinguish the fire, and how should we deal with the leakage situation in an emergency?
For solid materials stored as chemicals, vertical shelving can be used for storage (my previous workplace stored acidic and corrosive substances), and no issues were raised during external inspections. Storage height refers to the stacking height and has nothing to do with the shelf height. No one wants accidents such as fires or leaks to occur; the key is to think about how to prevent them and to make proper preparations in advance. If a fire breaks out on the 4th floor, then you need to consider the properties of the chemicals and decide whether it is more important to save the goods or the people. (Get insurance).
What about the liquid material? Is there any saying?
Liquid materials are generally stored in tank areas, and when needed, they are discharged directly on-site. The liquid material that is released depends on the type of container used for holding it; usually, these containers are stacked on top of each other. We used 200L plastic tanks and iron conduits; no shelves were used for storing the liquid materials. It is usually 2 layers high; 3 layers are rarely seen.
Flammable liquids are not allowed to be stored in basements or multi-story warehouses. Reference.
It’s mainly a balance between safety and cost, which you need to consider
There seems to be no domestic regulations specifying whether flammable liquids of Category A and B can be stored on shelves； Since it is a new project, you can consult design firms or safety assessment agencies; if there are any relevant standards, they should be well aware of them. As I recall, NFPA requires that sprinkler systems be installed on each level of the shelves, allowing such shelves to be used for storing liquids of categories A and B