Transportation life-safety issues-a view from the loading dock

NFPA Journal, May/Jun 2003 by Carson, Chip

TO FIRE INSPECTORS, the topic of transportation often brings to mind the question, "What happens when a truck is unloaded and its cargo is taken into the building?" Will it cause fire or life safety problems?

Actually, such problems can begin even before off-loading, during the design of the loading area. Trucks are large, and loading docks are usually small, so drivers must often be creative when positioning their vehicles to make the off-loading process easy. Sometimes, this involves blocking fire lanes, fire department connections, hydrants, egress paths to public ways, and exit stairs or doors.

Designers and plan reviewers should consider these issues during the project's development, just as drivers should consider them when they maneuver their trucks into position at the loading dock. Those unloading the vehicles should also consider where they place the cargo, making sure it doesn't block access to the exits or fire department connections, either.

When the arriving materials are brought into the building, thought must be given to where they'll be stored, even if only temporarily.

Because Section 37.2.5.10 of NFPA 101(R), Life Safety Code(R), permits egress through storage rooms in Class A mercantile occupancies that are protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 9.7, the aisles should always be clear.

The code also allows egress through storerooms in all Class B and Class C mercantile occupancies, as long as no more than 50 percent of exit access is through the storeroom; the storeroom isn't locked; the main aisle is at least 44 inches (112 centimeters) wide; and the path of travel, defined with fixed barriers, is direct and free of obstructions.

Problems with storage in the aisles are more likely when a shipment is received, particularly around holidays. Those in charge of the storage room should be aware of this and ready to deal with any obstruction that arises.

Another problem of which the storeroom manager should be aware is boxes piled up to and past the sprinklers. NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, requires an 18-inch (457-millimeter) clearance below the sprinkler deflector.

Stored materials mustn't intrude into this space, or the sprinkler won't be able to develop an effective discharge pattern.

All these issues and more that revolve around the transport of goods require that those involved in every step of the operation, from design to delivery, be aware of the fire and life safety issues and understand the consequences of ignoring protection features and processes.

That's where we come in. As part of the fire safety community, we must be part of the education process, not just code enforcers.

All these issues involving the results of transporting goods require that someone be taught about these fire and life-safety issues and that they understand the consequences of ignoring the process.