Hey there! As a long span shelving supplier, I often get asked about the flame - spread rating of long span shelving. So, I thought I'd sit down and write this blog to clear up any confusion and give you all the low - down on this important topic.
First things first, let's understand what the flame - spread rating actually is. The flame - spread rating is a measure of how fast a material will spread fire once it's ignited. It's determined through standardized tests, like the ASTM E84 test in the United States. This test exposes a sample of the material to a controlled fire source in a tunnel and measures how far the flames spread along the surface of the material over a specific period.
Now, when it comes to long span shelving, the flame - spread rating can vary depending on the materials used to make the shelving. Most long span shelving is made from either steel or wood, and each material has its own unique flame - spread characteristics.
Steel Long Span Shelving
Steel is a popular choice for long span shelving because it's strong, durable, and relatively inexpensive. From a fire safety perspective, steel has a major advantage: it's non - combustible. That means it won't catch fire on its own. When exposed to fire, steel will start to lose its strength as it heats up, but it won't contribute to the spread of the flames.
In terms of the ASTM E84 test, steel long span shelving typically has a flame - spread rating of 0. This is the best possible rating, indicating that the material doesn't spread flames at all. So, if you're worried about fire safety in your warehouse or storage facility, steel long span shelving is a great option. It can help contain a fire and prevent it from spreading quickly through your storage area.
Wood Long Span Shelving
Wood, on the other hand, is a combustible material. It will catch fire and burn if exposed to a heat source. The flame - spread rating of wood long span shelving can vary widely depending on the type of wood, its treatment, and the finish applied.
For untreated wood, the flame - spread rating can be quite high, often in the range of 75 - 200 on the ASTM E84 scale. This means that the wood will spread flames relatively quickly once ignited. However, there are ways to improve the fire - resistance of wood shelving.
One option is to treat the wood with fire - retardant chemicals. These chemicals can slow down the burning process and reduce the flame - spread rating. Treated wood can have a flame - spread rating as low as 25 - 50, which is a significant improvement. Another option is to apply a fire - resistant finish to the wood, such as a fire - rated paint or varnish.
Why the Flame - Spread Rating Matters
You might be wondering why the flame - spread rating of long span shelving is so important. Well, there are a few key reasons.
First and foremost, it's a matter of safety. In the event of a fire, shelving with a low flame - spread rating can help prevent the fire from spreading rapidly through your storage facility. This gives your employees more time to evacuate safely and can reduce the risk of injury or death.
Secondly, many building codes and regulations require that certain types of storage facilities use shelving with a specific flame - spread rating. If you don't comply with these regulations, you could face fines or other penalties. So, it's important to choose long span shelving that meets the fire - safety requirements for your location.
Finally, having shelving with a low flame - spread rating can also reduce your insurance premiums. Insurance companies often offer lower rates to businesses that take steps to improve fire safety, and using fire - resistant shelving is one way to do that.
Our Product Offerings
At our company, we offer a wide range of long span shelving options to meet your needs. If you're looking for a non - combustible option with a flame - spread rating of 0, our steel long span shelving is a great choice. It's available in various sizes and configurations to fit your storage space. You can check out our Longspan Shelving on our website for more details.
We also have wood long span shelving that can be treated to improve its fire - resistance. Whether you need a small - scale shelving unit for a retail store or a large - scale system for a warehouse, we've got you covered.
In addition to our long span shelving, we also offer Boltless Rivet Shelving Outer Hole and Boltless Rivet Shelving Inner Hole. These types of shelving are easy to assemble and can be a great alternative for smaller storage needs.
Making the Right Choice
When choosing long span shelving, it's important to consider the flame - spread rating along with other factors like cost, durability, and load capacity. If fire safety is a top priority for you, steel shelving is usually the best option. However, if you prefer the look and feel of wood, make sure to choose a treated or fire - resistant option.
Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or need help choosing the right long span shelving for your business. We're here to assist you every step of the way. Whether you're a small business owner looking to organize your inventory or a large corporation in need of a custom storage solution, we can provide you with the information and products you need.
So, if you're in the market for long span shelving and want to ensure that you're making a safe and informed choice, give us a call or send us an email. We'll be happy to discuss your requirements and provide you with a quote.
References
- ASTM International. (2023). ASTM E84 - 23 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.
- National Fire Protection Association. (2023). NFPA 101: Life Safety Code.