The Importance of Commodity Classification for High-Piled Storage Occupancies

The Importance of Commodity Classification for High-Piled Storage Occupancies

By John Swanson

Many communities are seeing an increase in the number of warehouses built in their jurisdiction. Often, these warehouses are used for high-piled storage. Many of us have experienced and come to appreciate the ability to order something online and receive it next day (or maybe even the same day). The need for businesses to store products and materials near urban and suburban areas so they can be accessed quickly for shipping purposes is a necessity for businesses to survive and thrive in today’s economy. Therefore, the need for warehouse space will likely continue to increase.

high-piled storageCommodity classifications are used in Chapter 32 of the International Fire Code (IFC) and Chapter 20 of NFPA 13 to identify and categorize materials in storage occupancies to determine the appropriate fire protection requirements. The size (square footage) of the high-piled storage area along with the commodity classification are used to determine when sprinklers are required and the overall design of the sprinkler system. This blog will address some of the misconceptions about high-piled storage and how to identify it to determine when additional fire protection requirements apply.

What is High-Piled Combustible Storage?

The IFC defines high-piled storage as, “storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks, or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet in height. Where required by the fire code official, high-piled combustible storage also includes certain high-hazard commodities…where the top of storage is greater than 6 feet in height”. The term “combustible” in high-piled combustible storage can be misleading, as high-piled storage does include non-combustible materials. Simply because a product is noncombustible does not necessarily exempt the storage arrangement from additional fire protection requirements.

NFPA 13 contains the same requirements for Class I-IV commodities. However, it’s important to point out that NFPA 13 applies the storage criteria to Group A plastics (high hazard commodities) when stored over 5 feet in height.

Class I Commodities

Section 3203.2 in the 2021 edition of the IFC says “Class I commodities are noncombustible products in ordinary corrugated cartons with or without single thickness dividers, or in ordinary paper wrappings with or without wood pallets”. In other words, the commodity classification is looking at (1) the product, (2) the packaging, and (3) the pallets that are used to store the product.

It’s common for noncombustible products to be packaged with foam, expanded plastics, or other combustible materials to protect the product in storage and throughout the shipping process. Examples of Class I commodities provided in IFC Chapter 32 include, uncartoned stoves and refrigerators, gypsum, water-based paints, and liquids in glass bottles or jars.

Example of Class I Commodity (Gypsum):

It’s important to remember that simply because the product is noncombustible does not exempt it from the fire protection criteria applicable to high-piled storage occupancies.

Over the next few weeks, this blog series will review the different commodity classifications (Class I – IV, high-hazard and Group A plastics) from the IFC and NFPA 13. Accurately determining the commodity classification is critical in determining the applicable fire protection requirements and sprinkler design. Assigning a commodity classification that does not adequately consider the product, the packaging and the type of pallet used, can have devastating consequences from a fire protection perspective.

Have a Question About High-Piled Storage? NFSA’s Experts Can Help!

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More About the Author

John Swanson currently serves as NFSA’s Codes and Standards Specialist. In this role he provides training and education and represents NFSA on codes and standards technical committees. He currently serves as a Principal member of the NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Technical Committee and is a member of the International Building Code (IBC) Fire Safety Committee and past member of the International Fire Code (IFC) Interpretation Committee. From 2013-2017, John served as a fire service representative appointed by Minnesota Governor, Mark Dayton to the Minnesota Board of Architecture and Engineering.