Need help obtaining the High Piled Storage Permit for your facility?
Have you received a random visit from the Fire Inspector and they issued you a notice of violation?Or did the Building Department told you you need a Commodity Classification and a Life Safety Plan?Don't worry, we're here to help you navigate the complexities of obtaining permits for your warehouse.
So what exactly is a High Piled Storage Permit?
A High-Piled Storage Permit is a specialized approval required by the local Fire Marshal or Building Department when stored materials exceed a certain height. This height threshold is not universal and can vary significantly based on local codes, but it often kicks in when storage reaches between 6 to 12 feet.The permit is essentially proof that your pallet racking system, fire suppression system (sprinklers), and storage practices have been reviewed and certified by a professional engineer to meet the strict NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards for managing high-volume fire loads.
And why is a High Piled Storage Permit necessary anyway?
The necessity of the High Piler Storage (HPS) Permit boils down to risk management and life safety:
Life Safety: A fire in a high-piled storage environment spreads faster and burns hotter than a ground-level fire. The permit ensures your facility has adequate egress, proper emergency access, and a life safety plan in place.
Fire Load Classification: The classification of the products you store (Commodity Classification) dictates the intensity of the fire risk. The permit process requires an accurate classification, ensuring your sprinkler system has the correct density and pressure to effectively suppress that specific type of fire.
Legal and Financial Risk: Operating without a required High Piler Storage (HPS) Permit leaves you vulnerable to massive fines, forced shutdowns, and increased liability. Furthermore, most insurance policies can be voided if a major fire event occurs in a non-permitted, non-compliant facility.
Ok, what information is required to obtain this HPS Permit?
The permit application process is complex because it requires technical data about your facility and operations. You generally need to provide the following information to a professional:
Commodity Classification: Detailed information about what you are storing (e.g., plastics, metals, paper, liquids) and how it is packaged.
Storage Height & Arrangement: The exact height of your storage, the type of racking (selective, push-back, etc.), and the method of storage (palletized, shelved, etc.).
Fire Protection System Info: Information about the fire suppression system, including sprinkler head types, flow rates, and density calculations that are adequate for your commodity class.
Building Specifications: Structural drawings and occupancy specifications.
Aisle and Flue Space Diagrams: Proof that the required gaps between stored product are maintained to allow sprinkler penetration.
So how do I get this High Piled Storage Permit?
Navigating the intricacies of High Piled Storage Permits (HPS) for warehouses requires specialized knowledge. We can manage the entire permit process, from commodity classification to submittal and coordination with the Fire Marshal or Building Department.Contact us today to ensure your vertical storage is safe, compliant, and built for success.
Contact us today.
Fill the form below and a member of our team will contact you to schedule a free consultation and discuss how we can assist with your High Piled Storage Permits.
There is no obligation and no purchase is necessary to schedule your consultation.