FMDS0731

FM Global
Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets
7-31
January 2012
Page 1 of 48
STORAGE OF AEROSOL PRODUCTS
Table of Contents
Page
1.0 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Changes .......................................................................................................................................... 3
2.0 LOSS PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 3
2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1.1 Aerosol Hazard Classification ............................................................................................... 3
2.2 Construction and Location ............................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Occupancy ....................................................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Protection ......................................................................................................................................... 6
2.4.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 6
2.4.2 Warehouses ........................................................................................................................... 7
2.4.3 Small Quantities of Storage ................................................................................................ 14
2.4.4 Mercantile Locations ........................................................................................................... 14
2.4.5 Shipping/Receiving Areas ................................................................................................... 15
3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................. 15
3.1 Test Data ....................................................................................................................................... 15
3.1.1 Additional Testing ................................................................................................................ 16
3.1.2 Suppression Mode Automatic Sprinkler Testing .................................................................. 16
3.1.3 Small Containers ................................................................................................................. 18
4.0 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................... 18
4.1 FM Global ...................................................................................................................................... 18
4.2 Others ............................................................................................................................................ 18
APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS ..................................................................................................... 19
APPENDIX B DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY ..................................................................................... 19
APPENDIX C NFPA STANDARD .............................................................................................................. 19
APPENDIX D AEROSOL PRODUCTS ...................................................................................................... 19
D.1 General ......................................................................................................................................... 19
D.2 Aerosol Classification by Chemical Heat of Combustion ............................................................. 20
D.3 Previous Aerosol Classification Schemes ..................................................................................... 20
D.3.1 Aerosol Flammability Test (AFT) ........................................................................................ 20
D.3.2 12-Pallet Test ...................................................................................................................... 20
D.4 Aerosol Can Labeling ................................................................................................................... 21
D.5 Chemical Heat of Combustion Data ............................................................................................. 21
APPENDIX E IN-RACK SPRINKLER LAYOUTS AND FIRE PROTECTION SCHEMES ........................ 24
E.1 In-Rack Sprinkler Layouts ............................................................................................................. 24
E.2 Fire Protection Scheme A ............................................................................................................. 42
E.3 Aerosol Flow-Through Rack Protection Scheme .......................................................................... 47
List of Figures
Fig. 1. Aerosol classification. ......................................................................................................................... 4
Fig. 2a. Cartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols single row racks. ................................................................. 25
Fig. 2b. Cartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols double row racks. ............................................................... 26
Fig. 2c. Cartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols multiple row racks. .............................................................. 27
Fig. 3a. Cartoned Level 3 aerosols single row racks up to 25 ft (7.6 m) high storage
in suppression mode protected building. ..................................................................................................... 28
Fig. 3b. Cartoned Level 3 aerosols double row racks up to 25 ft (7.6 m) high storage
in suppression mode protected building. ..................................................................................................... 29
2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of Factory Mutual Insurance Company.
7-31
Storage of Aerosol Products
Page 2
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
4a.
4b.
4c.
5a.
5b.
5c.
6a.
6b.
6c.
7a.
7b.
7c.
8a.
8b.
8c.
8d.
9a.
9b.
FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets
Cartoned Level 3 aerosols single row racks. ........................................................................... 30

Cartoned Level 3 aerosols double row racks. .......................................................................... 31
Cartoned Level 3 aerosols multiple row racks. ........................................................................ 32
Cartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols, clearance > 15 ft (4.6 m) single row racks. ....................... 33
Cartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols, clearance > 15 ft (4.6 m) double row racks. ..................... 34
Cartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols, clearance > 15 ft (4.6 m) multiple row racks. .................... 35
Uncartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols single row racks up to 20 ft (6.1 m) high storage. ......... 36
Uncartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols double row racks up to 20 ft (6.1 m) high storage. ........ 37
Uncartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols multiple row racks up to 20 ft (6.1 m) high storage. ...... 38
Uncartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols single row racks up to 25 ft (7.6 m) high storage. ......... 39
Uncartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols double row racks up to 25 ft (7.6 m) high storage. ........ 40
Uncartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols multiple row racks up to 25 ft (7.6 m) high storage. ........ 41
Single row rack in-rack sprinkler layout Fire Protection Scheme A. ........................................ 43
Single row rack in-rack sprinkler layout Fire Protection Scheme A. ........................................ 44
Double row rack in-rack sprinkler layout Fire Protection Scheme A. ....................................... 45
Multiple row rack in-rack sprinkler layout Fire Protection Scheme A. ...................................... 46
Aerosol picking area elevation view. ............................................................................................. 48
Aerosol picking area plan view. ..................................................................................................... 48
List of Tables
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
1. Aerosol Classification ....................................................................................................................... 3

2. Chemical Heat of Combustion for Various Materials ...................................................................... 4
3. Aerosol Storage Location Options .................................................................................................. 5
4. Palletized and Solid Pile Storage of Level 2 Aerosols1, 2 .............................................................. 8
5. Palletized and Solid Pile Storage of Level 3 Aerosols 1, 2 ............................................................. 9
6. Rack Storage of Cartoned Level 2 Aerosols 1, 2 .......................................................................... 10
7. Rack Storage of Cartoned Level 3 Aerosols 1, 2 ........................................................................... 11
8. Rack Storage of Uncartoned Level 2 Aerosols 1, 2 ...................................................................... 12
9. Rack Storage of Uncartoned Level 3 Aerosols 1, 2 ...................................................................... 13
10. Fire Test Summary ...................................................................................................................... 18
11. Chemical Heat of Combustion Data ............................................................................................. 22
2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.
7-31
Page 3
1.0 SCOPE
This data sheet applies to the storage of Level 1, 2 and 3 aerosol products.
1.1 Changes
January 2012. Terminology related to ignitable liquids has been revised to provide increased clarity and
consistency with regard to FM Globals loss prevention recommendations for ignitable liquid hazards.
2.0 LOSS PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 Aerosol Hazard Classification
2.1.1.1 Classify aerosol products in accordance with Table 1. Calculate the aerosol products chemical heat
of combustion by one of the following methods.
a) Sum the chemical heat of combustion for the constituent components of the aerosol product (e.g.,
propellant, liquid products, etc.) multiplied by their weight fraction. This is represented in mathematical
notation by the following formula.
Hcht = xiHchi
Where Hcht = total chemical heat of combustion of the product, Btu/lb [kJ/g]
xi = weight fraction of component i
Hchi = chemical heat of combustion of component i
Table 1. Aerosol Classification
greater than:
If the chemical heat of
combustion is:
0
8,600 Btu/lb
(20 kJ/g)
12,900 Btu/lb
(30 kJ/g)
and less than or equal to:

8,600 Btu/lb
(20 kJ/g)
12,900 Btu/lb
(30 kJ/g)
then, aerosol should be

classified as Level
1
2
3
b) Use Figure 1 if the aerosols constituent materials are known and consist of saturated hydrocarbons,
such as propane and isobutane, alcohols such as ethanol or methanol and inert materials.
c) Conduct a 12-pallet test to determine the aerosol classification, if product compositions are not known.
d) Classify the aerosol product as Level 3, if product compositions are not known and test results are
not available.
2.1.1.2 Determine the chemical heat of combustion for the constituents of an aerosol product from one of
the following sources:
a) Use the chemical heat of combustion data compiled in Table 10, located in the Appendix D of this
document, when the exact aerosol product components and their weight percents are known.
b) Use the total heat of combustion, as determined by oxygen bomb calorimeter measurements, when
the exact aerosol product components and their weight percents are known but the chemical heat of
combustion is not available.
c) Use the values provided in Table 2 when the exact components of the aerosol product are not known
but the product can be broken down by weight percent into the generic groups of hydrocarbon (e.g.,
propellent, non-water miscible ignitable liquids), alcohol (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, etc.), and inert (e.g.,
solids, nonignitable liquids).
d) Conduct an oxygen bomb calorimeter test on the aerosol product mixture including the propellent.
7-31
Page 4
Fig. 1. Aerosol classification.
Note: Materials should be considered inert if they are liquids with a flash point that exceeds 500F (260C)
(e.g., some vegetable cooking oils), solids (e.g., powders), nonflammable gases (e.g., carbon dioxide),
or nonignitable liquids (e.g., water).
Table 2. Chemical Heat of Combustion for Various Materials
Hch
(Btu/lb)
19,000
11,000
0
Material
Hydrocarbon
Alcohol
Inert
2.2 Construction and Location

2.2.1 Segregate aerosol storage in accordance with the options provided in Table 3.
Hch
(kJ/g)
44
25
0

7-31
Page 5
Table 3. Aerosol Storage Location Options

Aerosol Level
Storage Array
1
Palletized or Rack
2
Palletized or Rack
3
Palletized
Rack
Protection Mode
Storage Location Options
Control or Suppression Any Location is Acceptable
Control or Suppression Dedicated Building, Cutoff Room, or Dedicated Area
Defined by a Chain Link Fence
Control
Dedicated Building or Cutoff Room
Suppression
Dedicated Building, Cutoff Room, or Dedicated Area
Control or Suppression Dedicated Building, Cutoff Room, or Dedicated Area
2.2.2 Design cutoff rooms in accordance with the following:

a) Locate the room outside the building on an exterior wall. A less desirable alternative would be to locate
the room inside the building on an exterior wall with access from the outside.
b) Provide noncombustible partitions, including gypsum wallboard, with a minimum 1-hr fire resistance
as described in Data Sheet 1-21, Fire Resistance of Building Assemblies.
c) If gypsum wallboard is used, provide a with minimum 22 gauge (0.76 mm) metal facing on the wallboard
to provide some protection against aerosol can impact.
d) Provide a consistent level of sprinkler protection throughout the cutoff room.
2.2.3 Design dedicated storage areas within general-purpose warehouses as follows:
a) Provide a floor-to-ceiling chain link fence that completely surrounds the designated aerosol storage
area. Fencing can use the rack structure for support and may be located in longitudinal flue spaces. An
alternative to fencing would be to provide noncombustible impact resistant barriers (e.g., sheet metal)
within the racks.
b) Use fencing that is at least 9 gauge (3.8 mm) steel wire woven into a 2 in. (50 mm) diamond mesh.
c) Provide a consistent level of sprinkler protection throughout the designated area.
d) Extend the recommended ceiling protection 20 ft (6.1 m) beyond the fence if it is more stringent than
the ceiling sprinkler requirement for the adjacent occupancy.
2.2.4 For cutoff rooms and dedicated areas, maintain the doors normally closed and provide a mechanical
opener. A less desirable approach is to use a normally open door with a mechanical door closer that is
interlocked to close the door upon sprinkler operation or activation of a heat detector within the rack or at
ceiling level. An alternative for openings in chain link fence enclosed areas is to design a doorless opening
that does not provide a direct line of sight for a rocketing can to the area outside of the enclosure.
2.2.5 If aerosols expose MFL walls, arrange openings so as to eliminate cans rocketing through the openings.
Labyrinth or tunnel approaches to the opening are possible solutions.
2.2.6 If a suspended ceiling is needed to meet ceiling height limitations listed in the protection tables,
construct the ceiling as follows:
a) Extend the ceiling 4 ft (1.2 m) beyond the storage and provide a draft curtain around the ceiling
perimeter.
b) Construct the suspended ceiling to be capable of withstanding fire plume uplift velocity pressures of
at least 3 lb/ft2 (14.6 kg/m2). Material suitable for such purpose include 38 in. (0.95 cm) plywood, 38 in.
(0.95 cm) gypsum board, corrugated or sheet steel, or mineral tile in a fire rated support frame. Sheets
of these materials should be securely fastened to the supporting framework.
c) Install two clips per ceiling tile to resist uplift pressure and can impact.
d) If the ceiling is hung from the existing roof framework, conduct a study to verify that the roof can support
the additional dead load.
e) Provide sprinklers at the roof level above the suspended ceiling if the roof is combustible or if there
are enough combustibles in the space between the roof and the ceiling to warrant sprinklers.
7-31
Page 6

2.3 Occupancy
2.3.1 Maintain only aerosol storage in designated aerosol storage areas or cutoff rooms/buildings. Do not
mix aerosol storage with any ignitable liquid storage.
2.3.2 Provide minimum 8 ft (2.4 m) aisles for all rack storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosols.
2.4 Protection
2.4.1 General
2.4.1.1 Protect Level 2 or 3 aerosols with a container size of 5 fl oz (148 ml) or less using the protection
criteria provided in Data Sheet 8-9 for cartoned Group A unexpanded plastics. Products in this category may
be stored in general-purpose warehouses without any subdivision or cutoff. Basements should be avoided.
Products that are commonly found in this category include cigarette lighters, lighter refills and some small
hand-held torch cylinders.
2.4.1.2 Protect Level 1 aerosols using the protection criteria provided in Data Sheet 8-9 for a Class 3
commodity.
2.4.1.3 If storage is mixed, provide protection for the most hazardous classification of products present.
2.4.1.4 Use only wet or preaction sprinkler systems to protect aerosol storage. Dry-pipe systems do not have
adequate response time to control a fire in aerosol storage. Preaction sprinkler systems must be designed
to ensure water deliver to sprinklers before the sprinkler operates. One approach to achieve adequate
preaction system water delivery is to install heat detectors at either one-half their listed linear spacing or
the full allowable sprinkler spacing.
2.4.1.5 Install sprinklers in accordance with installation guidelines in Data Sheet 2-0, Installation Guidelines
for Automatic Sprinklers.
2.4.1.6 Base the in-rack sprinkler water demand on the simultaneous operation of the most hydraulically
remote sprinklers as follows:
a) Eight (8) sprinklers where only one level of in-rack sprinklers is provided.
b) Twelve (12) sprinklers (six [6] sprinklers on two levels) where only two (2) levels of in-rack sprinklers
are provided.
c) Eighteen (18) sprinklers (six [6] sprinklers on the top three levels) where more than two (2) levels of
in-rack sprinkler are provided.
d) In-rack design flows are provided in Tables 6 through 9. The end-sprinkler discharge pressure must
be at least 15 psi (1 bar) regardless of sprinkler type.
2.4.1.7 When required in Tables 6 through 9, install in-rack sprinklers in accordance with Figures 1 through 6.
In-rack sprinklers must be staggered vertically where indicated in the figures.
2.4.1.8 In addition to the water supply requirements for automatic sprinkler systems, provide the following
hose stream demands:
a) 500 gpm (1900 l/min) for buildings protected with control-mode sprinkler protection.
b) 250 gpm (950 l/min) for buildings protected with suppression-mode sprinkler protection.
c) 250 gpm (950 l/min) for buildings or rooms with a floor area of 2000 ft2 (185 m2) or less regardless
of the ceiling protection.
Loss experience indicates that because of rocketing cans, fire departments fight aerosol can fires from
appreciable distances with greatly reduced effects, which increases the importance of designing for hose
streams in a warehouse sprinkler design. (See Tables 4 through 9.)
2.4.1.9 Provide the following fire protection water supply durations:
a) 2 hour duration for buildings protected with control-mode sprinkler protection.
b) 1 hour duration for buildings protected with suppression-mode sprinkler protection.

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Page 7
2.4.1.10 Provide small hose with combination spray nozzles and portable extinguishers suitable for fires
that involve ignitable liquids as well as ordinary combustibles.
2.4.1.11 Instruct and train operating employees and members of the Emergency Organization in the hazards
of butane and propane containers and in the emergency procedures to follow in the event of accident. Alert
the public fire department to the hazards and to the fire protection facilities provided.
2.4.2 Warehouses
2.4.2.1 Protect palletized or solid piled storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosols in accordance with Tables 4 and 5.
2.4.2.2 Protect rack storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosols in accordance with Tables 6, 7, 8, 9 and Figures 1
through 6.
7-31
Page 8
Table 4. Palletized and Solid Pile Storage of Level 2 Aerosols1,
Packaging
Type
Cartoned
Uncartoned
Max
Ceiling
Height
Max
Storage
Height
25 ft
(7.6 m)
18
(5.5
20
(6.1
30 ft
(9.1 m)
5 ft
(1.5 m)
15 ft
(4.6 m)
25 ft
(7.6 m)
15 ft
(4.6 m)
30 ft
(9.1 m)
15 ft
(4.6 m)
ft
m)
ft
m)
Ceiling Sprinkler Protection Criteria

Sprinkler Type
Design
(density/area)
Nominal
Response/
(# sprinklers @ discharge
Nominal
K Factor
Protection Mode
pressure)
gpm/psi 0.5
Temperature
(l/min/bar 0.5)
Rating
Control- Specific
11.2
SR/Ordinary
15 @ 50 psi
Application
(161)
(3.4 bar)
Suppression14.0
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 50 psi
pendent
(202)
(3.4 bar)
Suppression16.8
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 35 psi
pendent
(235)
(2.4 bar)
Suppression22.4
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi
pendent
(314)
(1.7 bar)
Suppression25.2
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi
pendent
(363)
(1.7 bar)
Control 8.0
SR/High
0.30 gpm/ft2 over 2500 ft2
Density/Area
(115)
(12 mm/min over 232 m2
Suppression14.0
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 50 psi
pendent
(202)
(3.4 bar)
Suppression16.8
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 35 psi
pendent
(235)
(2.4 bar)
Suppression22.4
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi
pendent
(314)
(1.7 bar)
Suppression25.2
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi
pendent
(363)
(1.7 bar)
Suppression14.0
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 50 psi
pendent
(202)
(3.4 bar)
Suppression16.8
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 35 psi
pendent
(235)
(2.4 bar)
Suppression22.4
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi
pendent
(314)
(1.7 bar)
Suppression25.2
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi
pendent
(363)
(1.7 bar)
Suppression14.0
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 75 psi
pendent
(202)
(5.2 bar)
Suppression16.8
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 52 psi
pendent
(235)
(3.6 bar)
Suppression22.4
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 45 psi
pendent
(314)
(3.1 bar)
Suppression25.2
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi
pendent
(363)
(1.7 bar)
1. QR = Quick Response; SR = Standard Response

2. Hose stream demands and water supply duration criteria provided in sections 2.4.1.8 and 2.4.1.9.
7-31
Table 5. Palletized and Solid Pile Storage of Level 3 Aerosols 1,
Packaging
Type
Cartoned
Max
Ceiling
Height
Max
Storage
Height
20 ft
(6.1 m)
5 ft
(1.5 m)
10 ft
(3 m)
15 ft
(4.6 m)
25 ft
(7.6 m)
30 ft
(9.1 m)
Uncartoned
5 ft
(1.5 m)
15 ft
(4.6 m)

Sprinkler Type
Nominal
Response/
Nominal
Protection
K Factor
Mode
gpm/psi0.5
Temperature
(l/min/bar0.5)
Rating
Control 8.0
SR/High
Density/Area
(115)
Control-Specific
11.2
SR/Ordinary
Application
(161)
Suppression14.0
QR/Ordinary
pendent
(202)
Suppression16.8
QR/Ordinary
pendent
(235)
Suppression22.4
QR/Ordinary
pendent
(314)
Suppression25.2
QR/Ordinary
pendent
(363)
Control 11.2
SR/High
Density/Area
(161)
Suppression14.0
QR/Ordinary
pendent
(202)
Suppression16.8
QR/Ordinary
pendent
(235)
Suppression22.4
QR/Ordinary
pendent
(314)
Suppression25.2
QR/Ordinary
pendent
(363)
No Protection Criteria Available
1. QR = Quick Response; SR = Standard Response

Page 9
Design
(density/area)
(# sprinklers @ discharge
pressure)
(12 mm/min over 232 m2)
15 @ 75 psi (5.2 bar)
12 @ 50 psi (3.4 bar)
12 @ 35 psi (2.4 bar)
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
12 @ 75 psi (5.2 bar)
12 @ 52 psi (3.6 bar)
12 @ 45 psi (3.1 bar)
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
1. QR = Quick Response; SR = Standard Response; NA = Not Applicable

3. In-rack sprinkler design criteria provided in section 2.4.1.6.
7-31

In-Rack Sprinkler Protection Criteria 3
Sprinkler Type
Sprinkler Type
Design
Discharge
Response/
Nominal
Response/
Nominal
(density/area)
Layout
flow
Max
Max
Nominal
K Factor
Nominal
Protection
K Factor
(# sprinklers @
See Figure:
gpm
0.5
0.5
Roof
Storage
Temperature
gpm/psi
Temperature
Mode
gpm/psi
discharge pressure)
(l/min)
Height
Height
(l/min/bar0.5)
Rating
(l/min/bar0.5)
Rating
25 ft
20 ft
Suppression14.0
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 50 psi (3.4 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
(7.6 m)
(6.1 m) pendent
(202)
Suppression16.8
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 35 psi (2.4 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
pendent
(235)
Suppression22.4
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
pendent
(314)
Suppression25.2
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
pendent
(363)
30 ft
15 ft
Suppression14.0
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 50 psi (3.4 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
(9.1 m)
(4.6 m) pendent
(202)
Suppression16.8
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 35 psi (2.4 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
pendent
(235)
Suppression22.4
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
pendent
(314)
Suppression25.2
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
pendent
(363)
20 ft
Control 8.0
SR/High
2a-c
5.6
QR/Ordinary
30
(6.1 m) Density/Area
(115)
(81)
(114)
25 ft
Suppression14.0
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 50 psi (3.4 bar)
2a-c
5.6
QR/Ordinary
30
(7.6 m) pendent
(202)
(81)
(114)
Suppression16.8
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 35 psi (2.4 bar)
2a-c
5.6
QR/Ordinary
30
pendent
(235)
(81)
(114)
Suppression22.4
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
2a-c
5.6
QR/Ordinary
30
pendent
(314)
(81)
(114)
Suppression25.2
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
2a-c
5.6
QR/Ordinary
30
pendent
(363)
(81)
(114)
Control 11.2
SR/High
2a-c
5.6
SR or QR/Ordinary
30
Density/Area
(161)
(81)
(114)
Unlimited Unlimited
Any
Any
Any
See Scheme A
See Scheme A
For storage up to 25 ft (7.6 m) and building heights greater than 30 ft (9.1 m), use the same level of protection as outlined in Table 6 for Level 3 aerosols or Scheme A.
Page 10
Table 6. Rack Storage of Cartoned Level 2 Aerosols 1,
Max
Roof
Height
Max
Storage
Height
25 ft
(7.6 m)
15 ft
(4.6 m)
30 ft
(9.1 m)
15 ft
(4.6 m)
25 ft
(7.6 m)
Layout
See Figure:
Nominal
K Factor
gpm/psi0.5
(l/min/bar0.5)
Response/
Nominal
Temperature
Rating
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 50 psi (3.4 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
16.8
(235)
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 35 psi (2.4 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suppressionpendent
22.4
(314)
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suppressionpendent
25.2
(363)
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suppressionpendent
14.0
(202)
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 75 psi (5.2 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suppressionpendent
16.8
(235)
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 52 psi (3.6 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suppressionpendent
22.4
(314)
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 45 psi (3.1 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suppressionpendent
25.2
(363)
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suppressionpendent
14.0
(202)
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 50 psi (3.4 bar)
3a-b
8.0
(115)
QR/Ordinary
45
(170)
4a-c
5.6
(81)
SR or QR/
Ordinary
30
(114)
3a-b
8.0
(115)
QR/Ordinary
45
(170)
4a-c
5.6
(81)
SR or QR/
Ordinary
30
(114)
3a-b
8.0
(115)
QR/Ordinary
45
(170)
4a-c
5.6
(81)
SR or QR/
Ordinary
30
(114)
3a-b
8.0
(115)
QR/Ordinary
45
(170)
4a-c
5.6
(81)
SR or QR/
Ordinary
30
(114)
4a-c
5.6
(81)
SR or QR/
Ordinary
30
(114)
4a-c
5.6
(81)
SR or QR/
Ordinary
30
(114)
5a-c
5.6
(81)
SR or QR/
Ordinary
30
(114)
Response/
Nominal
Temperature
Rating
Suppressionpendent
14.0
(202)
Suppressionpendent
Protection
Mode
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
>30 ft (9.1 m) &

40 ft (12.2 m)
25 ft
(7.6 m)
>40 ft
(12.2 m)
25 ft
(7.6 m)
Unlimited
Unlimited
Sprinkler Type
Design
(density/area)
(# sprinklers @
discharge pressure)
Nominal
K Factor
gpm/psi0.5
(l/min/bar0.5)
16.8
(235)
22.4
(314)
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 35 psi (2.4 bar)
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
Suppressionpendent
25.2
(363)
ControlDensity/Area
8.0
(115)
ControlDensity/Area
11.2
(161)
ControlDensity/Area
8.0
(115)
SR/High
0.30 gpm/ft over 2500 ft

Any
Any
See Scheme A
Any
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
SR/High
SR/High
0.30 gpm/ft over 2500 ft

2
0.60 gpm/ft over 1500 ft to 2500 ft (25 mm/min over 140 m ) to 232 m
Interpolate area for clearances between 5 ft (1.5 m) and 15 ft (4.6 m)

Discharge
Flow
gpm
(l/min)
7-31
Sprinkler Type
Page 11
Table 7. Rack Storage of Cartoned Level 3 Aerosols 1,
See Scheme A
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
20 ft
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
ControlDensity/Area
ControlDensity/Area
25 ft
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
ControlDensity/Area
Unlimited
Any

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fig. 6a-c
Fig. 6a-c
Fig. 6a-c
Fig. 6a-c
Fig. 7a-c
Fig. 6a-c
Fig. 7a-c
Fig. 7a-c
Fig. 7a-c
Fig. 7a-c
Fig. 7a-c
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
See Scheme A
Protection
Mode
Discharge
flow
gpm
(l/min)
7-31
Unlimited
Max
Storage
Height
15 ft
Layout

Sprinkler Type
Nominal
Response/
K Factor
Nominal
gpm/psi0.5
Temperature
(l/min/bar0.5)
Rating
NA
NA
Max
Roof
Height
30 ft

Sprinkler Type
Design
Response/
Nominal
(density/area)
Nominal
K Factor
(# sprinklers @
Temperature
gpm/psi0.5
discharge pressure)
0.5
(l/min/bar )
Rating
14.0
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 75 psi (5.2 bar)
(202)
16.8
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 52 psi (3.6 bar)
(235)
22.4
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 45 psi (3.1 bar)
(314)
25.2
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
(363)
14.0
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 50 psi (3.4 bar)
(202)
16.8
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 35 psi (2.4 bar)
(235)
22.4
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
(314)
25.2
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
(363)
8.0
SR/High
(115)
11.2
SR/High
(161)
14.0
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 50 psi (3.4 bar)
(202)
16.8
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 35 psi (2.4 bar)
(235)
22.4
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
(314)
25.2
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
(363)
8.0
SR/High
(115)
Any
Any
See Scheme A
Page 12
Table 8. Rack Storage of Uncartoned Level 2 Aerosols 1,
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
ControlDensity/Area
ControlDensity/Area
25 ft
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
Suppressionpendent
ControlDensity/Area
Unlimited
Any
Fig. 6a-c
Fig. 6a-c
Fig. 6a-c
Fig. 6a-c
Fig. 6a-c
Fig. 7a-c
Fig. 7a-c
Fig. 7a-c
Fig. 7a-c
Fig. 7a-c
Fig. 7a-c
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
45
(170)
7-31
Protection
Mode
Discharge
flow
gpm
(l/min)
Unlimited
Max
Storage
Height
20 ft
Layout

Sprinkler Type
Nominal
Response/
K Factor
Nominal
gpm/psi0.5
Temperature
(l/min/bar0.5)
Rating
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
8.0
QR/Ordinary
(115)
See Scheme A
Page 13
Max
Roof
Height
30 ft

Sprinkler Type
Design
Response/
Nominal
(density/area)
Nominal
K Factor
(# sprinklers @
Temperature
gpm/psi0.5
discharge pressure)
0.5
(l/min/bar )
Rating
14.0
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 75 psi (5.2 bar)
(202)
16.8
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 35 psi (2.4 bar)
(235)
22.4
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
(314)
25.2
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
(363)
11.2
SR/High
(161)
8.0
SR/High
(115)
14.0
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 75 psi (5.2 bar)
(202)
16.8
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 35 psi (2.4 bar)
(235)
22.4
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
(314)
25.2
QR/Ordinary
12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)
(363)
8.0
SR/High
(115)
Any
Any
See Scheme A
Table 9. Rack Storage of Uncartoned Level 3 Aerosols 1,

7-31
Page 14
2.4.2.3 Protect picking areas that contain Level 2 and 3 aerosols as follows:
a) For picking in standard configuration single and double row racks, locate aerosol storage on the first
and second tier of the rack. Install Fire Protection Scheme A over the picking area. Provide chain link
fence or similar restraint at the edges of the aerosol storage area. For example, if the aerosols storage
is located only on one side of a double row rack, install chain link fencing down the longitudinal flue space
and at each end of the storage.
b) For picking in flow-through racks (those with shelves consisting of slanted rollers spaced less than
1 ft apart so that product loaded on one side rolls to the other), store and protect the aerosols in accordance
with the Aerosol Flow Through Rack Protection Scheme described and illustrated in Section E.3.
2.4.2.4 Protect aerosol storage in automated rack storage warehouses that are higher than 30 ft (9.1 m)
with aisle widths of 4 ft (1.2 m) or more as follows:
a) Limit aerosol storage to the bottom tiers of the racks.
b) Provide chain link fencing or noncombustible vertical barriers around the limits of the aerosol storage.
The rack face does not need to be enclosed.
c) Provide Fire Protection Scheme A over all aerosol storage within the racks. If aerosols are stored above
the bottom two rack tiers, protect all tiers below the aerosol storage using Fire Protection Scheme A as
well.
2.4.3 Small Quantities of Storage

2.4.3.1 Construct small, low-cost metal frame or concrete block buildings outside the warehouse. If attached
to the main warehouse, the building should be sprinklered. Another solution might be to store products in
trailers away from the buildings.
2.4.3.2 A half-dozen pallets or so may be relocated to sprinklered, covered shipping/receiving docks external
to the warehouse. Such storages should be along walls away from doors and windows. Although the storage
may be totally involved in a fire, the rocketing cans would not expose the continuous combustibles in the
warehouse. Ceiling sprinklers should be applied to produce the densities recommended in Section 2.4.5,
Shipping/Receiving Areas.
2.4.3.3 Individual cartons totaling less than a pallet load can be stored on solid shelves maximum 2 ft (0.61 m)
deep in small rooms of noncombustible construction, preferably located along exterior walls. The room should
be a maximum of 15 ft (4.6 m) high and be provided with a noncombustible roof and self-closing doors.
Sprinklers supplied from the building sprinklers should be installed at the ceiling.
2.4.3.4 Special storage arrangements or equipment may be possible. Among the alternatives are:
a) Use portable bins to store pallet-load quantities. Such bins should be noncombustible and be enclosed
on all sides, including the top and bottom. Individual designs are likely to be needed for such bins.
b) Storing individual cartons inside flammable-liquid cabinets.
c) Removal of the cans from shipping cartons and storing them in open top noncombustible bins or baskets
for shipping to stores.
2.4.4 Mercantile Locations
Supermarkets and department and discount stores have a large variety of aerosol products in storage and
on display. Products on display in selling areas do not present an unusual fire hazard in sprinklered buildings
if they are not inside combustible packaging. In the storerooms these products are normally in cardboard
cartons, and they present a severe fire hazard. One of the following storage arrangements is recommended:
2.4.4.1 Relocate to small noncombustible detached buildings. In many stores, inexpensive home garden
storage buildings of the type sold at retail can be used.
2.4.4.2 Locate in small sprinklered cutoff rooms having a minimum 1-hr fire resistance in the shipping and
receiving areas. The sprinkler system should be designed to provide a 0.30 gpm/ft2 (12 mm/min) for Level 2
aerosols, and 0.60 gpm/ft2 (24 mm/min) for Level 3 aerosols. Storage height should be limited to one pallet
high.
7-31
Page 15
2.4.4.3 Remove the cans from the shipping cartons and store in noncombustible bins or shopping carts as
described in Recommendation 2.4.3.4. Locate in sprinklered areas at least 5 ft (1.5 m) from other combustible
storages.
2.4.5 Shipping/Receiving Areas
In many warehouses, the receiving area often is separate from the shipping area. Pallet loads of aerosol
would be expected to be found in the receiving area but not necessarily in shipping areas where pallet loads
of mixed commodities are assembled for shipment to stores. At smaller locations, the shipping and receiving
may be combined in one area. (Even though the shipping areas at large warehouses may not have pallet
loads of aerosols present, the term shipping/receiving areas is used in the data sheet for simplicity.) The
process of receiving and distributing aerosols requires staging them in shipping/receiving areas and
transporting them through the warehouse. This is unavoidable, but the exposure can be minimized by proper
handling. Among the suggested procedures are:
2.4.5.1 In-process, non-rack storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosols may be present in shipping/receiving areas
when limited to one pallet load high and protected as follows:
a) Level 2 aerosols. Ceiling sprinklers should be capable of providing a minimum density of 0.30 gpm/ft2
over 2500 ft2 (12 mm/min over 230 m2) using 286F (141C) heads.
b) Level 3 aerosols. Ceiling sprinklers should be capable of providing a minimum density of 0.60 gpm/ft2
over 2500 ft2 (24 mm/min over 230 m2) using 1732 in. (14 mm) orifice 286F (141C) heads.
2.4.5.2 To minimize the exposure the aerosols present to other storage in the warehouse during transport
to and from the assigned area, locate the aerosol storage areas as close as possible to shipping/receiving
areas. This is especially important if the ceiling sprinkler systems everywhere in the warehouse are not
capable of providing the minimum density of 0.30 gal/min/ft2 for Level 2 aerosols or 0.60 gpm/ft2 for Level 3
aerosols over 2500 ft2 (12 or 24 mm/min over 230 m2) using 286F (141C) heads.
Quantities in shipping/receiving areas should be the minimum necessary for efficient operations. Shipping/
receiving areas should not be used for storage.
3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Test Data
FM Global Research conducted large scale tests on all levels of flammable products. Level 2 flammable
aerosols produced intense fires, and ruptured cans were propelled throughout the test site. Sprinklers
confined the fire to the aerosol storage with no sustained fire propagation to the target storage arrays. Some
of the rocketing cans actually trailed burning liquid, and burning packaging material or plastic caps also were
occasionally propelled beyond the test array. Product sprayed from the cans and occasionally splashed onto
the target arrays, but it was quickly diluted and extinguished by the sprinkler discharge.
Tests on Level 3 products resulted in high heat release rates and rocketing cans with trailing fires. These
products produced copious quantities of dense black smoke. Visibility during tests was often completely
obscured after only four or five minutes. A single pallet load of a Level 3 aerosol in a 30 ft (9.1 m) high test
bay with a 40F (4C) flash point opened 36 high temperature sprinkler heads discharging at a density of
0.30 gpm/ft2 (12 mm/min). Ceiling temperatures reached 1900F (1040C) and exceeded 1000F (540C) for
one minute. Consumption of the aerosols caused the eventual reduction in ceiling temperatures. Burning
material was spread by rocketing cans and insoluble burning liquid floating on the sprinkler water.
In the rack storage tests of both types of aerosols, the fire spread quickly up the ignition flue and reached
the top of the array in about one minute. The fire also advanced to the face of the second, third, and fourth
tiers of storage. The heat input of the burning packaging caused cans on the aisle to rupture. The fireball
and burning liquid often impinged on the face of the target rack. The aisle jump started at the top of the storage
and spread downward. Aisle jump occurred in tests on Level 3 aerosols even when the ceiling sprinkler
density was 0.6 gpm/ft2 (24 mm/min), but the fire was controlled.
A test, co-sponsored by an insured, was conducted using face sprinklers in addition to longitudinal flue
sprinklers to determine whether face sprinklers would stop the fire spread up the face of the rack. Clearance
between ceiling and storage was reduced to 5 ft (1.5 m) and ceiling density was reduced from 0.60 gpm/ft2
(24 mm/min) to 0.30 gpm/ft2 (12 mm/min).
7-31
Page 16
The in-rack sprinklers were staggered horizontally and vertically. A Level 3 paint product was the test
commodity. The results indicated that the face sprinklers do interrupt the fire spread, prevent aisle jump, and
reduce the number of operating ceiling sprinklers. Two in-rack sprinklers, one at the face and one in the
longitudinal flue, and four ceiling sprinklers operated. In comparison, the two tests without face sprinklers
and with the 0.60 gpm/ft2 ceiling density opened 5 and 12 ceiling sprinklers and 5 and 6 in-rack sprinklers.
Aisle jump also occurred in these two tests, but was controlled by the high ceiling sprinkler density.
In both palletized and rack storage tests, the can ruptures dislodged surrounding cans and exposed other
cans inside the load to the fire, further increasing the severity.
The major mechanism of fire control during the test program was prompt extinguishment of the water-miscible
Level 2 product. Control of the non-water-miscible Level 2 and 3 aerosols was achieved by wetting and
cooling with a combination of high ceiling sprinkler density and in-rack sprinklers.
The testing revealed that in the absence of adequate sprinkler protection:
1. The rocketing cans, regardless of contents, could severely hamper manual fire fighting efforts.
2. Some of the Level 3 aerosols generated thick black smoke and visibility was completely obscured in five
minutes. If adequate protection is provided, the amount of smoke generated will be significantly less because
less product is released and consumed.
3. A single pallet load of a Level 3 aerosol in a general purpose warehouse as they are usually protected
constitutes a potential serious loss.
3.1.1 Additional Testing
Initial testing revealed that palletized storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products in excess of one high could
not be protected even with a 0.60 gpm/ft2 (24 mm/min) density. It was recognized that the one-high palletized
height limitation was a severe restriction for locations that handled large quantities of aerosols (e.g., aerosol
manufacturing plants and large distribution warehouses). Additional tests, sponsored by an aerosol trade
group and conducted by FM Global Research, were made to determine whether large-drop sprinklers could
be used to protect palletized storage that exceeded one pallet high. Tests showed that four-high (18 ft [5.5 m])
palletized storage of Level 2 aerosols and two-high (10 ft [3 m]) palletized storage of Level 3 aerosols could
be adequately protected by using 160F (71C) rated large-drop sprinklers installed on a maximum 100 ft2
(9.3 m2) spacing and with ceiling clearances specified in the recommendations.
Except for the four-high palletized Level 2 aerosol test, all tests were conducted with a 20 ft (6.1 m) ceiling
height. The test with four-high palletized storage was conducted with a 25 ft (7.6 m) ceiling height. The
end-head pressure for the Level 2 test was 50 psi (344 kPa) which produced a flow of about 79 gpm (5 l/min).
The end-head pressure for the Level 3 test was 75 psi (517 kPa) which produced a flow of 97 gpm (6 l/min).
Additional tests were conducted to determine whether packaging or product changes would reduce the
hazard. Five concepts were tested: 1) rim vent release (RVR) cans, which are designed to vent the contents
and relieve the internal pressure without catastrophic can failure; 2) plastic shrink wrap which replaced the
cardboard cartons; 3) fire retardant cartons; 4) metal overcaps instead of the plastic overcaps; and 5)
substitution of 30% of the toluene in the Level 3 product with less flammable methylene chloride. The results
of these tests did not warrant further investigation of these concepts. The results of the testing on shrink
wrapped aerosol product (i.e., uncartoned aerosols) indicated that the lack of cardboard packaging materials
may negatively impact the sprinkler protection effectiveness for rack and palletized storage arrangements.
3.1.2 Suppression Mode Automatic Sprinkler Testing
3.1.2.1 Level 1 Aerosols
Level 1 aerosols were tested under the Fire Products Collector with the same protection that was developed
for Data Sheet 2-2, Installation Rules for Suppression Mode Automatic Sprinklers. The results indicated that
Level 1 aerosols could be adequately protected with this criteria.
7-31
Page 17
3.1.2.2 Level 2 and 3 Aerosols25 ft (7.6 m) Ceiling

Tests Nos. 1 through 5 in Table 10 were conducted to determine whether Level 2 and 3 aerosols could be
protected when stored under a 25 ft (7.6 m) ceiling. Suppression mode sprinklers (165F [74C] rated, 50 RTI)
were installed on 1010 ft (33 m) spacing. A 50 psi (3.45 bar) constant discharge pressure was applied.
Tests were conducted with various ignition locations to determine the effect on test results. These tests
showed the suppression mode sprinkler provided effective protection.
An additional test has been conducted to establish the effectiveness of suppression mode sprinklers, on
812 ft (2.43.7 m) spacing, for aerosol protection under a 20 ft (7.6 m) ceiling. (See Table 2.) The test results
were similar to sprinklers on 1010 ft (33 m) spacing and confirms the adequacy of 812 ft (2.43.7 m)
spacing.
3.1.2.3 Level 2 and 3 Aerosols30 ft (9.1 m) Ceiling
These encouraging results led to additional tests to investigate whether the same protection would be effective
under a 30 ft (9.1 m) ceiling. Test No. 5 involved 14 ft (4.3 m) high Level 3 aerosols with the ignition centered
below one sprinkler and opened only one sprinkler. Test No. 6 was conducted under the same conditions
but with one difference: the ceiling height was 5 ft (1.5 m) greater. However, 60 sprinklers opened as compared
to one sprinkler in Test No. 5. These results reinforced the fact that controlling aerosol fires is an either/or
proposition and that the criteria for sprinkler design and storage and ceiling heights should be followed closely.
3.1.2.4 Designated Areas
Despite the favorable results of some of these tests, Level 2 and 3 aerosols still should be stored in a
designated area. There are several reasons for this:
1. The heat from a fire occurring in an area protected by standard sprinklers can operate suppression mode
sprinklers and could deplete the water supply. This was confirmed in a test in which sufficient heat escaped
from the area protected with standard sprinklers to open suppression mode sprinklers installed over an array
located 50 ft (15 m) away.
2. Although the effects of ignition location with respect to the sprinklers were investigated, tests were not
conducted to simulate more conservative failure modes such as a plugged head directly over ignition,
obstructions below the sprinklers, or irregular flues in racks. The suppression mode sprinkler is still expected
to control such fires but the fire severity and the amount of rocketing could be worse. Thus a solid wall or
chain link fencing should be provided around the aerosol storage to prevent involvement of surrounding
commodities.
3. The suppression mode sprinkler represents a major improvement in protection technology, but it should
not be relied upon as the only means for handling the challenge created by aerosols. Because of the
widespread use of aerosols and the manner in which they are packaged, it is easy to forget that they contain
ignitable liquids pressurized with flammable gases. They thus represent a serious fire challenge, more so
than ignitable liquids in nonpressurized containers, and deserve the special handling described for in this
bulletin and in Data Sheet 7-29. One of the fundamental principles of protecting special hazard materials is
isolation. Not locating aerosols in a special cutoff or designated area creates the impression that these
products are the same as any other commodity.
3.1.2.5 Mixing Commodities
Even though the RDD (Required Delivered Density) of aerosols is higher than that of unexpanded plastics,
it is not recommended that these two commodities be mixed within the same storage array. Previous
experience with mixed commodities has shown that the test results are worse than for each commodity by
itself. In the early stages of a fire, before can ruptures begin to increase in frequency, the exposure fire of the
bottom tier to the tiers above is intermittent and is essentially a cardboard fire. Replacing the bottom tier
or tiers with plastics is expected to create a more intense and prolonged fire exposure to the tiers of aerosols
above with unknown results.
7-31
Page 18
Table 10. Fire Test Summary

Test No.
Commodity
Level
Array
Stack Height, ft (meters)
Ceiling Height, ft (meters)
Ceiling Clearance, ft (meters)
Ignition Centered Below # of AS
First AS operated (min:sec)
Last AS (min:sec)
Total # AS operated
Peak Temperature,F (C)
First Rupture
1
HS
2
R
18.8
(5.7)
25
(7.6)
6.2
(1.9)
4
1:02
1:11
4
1045
(560)
1:03
2
Pt
3
R
13.8
(4.2)
25
(7.6)
11.2
(3.4)
4
0:42
1:06
4
565
(296)
1:01
3
Pt
3
P
15.5
(4.7)
25
(7.6)
9.5
(2.9)
4
0:49
1:36
4
713
(378)
1:29
4
Pt
3
R
13.6
(4.1)
19
(5.8)
4.2
(1.3)
2
0:55
6:33
5
1421
(771)
0:52
5
Pt
3
R
13.8
(4.2)
25
(7.6)
11.2
(3.4)
1
0:35
0:35
1
256
(124)
None
6
Pt
3
R
13.8
(4.2)
30
(9)
15
(4.5)
1
0:36
2:06
61
1447
(785)
0:44
7
HS
2
R
13.8
(4.2)
30
(9)
15
(4.5)
1
0:34
0:34
1
233
(106)
0:46
8
HS
2
R
18.8
(5.7)
30
(9)
10
(3)
2
0:56
3:34
14
995
(535)
1:01
9
Pt
3
R
13.8
(4.2)
30
(9)
15
(4.5)
1
1:15
1
200
(93)
1:10
10
Pt
3
R
13.8
(4.2)
19
(5.8)
4.2
(1.3)
2
1:10
1:12
6
1590
(866)
1:05
Commodity: HS = Hair Spray, Pt = Paint Array: R = Rack, P = Palletized
3.1.3 Small Containers

Testing of butane cigarette lighters has shown that the small size of each container significantly reduces
the fire hazard. Many lighters ruptured and released their contents during the test. However, the ruptures
were mild and did not produce a prolonged exposure because, each lighter contained only 0.2 oz (6 ml) of
butane. The plastic casing burned but did not add significantly to the fire. Typically, one of the ends failed
and vented the contents.
Another factor that reduces the fire hazard is the amount of packaging material per lighter. Usually the lighters
are attached to a cardboard and plastic display package, which are then placed in cardboard cartons. The
total amount of butane in a pallet is small compared to the amount of cardboard and plastic. It is generally
believed that the container size will impact the overall fire hazard presented by aerosol products. The exact
cutoff is not known. Based on engineering judgement a size of 5 fl oz (148 ml) was chosen for the cutoff.
Butane and propane containers larger than 5 fl oz (148 ml) present a more severe fire hazard than butane
and propane lighters because of the larger amount of fuel per container. Hand-held propane soldering
cylinders usually have a capacity of 14 oz (414 ml). The propane cylinders are equipped with a safety relief
device, but even if the cylinders do not rupture they will release their contents and expose adjacent storage.
4.0 REFERENCES
4.1 FM Global
Data
Data
Data
Data
Sheet
Sheet
Sheet
Sheet
1-21, Fire Resistance of Building Assemblies.

2-0, Installation Guidelines for Automatic Sprinklers.
7-29, Ignitable Liquid Storage in Portable Containers.
8-9, Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities.
4.2 Others
SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineers.
Perrys Chemical Engineering Handbook.
NFPA 30B Code for Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products.
7-31
Page 19
APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Aerosol Packaging Cartoned: Aerosol cans packaged in at least a single layer of corrugated cardboard.
The cardboard must cover at least the bottom, top and two complete sides of the unit. The other two sides
must be at least 80% covered.
Aerosol Packaging Uncartoned: Aerosol cans arranged on slip sheets or trays that are stacked on a pallet
and shrink wrapped and packaging that does not meet the definition of cartoned.
Ignitable Liquid: Any liquid or liquid mixture that is capable of fueling a fire, including flammable liquids,
combustible liquids, inflammable liquids, or any other reference to a liquid that will burn. An ignitable liquid
must have a fire point.
APPENDIX B DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY
January 2012. Terminology related to ignitable liquids has been revised to provide increased clarity and
consistency with regard to FM Globals loss prevention recommendations for ignitable liquid hazards.
May 2003. Minor editorial changes were made for this revision.
January 2003. The following changes were made for this revision:
1. Added new protection criteria for uncartoned aerosol storage.
2. Added new protection criteria for Suppression Mode sprinklers.
3. Revised all of the protection tables into a consistent format and provided figures for determining in-rack
sprinkler layout.
4. Revised the text to be consistent with the new tables.
5. Eliminated allowance for unrestrained Level 2 aerosol storage to ensure a consistent application of aerosol
protection.
6. Revised protection criteria for aerosol picking racks.
7. Revised protection criteria for aerosol storage in automated storage and retrieval warehouses.
September 2000. This revision of the document has been modified to provide a consistent format.
January 1998. Minor technical revision (uncartoned aerosol information added).
May 1983. Full technical revision.
APPENDIX C NFPA STANDARD
The fire protection recommendations that are provided in this standard are nearly identical to those provided
in NFPA 30B,Code for the Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products, 2002 Edition. The main difference
is the allowance of unlimited roof heights and storage heights without the use of barriers. This issue may
be corrected in future editions of the code.
APPENDIX D AEROSOL PRODUCTS
D.1 General
The typical aerosol container is a small, welded-joint high strength container (design pressures are as high
as 240 to 400 psi [1650 to 2750 kPa]) used to package a wide variety of consumer, industrial, and
pharmaceutical products. A partial list of products would include air fresheners, starches, cleaners, shaving
creams, furniture polishes, hair sprays, deodorants, spot removers, insecticides, lubricants, engine
degreasers, and paints. Aerosol cans have capacities up to one (1) qt. (0.95 dm3), containing up to 16 oz.
(450 g) of liquid.
Propellants include propane and butane which are highly flammable, and other gases such as nitrogen,
carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. Although nitrous oxide is a stable nonflammable gas, it is an oxidizer.
Nonflammable chlorofluorocarbons have been eliminated in the United States for almost all uses in
compliance with federal regulations, and have been replaced with mixtures of propane and butane.
Propellants in aerosol containers are 0.5% to more than 90% of the weight of the contents.
7-31
Page 20
Aerosols have been grouped into Levels 1, 2 and 3. Level 1 aerosols represent the lowest fire hazard; Level 3
represents the highest fire hazard.
Level I aerosol products include shaving cream, spray starch, window cleaners, alkaline oven cleaners, rug
shampoos, some air fresheners, and some insecticides. The storage hazard of Level I aerosols is about
the same as ordinary combustible goods in cartons. Storage should be arranged and protected accordingly.
When a Level I aerosol can fails, the nonflammable product has a quenching effect on the flammable
contents. Some products have very small quantities of flammable product. These products will have an overall
chemical heat of combustion that is low.
Level 2 products include many personal care products such as deodorants (except for oil-based
antiperspirants), hair sprays, antiseptics, and anesthetics. Other products may include some furniture
polishes, windshield de-icers, etc.
Level 3 products include many automotive products (engine and carburetor cleaners, undercoats), home
products (some wood polishes), paints and lacquers, lubricants, some insecticides, and oil-based
antiperspirants.
D.2 Aerosol Classification by Chemical Heat of Combustion
Test data indicates the overall fire hazard of an aerosol product is a function of the chemical heat of
combustion. The chemical heat of combustion is the product of the theoretical heat of combustion and a
combustion efficiency. Typical chemical heats of combustion are provided in Table 2. A typical combustion
efficiency is 95%. Research conducted at FM Global Research correlated the chemical heat of combustion
with results of 12-pallet tests to provide a classification methodology based exclusively on chemical heat
of combustion. Figure 1 is based on this methodology.
Based on the results of the 12-pallet testing and aerosol flammability testing, liquids with a flash point that
exceeds 500F (260C) (e.g., some vegetable cooking oils) can be considered inert when classifying an
aerosol product. In addition solids (e.g., powders), nonflammable gases (e.g., carbon dioxide), or liquids
that do not support combustion (e.g., water) are also considered inert.
D.3 Previous Aerosol Classification Schemes
D.3.1 Aerosol Flammability Test (AFT)
This test involves two procedures: a single can test and a pan fire test. The single can procedure exposes
a restrained can to a predetermined heat source until it ruptures. The time to rupture is noted, and the fireball
energy is measured in the Fire Products Collector (FPC) located at the FM Global Technology Center. This
data is combined to produce a single-can index that allows the results to be compared with data produced
by large-scale tests on known Level 1, 2 or 3 aerosols.
Large scale tests, conducted to check the validity of the single can test, showed that the small scale test
accurately predicted the large scale fire behavior for most formulae. There was an indication, however, that
the single can test was inadequate for aerosols containing material that pooled on the floor and flash
vaporized when hit by sprinkler discharge. As a result, the pan fire test was devised, consisting of burning
a sample of aerosol contents for a set time period before applying water. This test shows whether the burning
rate increases or whether the water extinguishes the fire.
D.3.2 12-Pallet Test
The 12-pallet test was developed as part of the Aerosol Flammability Test (AFT) program to confirm the
accuracy of the AFT methodology. It is conducted using a 223 pallet array under a 25 ft (7.6 m) high ceiling
with large-drop sprinklers designed to discharge at 50 psi (3.45 bar). Data collected during this test include
the number of operating sprinklers, maximum steel and air temperatures, plume temperature and plume
velocity. This data is used to objectively determine the hazard classification.
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Page 21
D.4 Aerosol Can Labeling

Some aerosol cans are labeled Extremely Flammable or Flammable in accordance with the Federal
Hazardous Substances Act, but these designations have no relation to the classification of the aerosol. The
test for determining the label involves spraying an aerosol can toward an ignition source and measuring the
flame extension. This test will not predict the classification of the aerosol product.
D.5 Chemical Heat of Combustion Data
The following table was generated by FM Global Research at the request of aerosol manufacturers. It is
not considered an all-inclusive table, but does contain many commonly used materials. The table will be
updated as additional materials are tested. The table footnotes may be used as an additional source of
information.
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Page 22
Table 11. Chemical Heat of Combustion Data

CAS#
71-55-6
75-37-6
95-63-6
1717-00-6
110-71-4
75-68-3
108-65-6
111-76-2
110-80-5
111-15-9
75-28-5
67-64-1
68122-72-5
68122-72-5
7429-90-5
8052-42-4
7727-43-7
92-87-5
106-97-8
85-68-7
1317-65-3
124-38-9
1333-86-4
1308-14-1
8001-30-7
5989-27-5
123-42-2
112-34-5
115-10-6
34590-94-8
64-17-15
64-17-15
763-69-9
100-41-4
107-21-1
111-55-7
7782-42-5
107-41-5
1309-37-1
78-83-1
108-21-4
67-63-0
142-91-6
110-27-0
1332-58-7
8008-20-6
14807-96-6
67-56-1
78-93-3
563-80-4
110-43-0
75-09-2
Material Name
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
1,1-Diflouroethane (HFC 152a)
1,1,1-Trimethylbenzene (Pseudocumene)
1,1-Dichloro-1-Fluoroethane
1,2-Dimethoxyethane
1-Chloro-1,1-Diflouroethane (HCFC 142b)
1-Methoxy-2-Propanol Acetate
2-Butoxyethanol
2-Ethoxyethanol
2-Ethoxyethyl Acetate
2-Methylpropane (Isobutane)
Acetone
Acrylic Resin
Alkyd Resin
Aluminum
Asphalt
Barium Sulfate
Benzidine (Yellow)
Butane
Butyl Benzl Phthalate
Calcium Carbonate
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Black
Chrominum Hydroxide
Corn Oil
d-Limonene
Diacetone Alcohol
Diethylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Dimethyl Ether
Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Ethanol (95.6 Azeotrope)
Ethanol
Ethyl 3-Ethoxypropionate
Ethylbenzene
Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene Glycol Diacetate
Graphite
Hexylene Glycol
Iron Oxide
Isobutyl Alcohol
Isopropyl Acetate
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl Palmitate
Isopropyl Myristate
Kaolin Clay (Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide)
Kerosene (Kerosine)
Liquids, Non-Contributory
Liquids, Nonignitable
Magnesium Silicate (Talc)
Methanol
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Methyl Isopropyl Ketone
Methyl n-Amyl Ketone
Methylene Chloride
Hc1
(kJ/g)
18.1
41.0
8.4
26.72
9.3
32.22
30.82
26.72
32.22
45.5
28.6
30.24
0.0
45.6
37.12
0.0
0.0
0.0
36.84
45.2
37.32
34.42
28.8
33.52
25.6
26.8
33.32
40.9
16.9
33.32
29.7
0.0
32.7
26.0
30.1
38.82
38.22
0.0
46.04
0.0
0.0
20.0
31.5
33.1
37.22
6.0
ch2
0.353
0.673
0.353
0.97
0.353
0.96
0.96
0.97
0.96
0.94
0.973
0.75
0.953
0.85
0.96
0.88
0.94
0.96
0.92
0.96
0.92
0.92
0.96
0.71
0.97
0.96
0.96
0.91
0.98
0.91
0.96
0.95
0.905
0.953
0.973
0.94
0.94
0.353
Hch
(kJ/g)
a
6.3
27.5
2.9
25.9
3.3
30.9
29.6
25.9
30.9
42.8
27.7
a
a
a
22.7
0.0
a
43.3
3.15
0.0
0.0
a
0.0
353
39.8
35.1
33.0
26.5
32.2
23.6
24.7
32.0
29.0
16.4
32.0
a
28.5
0.0
29.8
25.5
27.4
37.2
36.2
0.0
41.4
a
0.0
0.0
19.0
30.6
31.1
35.0
2.1
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Page 23
CAS#
12001-26-2
64742-47-8
8012-95-1
64742-88-7
134-62-3
123-86-4
142-82-5
110-54-3
113-48-4
64742-48-9
8030-30-6
8052-41-3
64742-95-6
64742-94-5
7727-37-9
8002-74-2
109-66-0
127-18-4
64741-65-7
147-14-8
1328-53-6
51-03-6
9005-65-6
9005-64-5
74-68-6
57-55-6
78-92-2
7631-86-9
63148-58-3
63148-62-9
1338-39-2
26266-57-9
25038-32-8
16252-10-5
13463-67-7
108-88-3
102-76-1
79-01-6
7732-18-5
1330-20-7
1314-13-2
Material Name
Mica (Mica Silicate)
Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Distillate)
Mineral Oil
Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Distillate)
N,N-Diethyl-m-Toluamide (Deet)
n-Butyl Acetate
n-Heptane
n-Hexane
n-Octyl Bicyclopheptane Dicarboximide
Naphtha, VM&P (Petroleum Distillate)
Naphtha (Petroleum Distillate)
Naphtha (High Flash)
Nitrogen
Paraffin (Wax)
Pentane
Perchloroethylene (Tetrachloroethylene)
Petroleum Distillate
Phthalocyanine Blue
Phthalocyanine Green
Piperonyl Butoxide
Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Oleate
Polyoxyethylene (20)Sorbitan Monolaurate
Propane
Propylene Glycol
sec-Butyl Alcohol
Silica (Crystalline)
Silica, Amorphous Hydrated
Silicone Oil
Silicone Oil
Solids, Non-Contributory
Solids, Noncombustible
Sorbitan Monolaurate
Sorbitan Monopalmitate
Styrene Butadiene Rubber
Tin Oxide
Titanium Dioxide
Toluene
Triacetin
Trichloroethylene
Water
Xylene
Zinc Oxide
Hc1
(kJ/g)
0.0
44.8
41.54
44.8
38.12
28.2
44.6
44.7
38.02
44.8
44.8
44.8
44.8
44.8
0.0
45.0
44.8
37.22
46.3
21.4
32.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
39.52
39.52
0.0
0.0
40.5
36.9
0.0
40.9
0.0
ch2
0.92
0.765
0.92
0.74
0.98
0.923
0.923
0.79
0.92
0.92
0.92
0.92
0.92
0.932
0.92
0.86
0.953
0.96
0.91
0.96
0.96
0.70
0.96
0.673
Hch
(kJ/g)
0.0
41.2
31.5
41.2
28.2
27.6
41.0
41.1
30.0
41.2
41.2
41.2
41.2
41.2
0.0
a
41.9
a
41.2
a
a
32.0
a
a
44.0
20.5
39.9
0.0
0.0
a
a
a
0.0
37.9
37.9
a
0.0
0.0
28.4
35.4
a
0.0
27.4
0.0
a Materials with closed cup flash points greater than 500F (D92-90 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup, ASTM,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).
1
Except as noted, theoretical heat of complete combustion (net) determined from heat of formation or heat of combustion data assuming
all products in the vapor phase (CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 73th ed., David R. Lide, ed., CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida,
1992).
Except as noted, chemical combustion efficiency determined by correlations based on chemical structure as given in: Tewarson, A., Smoke
Point Height and Fire Properties of Materials, May 1988, available from NTIS P889-141089.
Chemical combustion efficiency reported in: Tewarson, A, Generation of Heat and Chemical Compounds in Fires, Chapter 1-13 in SFPE
Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, P. J. DiNenno, ed., 1st ed., National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Massachusetts, 1988.
Heat of complete combustion (net) as measured by oxygen bomb calorimetry (D240-92 Test Method for Heat of Combustion of Liquid
Hydrocarbon Fuels by Bomb Calorimeter, ASTM, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).
Chemical combustion efficiency measured under simulated fire conditions using the method described in: Tewarson, A, Generation of
Heat and Chemical Compounds in Fires, op. cit., ref.3.
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Page 24
APPENDIX E IN-RACK SPRINKLER LAYOUTS AND FIRE PROTECTION SCHEMES

E.1 In-Rack Sprinkler Layouts
Figures 2 through 7 show in-rack sprinkler layouts.
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Page 25
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
8 ft (2.4 m)
Approx.
Plan View
Deflector Clearance Minimum of 6 in. (15 cm)
NOTE:
In-Rack Sprinklers must be Staggered Vertically
Line-up In-Rack Sprinklers with Transverse Flue Spaces
5 ft. (1.5 m) Approx.
10 ft (3.0 m) Approx
15 ft (4.6 m) Approx
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
Elevation View
Flue Sprinkler
Fig. 2a. Cartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols single row racks.
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Page 26
9 ft. (2.7 m)
Approx.
8 ft (2.4 m)
Approx.
Plan View
NOTE:
In-Rack Sprinklers Must be Staggered Vertically
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
Flue Sprinkler
Elevation View
Fig. 2b. Cartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols double row racks.
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Page 27
Loading Aisle
8 ft (2.4 m)
Approx.
8 ft (2.4 m)
Approx.
Loading Aisle
Plan View
@ 15 ft (4.6 m) Level
15 ft (4.6 m) Approx.
Flue Sprinkler
Elevation View
(Aisle View)
Face Sprinklers
NOTE:
Provide Face Sprinklers at 15 ft (4.6 m) Vertical Level
Stagger In-rack Sprinklers Vertically and Horizontally
Fig. 2c. Cartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols multiple row racks.
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Page 28
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
4 - 5 ft.
(1.2 - 1.5 m)
Plan View
NOTE: Line-up In-Rack Sprinklers with Transverse Flue Spaces
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
Flue Sprinkler
Elevation View
Fig. 3a. Cartoned Level 3 aerosols single row racks up to 25 ft (7.6 m) high storage
in suppression mode protected building.
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Page 29
9 ft. (2.7 m)
Approx.
4 - 5 ft.
(1.2 - 1.5 m)
Plan View
(typical tier)
NOTE:
Line-up In-Rack Sprinklers with Transverse Flue
Spaces
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
Elevation View
Flue Sprinkler
Fig. 3b. Cartoned Level 3 aerosols double row racks up to 25 ft (7.6 m) high storage
in suppression mode protected building.
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Page 30
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
8 ft (2.4 m)
Approx.
Plan View
NOTE:
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
Flue Sprinkler
Elevation View
Fig. 4a. Cartoned Level 3 aerosols single row racks.
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Page 31
8 ft (2.4 m)
Approx.
NOTE:
All In-Rack Sprinklers Must be Staggered Vertically
9 ft. (2.7 m)
Approx.
8 ft (2.4 m)
Approx.
Plan View
(typical tier)
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
Face Sprinkler
Flue Sprinkler
Elevation View
Fig. 4b. Cartoned Level 3 aerosols double row racks.
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Page 32
Fig. 4c. Cartoned Level 3 aerosols multiple row racks.
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Page 33
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
8 ft (2.4 m)
Approx.
Plan View (Typical Tier & Below Barrier)

NOTE:
Solid Barrier over Top Level of Storage
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
Flue Sprinkler
Elevation View
Fig. 5a. Cartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols, clearance > 15 ft (4.6 m) single row racks.
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Page 34
8 ft (2.4 m)
Approx.
9 ft. (2.7 m)
Approx.
8 ft (2.4 m)
Approx.
NOTE:
Plan View
All In-Rack Sprinklers Must be Staggered
(Typical
Tier
& Below Barrier)
Vertically
Line-up In-Rack Sprinklers with Transverse
Flue Spaces
Barrier Over Top Level of Storage
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
Face Sprinkler
Elevation View
Flue Sprinkler
Fig. 5b. Cartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols, clearance > 15 ft (4.6 m) double row racks.
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Page 35
Fig. 5c. Cartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols, clearance > 15 ft (4.6 m) multiple row racks.
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Page 36
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
4 - 5 ft.
(1.2 - 1.5 m)
Plan View
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
Flue Sprinkler
Elevation View
Fig. 6a. Uncartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols single row racks up to 20 ft (6.1 m) high storage.
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Page 37
8 -10 ft.
(2.4 - 3 m)
9 ft. (2.7 m)
Approx.
4 - 5 ft.
(1.2 - 1.5 m)
Plan View
(typical tier)
NOTE:
Face Sprinklers Are NOT Staggered Vertically
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
Face Sprinkler
Elevation View
Flue Sprinkler
Fig. 6b. Uncartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols double row racks up to 20 ft (6.1 m) high storage.
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Page 38
Fig. 6c. Uncartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols multiple row racks up to 20 ft (6.1 m) high storage.
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Page 39
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
4 - 5 ft.
(1.2 - 1.5 m)
Plan View
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
Flue Sprinkler
Elevation View
Fig. 7a. Uncartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols single row racks up to 25 ft (7.6 m) high storage.
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Page 40
8 -10 ft.
(2.4 - 3 m)
9 ft. (2.7 m)
Approx.
4 - 5 ft.
(1.2 - 1.5 m)
Plan View
(typical tier)
NOTE:
Face Sprinklers Must be Staggered Vertically
Line-up In-Rack Sprinklers with Transverse Flue
Spaces
5 ft. (1.5 m)
Approx.
Face Sprinkler
Elevation View
Flue Sprinkler
Fig. 7b. Uncartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols double row racks up to 25 ft (7.6 m) high storage.
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Page 41
Fig. 7c. Uncartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosols multiple row racks up to 25 ft (7.6 m) high storage.
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Page 42
E.2 Fire Protection Scheme A

1. Provide plywood, minimum 38 in. (1 cm), or sheet metal, minimum 22 gauge (0.7 mm), barriers and in-rack
sprinklers installed in accordance with Figures 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d.
2. Install FM Approved, K 8.0 (115), 165F (74C) rated, quick response in-rack sprinklers below each
barrier level. Design the in-rack sprinklers to provide a minimum end head pressure of 50 psi (3.5 bar) out
of the hydraulically most remote six (6) sprinklers (three on two lines) if one barrier level or the most remote
eight (8) sprinklers (four on two lines) if two or more barrier levels are provided.
3. If there are adjacent bays of rack arrays not dedicated to aerosol storage, extend the barrier and in-rack
sprinkler protection at least one rack bay, approximately 8 ft (2.4 m) beyond the aerosol storage.
4. Ceiling sprinkler demand does not need to be included in the hydraulic calculations for in-rack sprinklers.
Calculate the water demand at point of supply separately for in-rack and ceiling sprinklers. Provide a 500 gpm
(1900 l/min) hose stream allowance in the hydraulic calculations for the in-rack sprinkler protection. Provide
the combined fire protection water demand for a 2-hour duration.
5. Design ceiling sprinklers to protect the surrounding occupancy. A minimum ceiling sprinkler design of not
less than 0.20 gpm/ft2 (8 mm/min) over 2000 ft2 (186 m2) is required if standard spray sprinklers are provided.
If the aerosol storage does not extend to the full height of the rack, protect the other commodities stored
above the barrier in accordance with appropriate standards as if the entire rack height was filled with that
commodity. If in-rack sprinklers are required for the other commodities, each level of barrier and in-rack
sprinklers can be given credit as a level of in-rack sprinklers.
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Page 43
Solid Barrier
5 ft. (1.4 m)
Maximum
4 - 5 ft.
(1.2 - 1.5 m)
Minimum 8 ft. (2.4 m) Between

Gaps.
Maximum 3 in. (76 mm) Gap

at Uprights
Plan View
Deflector a Maximum of 7 in. (23 cm) Below Barrier
Deflector a Minimum of 6 in. (15 cm)

Above Top of Storage
10 ft. (3 m)
10 ft. (3 m)
In-Rack Sprinkler
Elevation View
Fig. 8a. Single row rack in-rack sprinkler layout Fire Protection Scheme A.
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Page 44
Solid Barrier
5 ft. (1.4 m)
Maximum
4 - 5 ft.
(1.2 - 1.5 m)
Minimum 8 ft. (2.4 m) Between

Gaps.
Maximum 3 in. (77 mm) Gap at

Uprights
Plan View

10 ft. (3 m)
10 ft. (3 m)
In-Rack Sprinkler
Elevation View
Fig. 8b. Single row rack in-rack sprinkler layout Fire Protection Scheme A.
7-31
Page 45
Solid Barrier
(no gap at longitudinal flue)
8 -10 ft.
(2.4 - 3 m)
9 ft. (2.7 m)
Maximum
4 - 5 ft.
(1.2 - 1.5 m)
Longitudinal Flue Sprinkler
Plan View
Maximum 3 in. (77 mm)

Gap at Uprights
Face Sprinkler
10 ft. (3 m)
10 ft. (3 m)
Elevation View
Fig. 8c. Double row rack in-rack sprinkler layout Fire Protection Scheme A.
7-31
Page 46
Solid Barrier
(no gap at flue)
4 - 5 ft.
(1.2 - 1.5 m)
Plan View

10 ft. (3 m)
In-Rack Sprinkler
Elevation View - First Barrier Level
Fig. 8d. Multiple row rack in-rack sprinkler layout Fire Protection Scheme A.
7-31
Page 47
E.3 Aerosol Flow-Through Rack Protection Scheme

1. Install solid 38 in. (1 cm) plywood or 22 gauge (0.7 mm) sheet metal barrier at the 12 ft (3.7 m) level.
The barrier must completely cover the longitudinal flue space. A 3 in. (76 mm) gap is permitted over the
transverse flue spaces at the rack uprights. (See Figures 9a and 9b.)
2. To prevent potential horizontal fire spread within the roller racks, provide one the following:
a) Maintain a nominal 3 in. (76 mm) gap between rows of cartons. This would create at least 2 in. (51 mm)
of free space between cartons (i.e., 3 in. [76 mm] space between cartons 1 in. [25 mm] carton guide
angle = 2 in. [51 mm] open space). It is recognized that the gaps between cartons will be inconsistent and
not be vertically aligned. However, limiting the number of carton spaces between rack uprights creating
the potential for a nominal 3 in. (76 mm) gap will ensure adequate openings for in-rack sprinkler discharge
to penetrate through the roller racks and prevent excessive horizontal spread of fire within the picking
racks.
b) If the 3 in. (76 mm) gap between rows of cartons cannot be provided, install vertical barriers every
24 ft (7.3 m) horizontally. The barrier must span from the floor to the bottom of the horizontal barrier. The
barrier may be constructed of either 38 in. (1 cm) plywood or 22 gauge (0.7 mm) sheet metal. Since the
barrier will be located next to in-rack sprinklers, additional in-rack sprinklers must be installed on both
sides of the barrier.
3. Install in-rack sprinklers in accordance with Figures 9a and 9b. Use FM Approved, K 8.0 (115), 165F
(74C) rated, quick response in-rack sprinklers. The number of lines of in-rack sprinklers is dependent on
the rack width.
4. Locate face sprinklers a maximum of 6 in. (15 cm) from the rack face.
5. Design the in-rack sprinklers to provide a minimum discharge pressure of 50 psi (3.5 bar) out of the
hydraulically most remote:
a) Twelve (12) sprinklers (i.e., four (4) sprinklers operating on each of three (3) lines) for three or more
lines of in-racks or
b) Eight (8) sprinklers if only two lines of in-racks are provided (i.e., four (4) sprinklers operating on two
(2) lines), or
c) Six (6) sprinklers if only one line of in-rack sprinklers is provided.
6. Ceiling sprinkler demand does not need to be included in the hydraulic calculations for in-rack sprinklers.
Calculate the water demand at point of supply separately for in-rack and ceiling sprinklers. Provide a 500 gpm
(1900 l/min) hose stream allowance in the hydraulic calculations for the in-rack sprinkler protection. Provide
the combined fire protection water demand for a 2-hour duration.
7. Design ceiling sprinklers to protect the surrounding occupancy but not less than 0.20 gpm/ft2 over 2000 ft2
(8 mm/min over 186 m2).
7-31
Page 48
Fig. 9a. Aerosol picking area elevation view.
Fig. 9b. Aerosol picking area plan view.

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FM Global

Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

STORAGE OF AEROSOL PRODUCTS

Storage of Aerosol Products

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Cartoned Level 3 aerosols single row racks. ........................................................................... 30

1. Aerosol Classification ....................................................................................................................... 3

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Storage of Aerosol Products

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

and less than or equal to:

then, aerosol should be

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Storage of Aerosol Products

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Fig. 1. Aerosol classification.

2.2 Construction and Location

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Storage of Aerosol Products

Table 3. Aerosol Storage Location Options

2.2.2 Design cutoff rooms in accordance with the following:

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Storage of Aerosol Products

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Storage of Aerosol Products

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Storage of Aerosol Products

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Table 4. Palletized and Solid Pile Storage of Level 2 Aerosols1,

Ceiling Sprinkler Protection Criteria

1. QR = Quick Response; SR = Standard Response

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Storage of Aerosol Products

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Table 5. Palletized and Solid Pile Storage of Level 3 Aerosols 1,

Ceiling Sprinkler Protection Criteria

1. QR = Quick Response; SR = Standard Response

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Storage of Aerosol Products

1. QR = Quick Response; SR = Standard Response; NA = Not Applicable

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Ceiling Sprinkler Protection Criteria

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Table 6. Rack Storage of Cartoned Level 2 Aerosols 1,

2003 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

12 @ 50 psi (3.4 bar)

12 @ 35 psi (2.4 bar)

12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)

12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)

12 @ 75 psi (5.2 bar)

12 @ 52 psi (3.6 bar)

12 @ 45 psi (3.1 bar)

12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)

12 @ 50 psi (3.4 bar)

>30 ft (9.1 m) &

12 @ 35 psi (2.4 bar)

12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)

0.30 gpm/ft over 2500 ft

12 @ 25 psi (1.7 bar)

0.30 gpm/ft over 2500 ft

1. QR = Quick Response; SR = Standard Response; NA = Not Applicable

Storage of Aerosol Products

In-Rack Sprinkler Protection Criteria 3

Ceiling Sprinkler Protection Criteria