Fire safety by sector / Guide
Fire safety for warehouses & logistics
Warehouses combine large fuel loads, limited detection at height, lithium-ion charging banks and out-of-hours operation. A compliant baseline is the easy part — the hard part is making sure equipment is reachable in a racked aisle when it matters.
What the law says
The Fire Safety Order applies. Insurers usually impose additional requirements via the policy schedule — typically referencing FM Global or RISCAuthority guidance for sprinkler protection in high-bay storage. ATEX regulations apply where flammable atmospheres can occur (battery charging rooms, solvent stores, paint spray areas).
Recommended starter spec
- Foam or water extinguishers at every racking aisle end and at marshalling areas.
- CO2 cover at every MHE charging bank and main electrical room.
- BS 5839-1 detection coverage appropriate to the building category (often L4 or L5; P1/P2 if insurer-mandated).
- Aspirating smoke detection (ASD) in high-bay or cold-store zones where conventional detection is unreliable.
- Battery-charging area separated from general storage, with appropriate signage.
- Monthly extinguisher checks scheduled into operational walks.
Common gaps we find on inspection
- Extinguishers obstructed by stillages, FLT or seasonal stock.
- Damaged extinguishers not removed from service after impact.
- Charging area extinguisher inadequate for lithium-ion thermal runaway.
- Smoke detection above stored heights, failing to alert in time.
- Fire-exit doors used as receiving doors during peak.
This guide is for general information. A site-specific fire risk assessment by a competent person is required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.