High Piled Storage of Hay Bales?
High Piled Storage of Hay Bales?
(OP)
Hi,
We reviewed a metal framed building that stores 4'Wx8'Lx3'H bales of hay in grouped stacks, and they are looking to stack upward. The two high piled storage areas have a CMDA design density/area of .35/2,940 (Area #1) and a CMSA design of 25 heads @ 25 PSI (Area #2).
The 2013 California Fire Code classifies bales of hay as "Combustible Fibers". In all other commodity classifications I've read, I cannot find anywhere how it is classified in terms of something I can compare to see if the existing ceiling sprinkler system is adequate. What code/standard should be used to determine the sprinkler criteria necessary for warehouses of baled hay/combustible fibers?
I found NFPA Table 20.4.2.1 for bales cotton storage, but I do not think this is comparable enough, because many references to baled cotton say that it is excluded from the definition of Combustible Fibers.
Thanks
We reviewed a metal framed building that stores 4'Wx8'Lx3'H bales of hay in grouped stacks, and they are looking to stack upward. The two high piled storage areas have a CMDA design density/area of .35/2,940 (Area #1) and a CMSA design of 25 heads @ 25 PSI (Area #2).
The 2013 California Fire Code classifies bales of hay as "Combustible Fibers". In all other commodity classifications I've read, I cannot find anywhere how it is classified in terms of something I can compare to see if the existing ceiling sprinkler system is adequate. What code/standard should be used to determine the sprinkler criteria necessary for warehouses of baled hay/combustible fibers?
I found NFPA Table 20.4.2.1 for bales cotton storage, but I do not think this is comparable enough, because many references to baled cotton say that it is excluded from the definition of Combustible Fibers.
Thanks





RE: High Piled Storage of Hay Bales?
RE: High Piled Storage of Hay Bales?
RE: High Piled Storage of Hay Bales?
5.4.2* Extra Hazard (Group 2). Extra hazard (Group 2) occupancies shall be defined as occupancies or portions of other occupancies with moderate to substantial amounts of flammable or combustible liquids or occupancies where shielding of combustibles is extensive.
RE: High Piled Storage of Hay Bales?
RE: High Piled Storage of Hay Bales?
skdesigner, thanks for the direction as well on FMDS 8-7. I wish it included hay just to have a clear answer, but this is great. With a combination of FMDS 8-7 and other supporting materials, we can close in on a suitable protection criteria.
Any other ideas or reference materials?
Thanks very much
RE: High Piled Storage of Hay Bales?
Further, safe storage of hay requires on-site inspections. The storage facility needs to be walked daily, sniffing for smouldering hay. On cool, damp mornings the tops of the stacks need to be walked/crawled looking for warm spots. If hay is put up with a moisture content much over 10%, it may autoignite due to biological action. Only store dry hay indoors.