Fire safety regulations for warehouses

The Disaster Management Directorate may conduct official inspections throughout the country, not only after prior notification, but also on a random basis, whether at workplaces or even in apartment buildings. If deficiencies are found during the inspection, the owner may be required to take immediate action. Fines may also be imposed, ranging from 10,000 forints to 10,000,000 forints in the case of multiple violations.

In this article, we will try to summarize the most common shortcomings and mistakes we encounter in the field of warehousing.

Lack of education

Act XXXI of 1996 on fire protection, technical rescue, and the fire service stipulates that employees must participate in fire safety training when they start work and annually thereafter.

The most common fire safety deficiencies found in warehouses

We often encounter employees smoking in the warehouse area. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the workplace! It is only allowed in designated areas. In certain warehouse areas, e.g., where highly flammable or explosive materials are stored, no ignition sources may be brought in, so employees may not carry lighters.

Storage involves a lot of waste material, whether paper or plastic. A common mistake is not removing the waste generated from the work area. The storage area must be kept free of combustible waste. Combustible materials and waste generated during the activity must be removed continuously, at least once per shift, or after the activity is completed.

Another common mistake is storing materials too close to ceilings, light fixtures, fire alarms, and smoke detectors. A minimum distance of 1 m must be maintained between combustible ceiling and roof structures and combustible materials stored in the warehouse. A distance of 1 m from light fixtures and detectors is also recommended.

We have encountered several instances where, due to the large volume of material storage, material is also stored in areas where it is not permitted. Transport and escape routes must be kept clear, and it is prohibited to block emergency exits, even temporarily.

It is also important how materials or mixtures classified in different fire hazard classes are stored. Materials may be stored and kept in groups, labeled accordingly.

Spilled or dripped substances, e.g., acids, flammable liquids, etc., must be cleaned up immediately.

Combustible materials may only be stored on non-combustible shelves (metal shelves).

It is strictly forbidden to block the opening and closing mechanisms of public utilities and firefighting equipment, or to prevent access to them. It is advisable to mark the immediate vicinity of these technical devices with paint to prevent improper storage.

Firefighting equipment and escape routes must be marked with standard pictograms.

All employees are responsible for complying with fire safety regulations and rules during their work. If they notice any irregularities, they must immediately remedy them or report them to their immediate supervisor.

If you want to keep your warehouse safe, please feel free to contact us.