WHAT’S BEHIND THE RACK?


Can you identify the problem here?

During a recent visit to one of those large home improvement stores, I noticed this.

Although this is probably not that uncommon, it is something that could be very difficult to find out in a smokey envrionment.

This is another reason for getting familiar with your area and the buildings that you protect.

I was visiting as a patron, so I didn’t look around at the entire store, but I am sure there are other issues that I could have found.

Accessing this stand pipe is almost impossible and these systems aren’t always that reliable and shouldn’t be your sole suppression plan.  They don’t get maintained and are rarely, if ever flushed and tested.

A tight fit!

But, that doesn’t excuse the blocking of this protection system. One way to find these standpipes is to look for their risers. These stores will typically have two of these at each end of the store.









Notice the riser running behind the rack.?

Have a plan for these large area stores. Know the building and it’s systems so that you aren’t caught off guard.

Preplan these buildings. Know what line your going to pull before you arrive and know the different access points for entry. The front door may not be your best option.

Stay diligent and be safe.

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Oops! I'm a skinny guy, but not even I would be able to fit in there. Next time I go to one of these stores (I recognize the blue carts.) I'll be spotting the risers. Good lesson.
I'm with you Mike - an easy solution.
In Indiana they can't block any type of fire suppression system like that. It's against code.
Same here. If this was found on an inspection, it would be addresses immediately.
I can tell you that this was not like this when they passed occupancy. All of these stores change configurations of their end shelves on a regular basis and all the more reason to get into these areas more frequently.
Thats the way i would be doing it. Let them know in case for some crazy reason they didnt realise what it was for, iv seen it many times before.
One doesn't need to contact the building or fire inspector. Simply ask for the manager and point it out to him/her.

I have gone into grocery, retail, and even the hardware/lumber outlet depicted in this post as John Q. Citizen, pointed out the problem to the manager it gets resolved.

I have found that most store managers are extremely receptive to changing things like; un-blocking fire exits, standpipes, or fire extinguishers, when handled one on one and quietly. By not making a scene about the issue, most will readily comply out of their love for humanity.... and mentioning money (fines).
That is what is happening here. Once the store was aware, they understood. But, you still have to watch it because you never know when store managers change and it all get's moved around again.
i unfortunately work in a building almost like that , all of the standpipes are either hidden or way outdated or blocked by some form of racking , building inspections has been called numerous times and the company has worked deals with them but unfortunately nothing has been done , needless to say it makes me wonder how many other buildings that this company owns are like this and how many deals have been made , gotta love working for one of the largest companies in the world
I thinking this looks like a job for the Fire Marshall and should they ignore his/her request the first time, they should start looking in the store for a sign that reads "CLOSED"
Unfortunately in some of these situations , and for the company i work for who shall remain nameless , they have whole legal teams finding ways around this , i know for a fact my company does and being that the building is in a small municipality the resources that they have dont even match the ones of the company
Because of my experience as a fire fighter I was asked by a large producer of laminated furniture to asess their compliance with the fire code. I found several of the above type of violations but was told and agreed that it would take time and they would move the elements necessary to be compliant . However one stand pipe and hose cabinet was clearly marked to be left open and the area around it was painted on the floor to define this area. Needless to say product was stacked against this cabinet and the manager was advised and the area cleared immediatly. THIS WAS REPEATED IN THE SAME AREA THREE TIMES, during my visit. When I later in the week returned to see if the shelving had been removed Iwas told that I had not made an appointment with the company and denied access . Subsequent attempts failed to get an appointment,either nobody was available to take my call or no phone calls were returned. I have turned the matter over to our fire prevention department and will see if they have any better luck.

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