Fire codes can be complex, and professional advice is usually needed to make sure that a library is fully compliant. The local fire department is often a good place to start if you have a question.
Storage is a place where a library can inadvertently become non-compliant over time. Below are a few suggestions to help keep your building safe:
- In a non-sprinklered room, leave 24" of open space below ceiling
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In a sprinklered room, leave 18" of open space below sprinkler heads
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Shelving in the center of a room should follow the above guidelines
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Wall shelving in a storage room can go full height, to the ceiling
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Keep all combustible materials at least 36" away from furnaces, boilers, water heaters, etc.
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Maintain a 36" wide clear path from utility room doorways to all electrical panels
For more information, visit the Kentucky State Fire Marshal website.