In our line of work, we come across some real doozies when it comes to fire protection arrangements. One of the more common issues we come across is the obstruction of sprinkler heads. Since 1980 OSHA has required that we maintain our storage at least 18″ below any sprinkler head.
1910.159(c)(10) Sprinkler spacing. The employer shall assure that sprinklers are spaced to provide a maximum protection area per sprinkler, a minimum of interference to the discharge pattern by building or structural members or building contents and suitable sensitivity to possible fire hazards. The minimum vertical clearance between sprinklers and material below shall be 18 inches (45.7 cm).
But this is all changing now, as both NFPA 13 and the 2018 IFC permit storage to encroach on the 18″ rule as long as the shelving/storage is less than 30″ out from the wall. Here is their rationale…
NOTE: OSHA will most likely continue to enforce their 18″ rule! But if you get dinged with a citation, and you can show you’re complying with a more recent standard, the A.D. may have mercy on you.