Wire mesh partitioning from Troax UK Limited has been used to construct a safe aerosol storage facility at AS Watson’s new 536,000 sq ft distribution centre in Dunstable. The wire mesh enclosure provides a convenient way to meet Fire and Safety regulations concerning the storage of potentially hazardous aerosol products and to ensure the safety of personnel working in the area.
The custom-designed wire mesh enclosure extends to 120 metres in length and 30 metres in depth and was built within racking at the warehouse using a combination of Troax’s Caelum and Musca industrial wire mesh partitioning systems. The project was carried out in conjunction with racking manufacturer Link 51.
Caelum partitioning was specified for the project as its 25mm x 25mm mesh aperture option allowing volatile aerosols to be stored safely. The small and tight mesh size preventing the escape of shards in the event of an explosion and containing any subsequent fire.
The mesh panels were fitted right up into the roof space to ensure that the structure was completely enclosed and, as a further safety measure, the enclosure was divided into smaller internal areas to further limit damage that might be caused by an explosion.
To allow easy access to the enclosure for forklift trucks, project managers, SBH Limited, developed an unusual but very practical solution; instead of installing a conventional sliding door, Troax’s partitioning was used to build a ‘chicane’ type entrance passage which could remain permanently open. The passage incorporates 45 degree angles which would prevent aerosol shards escaping in the event of an explosion but still allow forklifts to get in and out easily.
Comments Adrian Spragg at Link 51: “Troax are always very helpful and flexible in their approach. For example, if we need to make changes to a design (in this case we had to alter the design of the roof of the structure, extending it to reach fully into the roof space and accommodate overhead heating and lighting units) they are always willing to incorporate any necessary changes, even if they are not on the original drawings.”
“Troax are recognised as the market leader in the industry; they’re competitively priced and always meet our design and delivery issues which is why we trust them to support us in major projects such as this.”
Troax wire mesh partitioning is widely specified by insurance companies to create this type of safe storage facility. As well as containing damage caused by aerosols in the event of an explosion, another advantage of wire mesh is that it permits smoke and heat to filter through the enclosure to trigger smoke detection systems and allow the effective penetration of sprinkler systems.
Troax UK Limited
Tel: 01793 542000
Email: info@troax.co.uk
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