Compact shelving

Geert Maas <g.maas<-a t->ubu< . >ruu< . >nl> writes

>I am looking for information on compact shelving

Movable shelving is more closely spaced than fixed shelving, greatly
reducing the air flow capability of the ventilation system.  In
order to help increase the air flow in and around compact shelving,
the shelves should not be filled beyond 80% capacity and the spaces
should be maintained with movable shelf dividers.  The shelf units
themselves should be left at rest in such    a way that the open
aisle space is uniformly distributed between each unit.  This may
not be possible with motorized units, but should be with manually
operated systems.

Space is important between units for fire protection as well as
ventilation.  The NFPA notes that fire loads for compact shelving
are extremely high.  Compactness can delay detection from smoke and
heat, shelter the contents from sprinklers, and may conceal the
origin of the fire (compounding difficulties locating and putting
the fire out). See NFPA Standard 232 "Standard for the Protection of
Records," 232AM, "Manual for Fire Protection for Archives and
Records Centers," 910 "Recommended Practice for the Protection of
Libraries and Library Collections," and 911 "Recommended Practice
for the Protection of Museums and Museum Collections" for further
information.  The NFPA contact information is:

    National Fire Protection Association
    1 Batterymarch Park
    Quincy, MA 02269-9101 USA
    617-770-3000
    Fax: 617-770-0700
    <URL:http://www.nfpa.org>

Karen E.K. Brown
Field Service Representative
Northeast Document Conservation Center
100 Brickstone Square
Andover, MA  01810-1494
508-470-1010

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:7
                  Distributed: Wednesday, July 9, 1997
                        Message Id: cdl-11-7-009
                                  ***