We recently had the local fire marshal inspect our facility.  During the inspection he noted that the doors between the 4 chemical storage areas in our pilot manufacturing area (which is not air conditioned as textile mills do not have AC) were open, as well as the doors leading to the manufacturing lab area.  We are a research facility – not a true industrial plant – but this area is like a mini- textile mill.    We have never had the fire marshal note that these doors need to be closed in prior years.

 

Since it can get very hot and humid in the summer, we keep the doors open for ventilation and keep fans blowing, which is important for the people working and for the chemicals.  (We store only one  water-reactive that is flammable in that area.) I think we could have other hazards as well by having the doors closed –more than the fire concern since they are on automatic closers if there is an alarm.  So my question is – does anyone know of anything I could give to the fire marshal to back up our reasoning/need for having the doors open?

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Michele  Wallace

 

Michele L. Wallace, NRCC-CHO

Associate Director, Product Integrity

6399 Weston Parkway  Cary, NC 27513
P: 919-678-2417 E: MWallace**At_Symbol_Here**cottoninc.com