External Storage of Combustible Materials

Externally stored goods are at risk of ignition, either through accidental or deliberate acts, including: 

• Malicious ignition by vandals or arsonists.

• Ignition by discarded smoking materials, heat and sparks.

• Spontaneous combustion of oil contaminated waste and other susceptible materials.

• The risk of fire spread from adjacent buildings, plant and vehicles.

Whilst the loss of a few pallets or contents of a waste skip is unlikely to be too significant, should the fire spread to buildings or goods, the loss could be substantial.

Even if the fire does not spread, smoke may cause significant damage with subsequent interruption to the business, particularly where stocks are susceptible to contamination, such as foodstuffs, clothing, sensitive equipment / components etc.

How far should combustible materials be kept from buildings?

The simple response to this is as far as reasonably practical, but as a general rule such materials should be kept at least 5 metres from the building.

Where the trade (or nearby trades) is a high fire risk in nature, increased storage distances will be required.