FM Approved Doorway Spill Barriers

The Hazard

Nearly every industry uses ignitable liquids, including fuels, process chemicals, solvents, paints, coatings, adhesives, vegetable oils, waxes and polishes. The fire hazards of ignitable liquids are determined by the inherent physical properties of the liquid and external factors, such as the amount of liquid on site, container construction, container size and storage arrangement.

Managing the hazards associated with ignitable liquids requires a comprehensive approach, including proper transportation and handling, adequate sprinkler protection and passive construction features such as isolation (containment), and drainage. Ignitable liquids containment in particular presents a unique challenge because of the high heat content of the liquids and the fact that liquids flow freely past barriers that are not leak-proof.

Facilities that rely on ignitable liquids have to balance the need to provide adequate protection for and confinement of ignitable liquids in case of fire with the need to freely access and move those liquids as required by production processes. In cases where large quantities of ignitable liquids are stored in attached or internal cutoff rooms, even a small spill or small fire, if not immediately contained, can lead to a catastrophic pool or three- dimensional fire that can easily spread beyond the storage area.

Curbs installed across the entry to cutoff rooms and other storage areas can be an effective barrier against the spread of ignitable liquids due to their constant physical presence. Unfortunately, curbs can also be a detriment to the free movement of materials between the storage area and production. One alternative is to install a door- way spill barrier across the openings to cutoff rooms and other areas where ignitable liquids may be stored.

Testing Required for FM Approval

Doorway spill barriers that supplement fire walls and fire doors are important elements in protecting against fire in occupancies handling, processing or transferring ignitable liquids.

Doorway spill barriers remain in a retracted or an unobtrusive position under normal operations, allowing free access for vehicular and personnel traffic. In the event of a spill, doorway spill barriers deploy and contain the flow of ignitable liquids and contaminated water from sprinklers or firefighting runoff.

 FM Approved doorway spill barriers undergo performance testing in accordance with

Approval Standard 4985, Doorway Spill Barriers. Testing is conducted on the widest barrier and at the maximum liquid depth for which Approval is sought. Barriers are tested to determine their ability to:

• resist leakage and/or seepage when subjected to a 16-hour hydrostatic loading test,
• withstand a 30-minute heptane pool fire,
• perform reliably under simulated usage, and
• allow for timely deployment.

Benefits and Availability

FM Approvals is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and one of the only testing organizations in the world that conducts full-scale performance testing on doorway spill barriers, including full-scale fire testing. For a specifier or facility owner, the FM APPROVED mark on a doorway spill barrier system is an assurance that system has undergone the world’s most rigorous testing and met or exceeded the manufacturer’s specifications and performance claims.

For manufacturers of doorway spill barrier systems, the FM Approvals certification program is an investment that demonstrates to the market the confidence you have in your product. The FM APPROVED mark on your product is a quality indicator that helps differentiate your product from the competition.

FM Approvals partners with its customers, providing insights that can strengthen product design and by providing ongoing support. FM Approved products are not only listed in the Approval Guide but, just as importantly, FM Approved products are specified and accepted by building owners, designers and code authorities.

Success Stories