There is so much that goes into planning the perfect warehouse design and layout. It can take years of experience before you start to really understand all of the intricacies that go into designing a great materials handling facility. No matter how many hours you put into planning your warehouse, though, there are little details that may escape your attention. Sprinkler guards are often one of those things. Many people forget to include these inexpensive, highly effective guards into their warehouse plan when setting up and designing their space. Thankfully, RMH Systems sells a variety of sprinkler guards that are easy to install and will prevent damage to both the sprinklers in your warehouse and the merchandise on your shelves.
Why Your Warehouse Needs Sprinkler Guards
What are sprinkler guards?
Sprinkler guards most often look like small metal cages that sit over the sprinkler heads in your ceiling. There may be some small variations in the design or how they attach to the sprinkler, but by and large, these guards rely on the cage-like open structure that’s made from metal. They are there to prevent damage to the sprinkler head itself without restricting the flow of water and chemicals that can help put out a fire if one is detected. They can also help prevent any vandalism or tampering with the sprinkler head itself. It’s not just warehouses and materials handling facilities that need these protective items, either. You’ll see them in gymnasiums, retail stores, and other commercial, industrial, and public spaces that rely on overhead sprinklers for fire protection. Next time you are out shopping, take a second to look up and locate the store’s overhead sprinklers. Chances are good that you’ll see a wire cage sitting over the sprinkler head; that’s the sprinkler guard.
Why do you need to use sprinkler guards?
If a sprinkler head is accidentally knocked or bumped, it can set off the internal system. Overhead sprinklers can send as much as 30 gallons of water per minute onto the surrounding area. That’s more than just a little bit of water. By the time you are able to react, reach the main shut off, and end the flow of water, you could have hundreds of gallons of water all over your warehouse. Even small businesses and public spaces can experience tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage in a short amount of time; how much more damage could your business experience when your inventory gets soaked?
Some damage isn’t apparent at first, either. Instead of setting the system off, an accident could end up damaging the sprinkler head and causing it not to work properly when it’s needed. That can leave your warehouse vulnerable to fire damage, which could be much more costly than the water damage would be. It could also create danger for those working in your warehouse.
Sprinkler guards are some of the most inexpensive safety equipment on the market. Most of the guards cost just a few dollars each, meaning you can purchase peace of mind across your entire warehouse for a few hundred dollars. When you consider the return on your investment and preventing an accident, it’s an investment that’s well worth making.
How are sprinkler guards installed?
Most sprinkler guards can be easily installed on your existing overhead sprinkler system. Many of them attach to the sprinkler head itself, while other models will attach to the pipes that come off of the sprinkler heads and supply them with water and fire retardant chemicals.
Most businesses can install sprinkler guards themselves. The equipment and knowledge needed to complete the installation are minimal. However, if you want to ensure that the installation is done correctly, you can have the RMH team perform the installation for you. We have teams that can service Illinois and surrounding states with the installation work that’s required. Simply contact one of our project managers to discuss your installation options.
Is your warehouse protected from fire?
Sprinkler guards are just one facet of comprehensive fire protection in your warehouse. Are you sure you have the protection you need and that’s mandated by state and federal laws? It’s important to go through an annual safety inspection to help you stay on top of regulations and changes. These inspections can help you uncover potentially vulnerable areas of your warehouse and work to correct them. You might find that you need other safety equipment such as cages, rail guards, safety gates, upright protection, and bollards to help prevent damage to inventory and warehouse equipment as well as prevent injuries and accidents. RMH Systems can help you stay proactive ahead of your inspection schedule and work with you to develop a warehouse safety plan and get all of that equipment put in place.
Let RMH Find the Right Safety Equipment for Your Warehouse
Don’t think your sprinkler guards are a minor detail you can afford overlook for now. While these may seem like an insignificant detail, these guards could end up saving you thousands of dollars. That’s because if a forklift operator accidentally hits a sprinkler, it can go off and leave your warehouse, your team, and your merchandise dripping wet. Clean up alone will cost you both time and money, while damage to merchandise could be even more. All of that damage could have been prevented with one little sprinkler guard from RMH Systems!
Give us a call today and let us help you find the sprinkler guards that are right for your warehouse. Along with sprinkler guards, we have a comprehensive line of warehouse safety equipment so we can help protect your warehouse from top to bottom. Our team is experienced in helping warehouses just like yours in Illinois and across the Midwest find, purchase, and install warehouse equipment and supplies. We can install them for you or your can do it yourself! Call us at 800-851-4995 today and speak with a project manager in your area. They’ll help you find everything you need to keep your warehouse, your team, and your merchandise safe and dry.
