Larger, more densely packed warehouses utilizing AS/RS need greater fire protection than is provided for in the current design standards. Fire protection issues caused by the use of AS/RS in these warehouses, as well as insight and advise for architects, is discussed by fire protection expert Ralph Bless Jr., PE, CFPS, SET in the recent article “New Fire Protection Solutions for Modern Mega Warehouses” in Architectural Products magazine. In the article, Bless also explores solutions from sprinklers to oxygen-reducing systems, as well as critical fire safety systems maintenance issues.
A fire protection expert for almost 40 years, Bless currently serves as Vice President, Account Management for fire protection industry leader Telgian. His nearly four decades of experience include a broad range of water-based and special hazard system design, code consulting and fire protection engineering services.
Bless is licensed as a Professional Engineer in six states, is a Level IV NICET Senior Fire Sprinkler Layout Technician, and holds a Level III in Inspections & Testing of Water Based Systems, a Level II in Fire Alarm Systems, a Level II in Special Hazards Systems Layout and a Level I in Special Hazards Systems. In addition, Bless holds several state and national certifications, including that of Certified Fire Protection Specialist.
Dedicated to progress in the industry, Bless chairs the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical Committee for Record Storage, NFPA 232, and serves as a member of the NFPA Technical Committee for Water Spray Systems, NFPA 15. He is also a member of the NFPA 13 SSI (Installation) and the Correlating Committees.
He is also a sought-after author. Additional fire safety articles of interest by Bless include:
- “Multifamily Residence Fire Safety: Don’t Skip Individual Unit Inspections,” Multifamily Executive
- “How do holiday decorations impact fire safety?” International Facility Management Association
- “Responsible Priorities,” IFMA’s FMJ magazine
- “Balancing Fire Safety and COVID Protection,” Campus Security & Life Safety
Click to read “New Fire Protection Solutions for Modern Mega Warehouses” in its entirety (beginning on page 20).
For media interviews with Ralph Bless or additional information, please contact Susan McNeill, smcneill@telgian.com.