1m gap from fluorescent lights

[Guest Hayfever]

We have been advised to maintain a 1m gap between fluorescent light fittings and stock on a racking system. This is causing huge problems as we have very little space to store a lot of stock already without this restriction

I have asked why as there is virtually no heat radiated from such a fitting compared with a filament fitting such as a light bulb or halogen tube. The response has been very 'jobsworth' - in essence 'do as you are told'

Does anyone know why such a rule is necessary or whether this is lifted from a standard or guide??

 

Thanks

[Tom Sutton]

It is lifted from a guide Factories and warehouses Page 44 Stacked goods and high stacked storage. Nevertheless it is all about risk assessment and the inspecting officer should have considered the risk of such lighting initiating a fire. Fluorescent light fittings do cause fires but it is not the tube it is the transformer developing a fault and overheating.

Edited September 12, 2015 by Tom Sutton

[AnthonyB]

As above - having been on site when such a fitting had a burnout I can attest to the fact that it can happen - however in a risk assessment the clearance distance may be reducible depending on the fitting, the metal casing of the fitting in the incident contained any actual flaming and it soon burnt out without spreading.