Factory and warehouse storage fire safety: what to check before fitting out or changing a layout

Use quantum and fire safety are separate questions

The URA 60:40 use quantum governs how much approved GFA can be used for ancillary purposes. SCDF fire-safety requirements govern how the premises are protected against fire based on what is stored, how it is arranged and what fire-protection systems are in place. A layout that fits within the use quantum can still fail to meet fire-safety requirements, and vice versa.

JTC and the lessor may add their own conditions on storage type, racking height and access. Treat the use quantum, fire-safety requirements and lease conditions as three separate checks, each confirmed by the appropriate authority or professional.

URA 60:40 use quantum explained

SCDF purpose groups for factories and warehouses

SCDF classifies premises into purpose groups that determine the applicable fire-safety requirements. Factories generally fall under Purpose Group VI and warehouses under Purpose Group VIII (checked 18 October 2026). A single building can contain spaces classified under different purpose groups if the uses differ.

The purpose group determines requirements for compartment size, sprinkler protection, detection, escape access and other fire precautions. Changing the use of a space, for example converting part of a factory floor to storage or adding an occupied office, may change the applicable purpose group and its requirements.

Storage area thresholds are conditional, not universal

For storage inside a non-sprinkler-protected Purpose Group VI factory, SCDF clause 9.6.1c uses the aggregate storage area, including transient storage. Once it exceeds 100 sqm, the clause gives two routes: the whole factory unit meets general warehouse requirements under Purpose Group VIII, or the storage is fire-compartmented from the factory so the storage remaining within the factory does not exceed 100 sqm.

Where the factory has automatic sprinkler protection, clause 9.6.1c(2) allows that area figure to increase to 700 sqm. This is a conditional factory-storage provision, not a universal warehouse size allowance. The QP checks the relevant route, compartment arrangement and other applicable requirements for the actual goods and premises.

For example, 120 sqm of aggregate storage in a non-sprinkler-protected factory raises the two-route question above. It is not resolved by calling 20 sqm temporary overflow: transient storage is counted. Equally, being below an area threshold does not establish that the goods, stacking, escape routes and fire-protection design are compliant.

Storage contents, height and arrangement

SCDF Purpose Group VIII requirements address storage contents, aggregate and transient storage, stacking and racking height, and the effect on sprinkler and detection systems. The hazard classification of the stored goods affects compartment size, suppression design and separation requirements.

Check the proposed rack and stock arrangement against the building's sprinkler design, including the applicable clearance, discharge and access requirements. A clearance figure taken from a retail provision is not sufficient evidence for a warehouse. Keep escape routes, exits and access to fire-safety equipment clear; ask for the project-specific layout requirements rather than inventing a universal aisle width or storage height.

Storage information inventory

Before the QP can assess fire-safety requirements, provide these details about the proposed storage. The table is a planning aid; it does not replace the QP's assessment.

Separating office from storage in the renovation brief

If the renovation involves both an office fit-out and storage reorganisation, describe each scope separately. The fire-safety requirements for an occupied office differ from those for a storage area. The QP assesses each space under its applicable purpose group.

Include the proposed separation between office and storage areas: partition type, fire rating if required, escape routes from each space, and the position of detection and suppression devices on each side of the division. These affect the quotation scope.

SCDF office renovation approval

Warehouse reinstatement planning

Discuss the scope with Omni Contractors

Send Omni the proposed layout, confirmed storage details and fire-safety requirements so the quotation can identify the included renovation works and the items to arrange separately. Professional fire-safety assessment, SCDF submissions and hazard classification are separate responsibilities.

Sources checked 18 October 2026: SCDF clause 9.6 Purpose Group VI, SCDF clause 9.8 Purpose Group VIII. This guide paraphrases published fire-code provisions. It does not establish the fire-safety requirements for a specific building or storage arrangement. No universal aisle width, load capacity, storage limit or occupancy figure is promised.

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