Arkulus FAQs

What fire rating can Arkulus products achieve?

Arkulus products achieve up to a 240/240/240 Fire Resistance Rating (FRR), meaning four hours of fire protection. This level of performance meets the expectations of Dangerous Goods certifiers for Type D stores and Type 3 workrooms.

What does a 240/240/240 FRR actually mean?

A 240/240/240 FRR means the building element maintains structural adequacy, integrity, and insulation for four hours under full furnace fire conditions. In simple terms, it stays standing, prevents fire spread, and limits heat transfer for four hours.

Why is a four-hour fire rating important for dangerous goods storage?

Under the Hazardous Substances Regulations, Type D stores and Type 3 workrooms require a four-hour fire rating. Achieving this rating allows higher compliant storage volumes and reduced separation distances compared to lower-rated solutions like shipping containers or cabinets.

Are Arkulus panels, doors, and vaults independently fire tested?

Yes. Arkulus products are independently tested to AS1530.4 in IANZ-accredited, ISO 17025-certified laboratories. Certifiers rely on this test data and supporting engineering assessments to verify performance.

Do Arkulus products support compliance under New Zealand regulations?

Arkulus products are designed to support certification under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017. Final approval is always made by your Dangerous Goods certifier, based on your substances, volumes, and site layout. Arkulus provides the technical evidence needed to support that decision.

What does Arkulus provide to help with certification?

Arkulus supplies independent fire test reports, engineering assessments, technical specifications, and detailed drawings. These documents are prepared specifically to address what certifiers look for, helping reduce ambiguity and approval delays.

Does Arkulus work with certifiers, consultants and project teams?

Yes. Arkulus works directly with Dangerous Goods certifiers, consultants, designers, builders, and councils to support a clear, compliant pathway from design through to approval. We explain the fire testing, engineering assessments, and design intent behind your solution, provide clear technical documentation, and respond to queries directly to help reduce delays, confusion, and rework.

What does zero separation mean?

Zero separation means a fire-rated vault or building can be installed directly beside a protected place, such as a building or boundary, without additional fire separation distance. This is critical for maximising storage on constrained sites.

When will a certifier allow zero separation?

A certifier may allow zero separation when a structure achieves a proven 240/240/240 FRR and limits heat transfer for four hours. Arkulus systems are engineered and tested to meet this threshold, enabling zero separation in many cases.

Why don’t shipping containers or cabinets allow zero separation?

Most shipping containers and cabinets do not achieve a four-hour FRR or adequately limit heat transfer. As a result, certifiers still require physical separation, reducing usable storage and site efficiency.

Can Arkulus products be used indoors and outdoors?

Yes. Arkulus offers vaults designed for both indoor and outdoor use that are engineered to support compliance under the HSWA regulations. Our panelised buildings can be used for new builds, upgrades, or fire-rated segregation within existing buildings.

Are Arkulus vaults and buildings relocatable?

Yes. Arkulus vaults include lifting points or container-style corner castings for relocation by HIAB or swing lift. Panelised buildings are bolted together and can be disassembled, relocated, or extended as your site changes.

How do Arkulus solutions compare to concrete buildings?

Concrete structures are heavy, permanent, and often require significant foundations. Arkulus solutions deliver the same four-hour fire performance in a lighter, relocatable system that installs faster and adapts as your needs evolve.

Can Arkulus solutions be customised?

Yes. Arkulus regularly customises vaults and buildings to suit operational workflows, including door configurations, shelving, ventilation, lighting, and fire-rated penetrations. Customisation helps ensure compliance without compromising day-to-day usability.

How much do Arkulus products cost?

Costs are often comparable to alternative solutions on a like-for-like performance basis. Savings are typically realised through faster installation, lighter foundations, reduced site works, and improved site utilisation through zero separation.

Are Arkulus solutions cost-effective over their lifetime?

Yes. Arkulus solutions reduce total cost of ownership by avoiding demolition, rebuilds, and land loss due to separation distances. Their relocatability and adaptability protect your investment as your operations change.

What costs can Arkulus help me avoid?

Arkulus can help avoid heavy concrete foundations, extended construction timeframes, demolition costs, and site rework to achieve separation distances. Zero separation often allows more compliant storage within the same footprint.

Do you offer leasing or finance options?

Leasing or staged payment options can be discussed for certain projects. Arkulus understands that many compliance upgrades are unplanned and is open to exploring financing pathways where appropriate.

How quickly can Arkulus solutions be installed?

Arkulus products are designed for fast installation compared to traditional concrete construction. Vaults are delivered as complete units and can often be installed in a single day once the site is prepared, while panelised buildings are bolted together on site for rapid assembly. Faster installation helps reduce site disruption and get you compliant sooner.

How durable are Arkulus vaults and buildings?

Arkulus products are built for long-term use in demanding industrial environments. They require minimal maintenance, and if panels or doors are ever damaged or exposed to fire, they can be replaced without rebuilding the entire structure. This durability helps protect your investment over the long term.

How do I get started with Arkulus?

Arkulus supports projects from early discussions through design, delivery, and approval. Get in touch to talk through your dangerous goods storage, controlled drugs custody, or fire and blast protection requirements, and we’ll guide you through the process.

What is an Arkulus Vault?

An Arkulus Vault is a relocatable, four-hour fire-rated storage solution designed for dangerous goods and other high-risk materials or activities. Vaults are constructed using Arkulus’ proprietary panelised fire-protection system.

What are Arkulus vaults used for?

Arkulus vaults are commonly used as Type D Stores and Type 3 Workrooms under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations, including for class 2 and 3.1 hazardous substances. Vaults are also used for high-risk activities such as lithium-ion battery storage and charging.

What fire rating do Arkulus vaults have?

Arkulus vaults achieve a 240/240/240 Fire Resistance Rating (FRR) for walls and ceilings under internal fire exposure. Doors are fire-rated depending on the vault model. All systems are independently tested to AS1530.4 in IANZ-accredited, ISO 17025-certified laboratories, with furnace temperatures exceeding 1200°C.

How are Arkulus vaults certified?

Arkulus vaults are designed to be certifiable as Type D Stores or Type 3 Workrooms. Final approval is issued by your Dangerous Goods certifier based on your substances, volumes, layout, and site conditions. Arkulus supports certification by providing independent fire test reports, engineering assessments, technical specifications, and drawings.

Can Arkulus vaults be placed up against buildings or boundaries?

Yes. When certified as a Type D Store or Type 3 Workroom, the four-hour fire rating allows for zero metres separation to protected places, subject to certifier approval.

Can Arkulus vaults store IBCs, pallets, or smaller containers?

Yes. Arkulus vaults can store IBCs, pallets, drums, and smaller containers. Containers can be stored directly on the fibreglass floor grating or on shelving systems to suit your operation.

How much can I store in an Arkulus Vault?

The physical capacity depends on the vault size, internal dimensions, container types, and loading configuration. Regulatory storage limits are set by the Hazardous Substances Regulations and confirmed by your Dangerous Goods certifier, based on substance class, container size, total pooling potential, use (storage or workroom), and proximity to protected places.

How do I access and work within my Arkulus Vault?

Vaults are fitted with double swing doors for personnel access and forklift loading. Where internal heights allow, people can safely enter the vault and work within it for tasks such as loading, unloading, and picking.

Can Arkulus vaults be used indoors and outdoors?

Yes. Arkulus vaults are suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation. They can be installed inside existing buildings or externally on a suitable concrete slab, offering flexibility across different site layouts.

Do Arkulus vaults require consent?

Consent requirements depend on how the vault is used, how it is installed, and local council rules. We recommend confirming requirements with your local consenting authority. Arkulus can provide technical information to support this process.

How do I prepare my site for an Arkulus Vault?

Vaults must be installed on a level concrete slab designed for the vault size and load requirements. Vaults are typically delivered by HIAB or swing lift, with cranes used for harder-to-access locations.

Are Arkulus vaults relocatable?

Yes. Arkulus vaults include lifting points or container-style corner castings, allowing them to be relocated by HIAB or swing lift. This enables vaults to be repositioned, moved to a new site, or redeployed as your operations change.

How long does it take to install an Arkulus vault?

Installation is typically completed within hours once the site is prepared. Vaults are delivered as complete units and lifted into place, minimising disruption to site operations.

What fire rating do Arkulus vaults have?

Arkulus vaults achieve a 240/240/240 Fire Resistance Rating (FRR) for walls and ceilings under internal fire exposure. Doors are fire-rated depending on the vault model. All systems are independently tested to AS1530.4 in IANZ-accredited, ISO 17025-certified laboratories, with furnace temperatures exceeding 1200°C.

How are Arkulus vaults certified?

Arkulus vaults are designed to be certifiable as Type D Stores or Type 3 Workrooms. Final approval is issued by your Dangerous Goods certifier based on your substances, volumes, layout, and site conditions. Arkulus supports certification by providing independent fire test reports, engineering assessments, technical specifications, and drawings.

Can Arkulus vaults be placed up against buildings or boundaries?

Yes. When certified as a Type D Store or Type 3 Workroom, the four-hour fire rating allows for zero metres separation to protected places, subject to certifier approval.

Can Arkulus vaults store IBCs, pallets, or smaller containers?

Yes. Arkulus vaults can store IBCs, pallets, drums, and smaller containers. Containers can be stored directly on the fibreglass floor grating or on shelving systems to suit your operation.

How much can I store in an Arkulus Vault?

The physical capacity depends on the vault size, internal dimensions, container types, and loading configuration. Regulatory storage limits are set by the Hazardous Substances Regulations and confirmed by your Dangerous Goods certifier, based on substance class, container size, total pooling potential, use (storage or workroom), and proximity to protected places.

How do I access and work within my Arkulus Vault?

Vaults are fitted with double swing doors for personnel access and forklift loading. Where internal heights allow, people can safely enter the vault and work within it for tasks such as loading, unloading, and picking.

Can Arkulus vaults be used indoors and outdoors?

Yes. Arkulus vaults are suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation. They can be installed inside existing buildings or externally on a suitable concrete slab, offering flexibility across different site layouts.

Do Arkulus vaults require consent?

Consent requirements depend on how the vault is used, how it is installed, and local council rules. We recommend confirming requirements with your local consenting authority. Arkulus can provide technical information to support this process.

How do I prepare my site for an Arkulus Vault?

Vaults must be installed on a level concrete slab designed for the vault size and load requirements. Vaults are typically delivered by HIAB or swing lift, with cranes used for harder-to-access locations.

Are Arkulus vaults relocatable?

Yes. Arkulus vaults include lifting points or container-style corner castings, allowing them to be relocated by HIAB or swing lift. This enables vaults to be repositioned, moved to a new site, or redeployed as your operations change.

How long does it take to install an Arkulus vault?

Installation is typically completed within hours once the site is prepared. Vaults are delivered as complete units and lifted into place, minimising disruption to site operations.

How much do Arkulus vaults cost?

The cost of an Arkulus vault depends on size and configuration. Pricing is generally comparable to concrete bunker solutions on a like-for-like performance basis, with additional savings achieved through faster installation, lighter foundations, and long-term flexibility.

How long do Arkulus vaults take to manufacture and deliver?

Lead times vary depending on the vault model and level of customisation. Some models may be available from stock, while others can take up to several months. Arkulus can confirm expected lead times once requirements are defined.

How can I customise an Arkulus vault?

Vaults can be customised with different door configurations, shelving or racking systems, ventilation, fire-rated penetrations, and tailored internal or external dimensions. Bunding capacities can also be adjusted to suit compliance requirements.

How do I get started with an Arkulus vault?

Arkulus supports vault projects from early discussions through design, delivery, and certification. Get in touch to talk through your substances, storage volumes, site layout, and compliance requirements, and we’ll help guide you to the right vault solution for your application.

What is an Arkulus building and what does it do?

An Arkulus building is a fire-rated, relocatable structure used for dangerous goods, controlled drugs, and other high-risk operations. It provides four hours of fire protection and offers a compliant solution that can grow and change as your site evolves.

What is the Arkulus panelised building system?

Arkulus buildings are constructed using a relocatable 240/240/240 FRR panelised system that is faster to install, lighter, and more flexible than concrete. The fire-rated panels are structurally self-supporting between steel portal frames and are bolted together for fast assembly, easy relocation, and future extension. This system is suitable for new builds, upgrades, and internal fire-rated segregation within existing buildings.

What fire rating do Arkulus buildings have?

Arkulus buildings are rated to 240/240/240 FRR, providing four hours of proven fire protection. With fire-rated doors and secondary containment where required, they support a clear compliance pathway under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations.

How are Arkulus buildings fire tested?

Arkulus panels and doors are independently tested to AS1530.4 in accredited laboratories. During testing they are exposed to furnace temperatures exceeding 1200°C and assessed for structural adequacy, integrity, and insulation. Engineering assessments support these results and provide certifiers with clear evidence of performance.

What fire-rated doors are available for Arkulus buildings?

Arkulus offers a range of fire-rated door options to suit different building and compliance requirements. This includes the Ark Sliding Door 240, which is certified to a -/240/120 FRR and is the only sliding fire door on the market with this level of certified fire performance.

Can Arkulus buildings be certified as Type D Stores or Type 3 Workrooms?

Yes. Arkulus buildings can be certified as Type D Stores or Type 3 Workrooms. They include four-hour fire-rated walls and ceilings, compliant fire doors, and integrated secondary containment where required to support approval under HSWA (Hazardous Substances).

Can Arkulus buildings be used for controlled drugs or other high-risk uses?

Yes. Arkulus buildings meet Ministry of Health requirements for controlled drug custody and are also used for other high-risk applications such as battery storage and charging, transformer protection, and fire-rated separation within industrial sites.

Does Arkulus work with design consultants, councils, builders and compliance certifiers?

Yes. Arkulus works directly with project teams and Dangerous Goods certifiers, or consultants to support a clear, compliant pathway from design through to approval. We provide fire test data, engineering assessments, and technical documentation, and respond to technical queries to help reduce delays, confusion, and rework.

Can Arkulus buildings be used for new builds or upgrading existing sites?

Yes. Arkulus buildings are suitable for both new builds and site upgrades. Their lightweight, modular design allows fast installation and avoids the heavy foundations typically required for concrete structures.

Can Arkulus panels be used inside existing buildings?

Yes. Arkulus panels can be installed within existing warehouses or facilities to create fire-rated rooms, partitions, or storage areas, allowing upgrades with minimal disruption to operations.

How are Arkulus buildings installed, and can they be changed later?

Arkulus buildings are delivered as pre-finished panels that are lifted into place and bolted together on site, making installation fast and tidy. Buildings can later be extended, reconfigured, dismantled, or relocated as site or compliance needs change.

How do Arkulus buildings compare to concrete?

Arkulus buildings are approximately three times lighter than concrete while delivering the same four-hour fire protection. They install faster, require lighter foundations, and can be relocated or extended over time. They also offer a lower carbon footprint, making them a more flexible and efficient alternative.

Are Arkulus buildings good value over the long term?

Yes. Arkulus buildings reduce upfront costs through lighter foundations and faster installation, and they remain cost-effective because they can be moved, adapted, or extended rather than demolished or rebuilt. This flexibility helps future-proof your investment as your site or operations change.

How do I get started with an Arkulus building?

Arkulus supports projects from early discussions through design, delivery, and approval. Get in touch to discuss your dangerous goods, controlled drugs, or other high-risk building requirements, and we’ll help guide you through the process.

What do Arkulus custom solutions provide?

Arkulus custom solutions are designed for sites with unique fire or blast risks where standard products are not suitable. We engineer tailored systems using our proprietary insulative technology to deliver high-performance, certifier-ready protection that fits your exact site and operational requirements.

What fire rating do Arkulus custom solutions achieve, and how is it proven?

Arkulus custom solutions use the same technology that is independently tested and certified to 240/240/240 FRR, providing four hours of fire protection. Performance is proven through AS1530.4 fire testing and supported by engineering assessments. Arkulus works with you and your specifiers to ensure each custom design follows a clear, compliant certification pathway.

How does Arkulus address blast risk in custom solutions?

Where blast risk is identified, Arkulus custom solutions are engineered to address both fire and blast effects. Blast performance is informed by completed blast testing undertaken during product development, along with engineering analysis and modelling. Final suitability is assessed in consultation with project engineers and certifiers based on the specific risk and site conditions.

What are Arkulus custom solutions typically used for?

Arkulus custom solutions are used to protect high-risk areas or assets such as transformers, generators, battery storage and charging areas, blast-risk zones, fire-rated separation walls, and fire-rated service penetrations. They are ideal where site constraints, equipment layout, or risk profiles require a tailored approach.

Does Arkulus provide four-hour fire protection for service penetrations?

Yes. Arkulus provides fire-rated service penetration collars designed to maintain up to four hours of fire separation where services pass through fire-rated walls or enclosures. This supports compliant fire cell separation in high-risk or complex installations.

How can I protect buildings or equipment from transformers or generators?

Arkulus can design and install four-hour fire- and blast-rated walls or enclosures between transformers or generators and nearby assets. These custom shields are engineered to limit fire spread, heat transfer, and blast impact, helping protect people, buildings, and critical infrastructure.

Is there a safe way to store EV or lithium-ion batteries?

Yes. EV and lithium-ion batteries are best stored or charged in dedicated fire-rated enclosures that separate high-risk items from people and other assets. Arkulus can provide custom battery storage and charging enclosures designed to contain fire, reduce risk, and help protect surrounding buildings and operations.

Can Arkulus custom solutions be used in new builds or retrofits?

Yes. Arkulus custom solutions can be incorporated into new builds or retrofitted into existing buildings. They can be installed as external enclosures or used internally to create compliant fire- or blast-rated separation.

Can Arkulus custom solutions be relocated or modified later?

Yes. Many Arkulus custom systems are modular and relocatable. They can be modified, extended, or relocated as site layouts, operations, or compliance requirements change, helping future-proof your investment.

How are Arkulus custom solutions designed?

Each Arkulus custom solution is designed specifically for your site and risk profile. Arkulus works closely with you, your designers, and certifiers to engineer a solution that meets performance requirements and follows the appropriate compliance pathway.

How do Arkulus custom solutions compare to concrete or other permanent options?

Arkulus custom solutions are lighter, faster to install, and often relocatable, unlike concrete. They deliver engineered fire and blast protection while offering flexibility to adapt or move as your site changes, reducing disruption, lowering long-term costs, and improving return on investment.

How do I get started with an Arkulus custom solution?

Arkulus supports custom projects from early discussions through design, delivery, and approval. Get in touch to talk through your fire or blast risk, site constraints, and compliance requirements, and we’ll work with you to develop the right solution for your application.