Tips to Reduce Industrial Fire Threats
Industrial fires and blasts can cost big industrialists and governments millions of dollars every year, and many loss of lives, which can’t be described in financial terms. As per the latest statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a normal of 37,000 fires occur in industrial and manufacturing properties every year. These industrial fire incidents resulted in 18 civilian deaths, 279 civilian injuries, and $1 billion in direct property damage in 2019 in India. So it’s important to understand the most common causes of why these disasters happen. It is often observed that managers and employees themselves aren’t aware of the risks that surround them at work every day. 1. Combustible Dust: Combustible dust is a major cause of a fire that has the potential to catch fire and explode when it is mixed in the air. In a typical incident, flammable material comes into contact with a lighting source causing a small fire. These small fires go unreported, but they don’t come without consequences. Even some small industrial fires can cause loss of product, time, and sometimes human body injury. Tips to Prevent these Combustible Dust Fires
Routinely inspect for dust residues in every area. Implement a hazardous dust inspection, testing, housekeeping, and control program. Use the proper dust collection systems. Use cleaning methods if ignition sources are present, that do not generate dust clouds. Control over smoking, open flames, and sparks.
2) Flammable Liquid: These flammable liquid are very common in chemical plants. Flammable liquids can set the fire to off sparks from the previous hazards or add fuel to an already burning fire.
Tips to Prevent Flammable Liquid
Properly store hazardous materials and update your factory or office with a proper fire alarm system. Keep ignition things away from flammable gases and liquids. Provide personal protective equipment, like gloves, bodysuits, vests, goggles, shoes, etc.
3) Electrical Hazard Fires: Electrical fires are most common in manufacturing plants and include wiring that is exposed or not up to code, overloaded outlets, extension cords, overloaded circuits, static discharge, etc. An electrical spark can cause ignition of combustible dust and flammable liquids
How to Prevent Electrical Fires
Don’t overload your electrical equipment or circuits. Unplug unnecessary equipment, which is not in use. Avoid using extension cords.