Wasting time

WITH THE Environment Agency reporting an average of 300 fires a year at waste management sites across the UK, the importance of ensuring sufficient fire prevention and detection measures are in place is more important than ever. Due to the nature of the materials being processed at waste management sites, the incidence of fires is a very real risk and one that needs to be managed efficiently and effectively. According to the Waste Industry Safety and Health Forum’s (WISH) report, WASTE 28: Reducing Fire Risk at Waste Management Sites, almost a third of fires that occur in these environments are caused by hot or hazardous materials such as hot ashes, lithium batteries and gas cylinders. A quarter are a result of self-heating (spontaneous combustion) in both waste reception and storage, which are challenging to monitor without the correct technology and expertise. 

In addition to the immediate danger posed by these fires to personnel and nearby buildings, their effect can also be felt by the local community, environment and, depending on the scale, the economy as well. Such accidents can also disrupt business of the site, and incur steep fines, not to mention the potential damage this can have on business reputation. With the cost of tackling these blazes running into the millions, and fires of this kind often taking weeks to burn out or be extinguished, it is important that operators have suitable controls in place to keep the impact as low as possible. Recommendations in the Waste Industry Safety and Health Forum report range from installing sprinklers and other fire-extinguishing and detection systems though to training staff in fire-fighting tactics and evacuation procedures.

In an environment like a waste management facility, which can be particularly challenging to safeguard, as the report above mentions, it is essential to ensure the most appropriate and effective fire protection solutions are put in place. As technologies advance, detection solutions are becoming increasingly performance-led, providing both the highest levels of protection and enabling a speedy response in the event of a fire, which is key to minimise disruption and keep people safe. 

Preventing false alarms

Across waste management sites there are a number of variables, such as dust, fog, steam and insects, that can contribute to regular false alarms. These incidents not only use up valuable resources and personnel hours, but the downtime caused while the ‘fire’ is located can have significant cost implications for a business – highlighting the importance of a solution that offers reliable false alarm rejection. 

For example, the 3oTec from ZETTLER is a triple sensing detector that works to constantly monitor heat, smoke and carbon monoxide levels in a room. The highly sophisticated technology uses fuzzy logic algorithms to assess the information received and determine whether or not there is a real fire risk present. 

By incorporating high level innovative technology into products in this way and adding extra features, such as the ability to adjust their sensitivity to suit the environment and time of day, facilities can be confident that the protection provided is economical and the most effective for the conditions of the environment. 

One of the challenges faced by waste management sites is how to protect open spaces, such as tipping and landfill areas, where the installation of normal point detectors is not possible. However, these are particularly high-risk areas, often containing thousands of metric tons worth of flammable solid waste. Any fire that does occur needs to be tackled and controlled as quickly as possible to avoid it spreading too quickly or growing too big. As the waste is often plastic and textiles, there is an added risk of harmful and even lethal gasses being emitted, which not only is harmful for the environment but poses a severe risk to air quality in the surrounding areas. As such, it is crucial that areas such as these are properly monitored to ensure a quick response to any fire incident that may occur. 

The use of sophisticated infra-red cameras is often employed to help overcome this challenge. The data provided by solutions such as these ensure the source of a fire is reliably pinpointed, eliminating any guesswork and enabling the fast response required. 

Solutions such as the FLAMEVision infrared array and triple infrared solar blind technologies from Johnson Controls work to separately identify flame and non-flame sources of fire, allowing fires to be tackled appropriately from the outset. By further enhancing reliability and safety across sites, solutions such as these are perfectly positioned to ensure superior performance in high dependency situations where fast acting and accurate flame detection is essential. 

Reducing user error 

In situations where time is of the essence, a system’s ease of use should not be overlooked as user error can lead to otherwise avoidable delays. By implementing intuitive systems that have been designed with users in mind, an early response can be aided, and the safety of the people, property and environment better protected. 

For example, the new ZETTLER Profile Flexible Fire Control Panel shows at a glance what zone is in alarm without users having to gain full access to the panel, making it easier to identify the location of the hazard and respond accordingly. Icons and information buttons allow the panel to deliver context-sensitive help, on screen operator instructions and event summary information in just one click, while a keyless login ensures easy accessibility in an emergency. 

Training personnel

Adequate training for staff is essential to reduce the risks associated with waste management fires. It is essential to have certain core skills and expertise on site to know how to react quickly in these events and have the knowledge to safeguard sites. Regular training to keep staff up to date with the latest practices, operating procedures and legislation is key, likewise with technology, given it changes at such a fast pace. 

Storing of incompatible materials (materials which often do not react well together during the chemical and biological processes) is as mentioned a common cause of waste fires. Employing people who have an in-depth knowledge of these incompatibilities, as well as correct storage practice of the waste is another way to prevent the chance of a waste fire.

While the incidence of fires at waste management sites is almost impossible to prevent completely, by ensuring the most appropriate solutions and training are in place can play a large role in ensuring a timely response and the protection of a facility. By choosing solutions that incorporate the latest innovative technological advances, sites can be confident that the measures they have in place offer the best and most effective protection available. 

Roberto Catena is product marketing manager for fire detection products. For more information on protecting waste management facilities, visit www.zettlerfire.com/solutions