Dangers of Uncontrolled Rubber Waste Fires
As rubber and plastic waste volumes grow each year, the world looks to sustainable, alternative materials instead. In the meantime, however, the demand for large volume storage of rubber and plastic waste continues to grow. Recycling plants in Australia are faced with a dilemma: finding a way to grow their business while also keeping up with the costly fire hazards which plague the industry.
At Wastech Engineering, we take pride in supporting the recycling industry with class leading fire detection and suppression systems to combat rubber fires.
What Makes Rubber Fires So Dangerous?
Rubber is made of oil and plastic products, which are extremely complex and made up of many different materials. These materials are extremely flammable and pose a fire hazard especially when stored in large piles for long periods of time.
Unpredictable and Fast-Burning
Oil based rubber tyres and products burn very quickly and turn into a flammable liquid when they burn. This makes fire suppression very difficult as the molten, liquefied material can flow in many different directions.
Resistant to Water
Oil based rubber fires cannot be easily extinguished with water. Traditional fire suppression systems such as sprinklers are not equipped to quickly extinguish oil-based fires.
High Burn Rate
Rubber waste piles have a large quantity of air gaps in them, which means that a small flame can turn into a raging inferno due to the volume of fuel there is to burn. Rubber also burns much faster and more intensely than wood, and a fire can spread between piles within minutes. Rubber fires can take weeks to extinguish, creating extremely toxic fumes which can spread to nearby communities and natural resources such as ground water.
Benefits of Waste Fire Detection Systems
24/7 Monitoring
A cutting-edge waste fire detection system is designed to monitor a facility at all times, throughout the year. Many rubber storage facilities are in remote areas where fire emergency services may not be able to respond in time. This can mean the difference between a small fire incident and a severe fire that lasts weeks. A fire detection system uses thermal sensors to identify and put fires out as soon as possible.
Better Insurance Premiums
Being proactive with safety measures such as fire detection and suppression systems, does not go unnoticed with insurance providers. Waste and recycling facilities are held to a high standard of responsibility for fires and one of the best ways to mitigate the risk, and potentially reduce your premiums, is to install a cutting-edge detection and suppression system.
Grow Your Business with a Safety Net in Place
In the materials handling and rubber storage industry, growth of the business must be accompanied by an upgrade in fire safety. Reduce human error by shifting all fire safety requirements to a system that allows you to focus on growing your business while the professionals keep your location safe, all year round.
Recycling Plant Fire Detection Systems in Melbourne
Protect your recycling facility from rubber waste fires with Fire Rover’s advanced fire detection and suppression system. Call Wastech Engineering on 1800 465 465 for a consultation or visit our website today for more information on fire suppression.
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