The value of industrial exports in many European countries is vital for their economy. Temporary production lapses are costly and fire safety comes into question during a range of scenarios.
Adam Kovics, export sales manager at Ramtech, explains why having access to a temporary fire safety solution is critical for the modern-day industry.
Significance of industrial sites
The combined value of the sold industrial products by Germany, Italy, and France accounts for almost 60 percent of total EU sold production, according to stats captured by Eurostat in 2020. This highlights the significance of industrial sites in countries focused on maintaining strong national economies in a global system that is becoming increasingly unpredictable.
When referring to industrial sites, there is a range of production outputs to consider. From major manufacturing facilities, focused on the creation of key materials and consumer goods, to warehouses storing items before they continue their journey along the supply chain.
Challenge during construction
A concern during construction work and a possible cause of closures in the first instance is fire outbreaks
Additionally, there is also the small matter of industrial power plants producing energy for domestic and overseas markets. These facilities are all part of a system that impacts daily lives in a multitude of ways and are not excluded from refurbishment, extension or temporary closure, despite the headache this can cause site owners and facility managers.
A concern during construction work and a possible cause of closures in the first instance is fire outbreaks, something easily possible in environments containing highly flammable materials and large-scale equipment.
Code red
Over 5,000 fire incidents occur daily in the EU according to Fire Safety Europe, and while the majority of these do not take place on industrial sites, the consequences are often far greater when they do. Only recently a fire in an English converter station disrupted energy imports from France and the repercussions will be felt for months to come.
This incident highlights the importance of responsive fire safety systems that alert personnel quickly if a fire outbreak occurs.
Lack of fire safety approach
Allowed to spread, a fire causes costly damage, but in this case, also resulted in pushing power prices still higher and forcing the grid to call on coal plants. Across Europe, a universal approach to fire safety does not exist, posing danger to both people and businesses in equal measure, and in some cases, without adequate protection.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of senior industry professionals to be fully informed and educated on the latest threats and solutions, or risk both financial cost and danger to human life.
Should users feel threatened?
There is little evidence to suggest the risk is rising, but a pre-emptive approach is far better than a reactionary one.
Key causes for concern when exploring fire safety on European industrial sites include arson, human error, machine error, and vacant facilities.
Wildfires
Industrial sites will feel the force of these natural disasters if the climate continues to change
Another, relatively new threat to Northern Europe that has earned more attention lately is wildfires. Calls for a more integrated approach to preventing accidents caused by wildfires have been published, with industrial sites being one of the key locations that will feel the force of these natural disasters if the climate continues to change.
While wildfires may be somewhat easier to see coming and do not start at the heart of an operational site, they still deserve attention. Having said this, it is the aforementioned fire safety concerns specific to industry environments that must be mitigated using technological innovations.
Fixed fire alarms
Fixed fire alarms are the system of choice for many industrial sites, although this is not the only option. The evolution of fire safety technology has reached a defining point, whereby easy-to-install wireless systems can offer a solution to support structural or system changes, as well as much-needed maintenance in industrial environments.
When automotive manufacturer BMW experienced a fault with its traditional sprinkler system at its Munich production facility in Germany, an alternative system was required for several months, ensuring the building could remain open and compliant with insurance agreements.
WES3 system
At the time, the two options insurers considered acceptable were fire watchers and a mobile fire alarm system.
In this instance, BMW opted for Ramtech’s WES3 system – a compliant wireless fire, evacuation, and emergency alarm system that is quickly deployed and able to offer 24/7 automatic early detection.
Modernisation and digitisation
Integrated on-and-off-site notifications to mobile devices ensure businesses are kept in the know through the cloud
Efficient modern systems combining hardware and software are enabling minimal labour and maximum insight. Aspects of modernisation and digitisation in fire safety systems mean European industries need not fear situations where mains electricity is unavailable.
For example, three-year battery life can reassure site managers that their temporary system will be more than capable of protecting short-term on-site works, while integrated on-and-off-site notifications to mobile devices ensure businesses are kept in the know through a cloud-based network.
IoT technology
Site managers in Europe should embrace the opportunity to use connected, Internet of Things (IoT) driven technology options that will give them greater control over their operations.
Fires can devastate life and property, but these risks have changed thanks to rapid innovation. Fire is no longer something to be feared, though this is only true when the associated risks are given the acknowledgment and pre-emptive action they need.
