How to Migitate Factory Fires with Furnace Firebreak Cleaning

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Causes of Industrial and Manufacturing Fires

Possible causes of fire in industrial and manufacturing production zones may seem obvious, however we often find that not much is done to mitigate these risks of fire due to the challenging nature of the work.

Combustible dust, contaminants and oil build-up: No matter the product being produced, particulate or dust forms of most materials can be highly combustible and ignite easily. The risk of fires igniting is significant if dust is allowed to build up on roofs, walls, girders, purlins and gantry gratings.

Equipment Failures: Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment in hot zones can generate excessive heat, sparks, or electrical faults, which can ignite nearby combustible materials.

Hot Work Activities: Welding, cutting, or other hot work activities performed in the furnace area can generate sparks, slag, or hot debris, which, if not properly controlled, can lead to fires. We have completed several factory fire clean-ups for clients, where fires started due to welding activities being performed on the furnace gantry.

Poor Housekeeping: Cluttered or poorly maintained furnace areas with a build-up of flammable materials can increase the risk of fires. It is essential to maintain a clean and organised environment to minimise fire hazards.

Lack of Firebreaks: Insufficient or ineffective firebreaks that prevent the spread of fires from one area to another can contribute to larger-scale fires in hot zones.

Enhancing Safety: Benefits of Furnace Firebreak Cleaning

Just as in any environment, the risk of fire in industrial premises will never be zero. This is especially true in manufacturing plants which use high-temperature hot zones or furnaces as part of the production process, e.g. metalworks or glass manufacturers.

However, we can mitigate the risks as much as possible by adopting industry best practises, good housekeeping and bespoke industrial cleaning solutions.

Removing combustible materials

Our team use a specialised working method to remove dust, oil, grease and other contaminants from furnace and forehearth areas of our client’s facilities. This includes roofs, walls, girders, purlins, gantry gratings and any other relevant areas.

The removal of combustible materials creates a firebreak barrier to reduce the spread of small fires, many of which are a regular occurrence due to extremely high-temperature production processes. Good housekeeping and firebreak cleaning aides in the prevention of these fires from spreading to other areas.

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Bespoke Solutions to Prevent Contamination

We understand the importance of avoiding cross-contamination at all costs. Furnace firebreak cleaning is very effective, however it is extremely easy for dust and contaminants to fall onto production lines below if care and attention is not adhered to.

Kingfisher have developed a bespoke and specialised working method for our furnace firebreak cleaning. A critical aspect of our work is to not let any dust, oil or contaminants drop down to lower levels and onto our clients’ products.

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Cost Savings and Insurance: The Financial Advantages of Furnace Firebreak Cleaning

Prevention of Costly Damages:

Furnace firebreak cleaning is a proactive measure that minimises the potential for costly damages to equipment, machinery, and infrastructure. By preventing fires, businesses can avoid the expenses associated with repairing or replacing damaged assets, which can be substantial.

Minimise Potential Production Downtime:

Reducing risks of fire also reduces the potential catastrophic downtime which comes after a fire. When a fire occurs, operations often need to be halted for investigation, cleanup, and repairs, resulting in lost productivity and revenue. Regular furnace firebreak cleaning helps maintain a safe working environment and mitigates the risk of fires.

Insurance Premiums:

Insurance companies consider fire risks and prevention measures when determining premiums and coverage for industrial facilities. Implementing furnace firebreak cleaning demonstrates a proactive approach to fire safety. By having documented fire prevention measures in place, such as regular cleaning and maintenance, businesses may be viewed more favorably by insurance providers. This can result in potentially lower insurance premiums or broader coverage options, leading to cost savings in the long run.

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Expert Furnace Firebreak Cleaning: Partnering with Professionals for Peace of Mind

Our team have been delivering specialised industrial cleaning solutions for over 40 years. We are one of the only companies in the UK to offer thorough, effective and rigorously Risk Assessed furnace firebreak cleaning services.

All of our services come with full Project-Management and a dedicated Operations Manager as standard. We never outsource our work to agencies, and our dedicated and highly trained team of operatives is second to none.

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Get in touch today to discuss your Furnace Firebreak Cleaning project.