Effective fire prevention strategies focus on identifying, reducing and managing fire risks before they become incidents. Through proactive measures, planning and reliable detection technologies, organisations can create safer environments and minimise the likelihood of fire outbreaks. Key elements include hazard identification, risk reduction, and emergency planning.
Hazard identification and reduction
According to Brandon Scholtz, risk consultant at Aon South Africa, the first step in preventing fires is recognising potential hazards. This can be done through visual inspections of the workplace under normal operating conditions, as well as under irregular conditions such as hot work. Observers should pay attention to how employees use equipment, whether safe practices are followed, and whether any unsafe behaviours or conditions could lead to fire risks.
He adds, “It’s equally important that equipment is clearly labelled with hazard warnings and that employees receive proper training and hold the required qualifications before operating specialised machinery. Regular safety checks built into work processes help prevent fire risks and greatly reduce the likelihood of fire-related incidents.”
Once hazards are identified, the next step is deciding how to manage them. There are four common approaches: tolerate, treat, transfer, and terminate.
Treating or terminating risks often involves additional control measures, such as installing sprinklers in areas containing combustible materials. Proper stacking practices are equally important, as materials stored too close to sprinklers can obstruct water distribution and prevent systems from working effectively.
Fire detection
“An essential aspect of risk reduction is fire detection,” explains Scholtz. “Early detection enables rapid response by internal teams and local fire brigades, helping to restrict the spread and severity of fire, limiting damage, protecting assets, and ensuring the safety of people on the ground.”
Fire detection systems identify the presence of heat, smoke or flames using different technologies, including:
• Ionisation smoke detectors: Trigger an alarm when smoke disrupts an electrical current between charged plates.
• Photoelectric smoke alarms: Use a light beam that reflects onto a sensor when smoke is present, ideal for smouldering fires.
• Very early smoke detection apparatus/ VESDA systems: Continuously sample air for smoke particles.
• Heat detectors: Trigger when a temperature threshold is reached.
• Flame detectors: Detect optical radiation from flames using UV or IR sensors, or advanced combinations such as UV/IR and multi-spectrum infrared (MSIR) for greater accuracy and fewer false alarms.
“Modern detection systems can integrate with building management systems to automatically close fire doors, activate shutters or shut down equipment that could worsen a fire,” says Scholtz. “Selecting the right detector depends on the environment, materials and operational risks involved.”
Thermal imaging
Thermal imaging uses infrared technology to detect heat patterns and identify potential problems before they lead to fire. It converts heat into visible images, highlighting hot spots or faulty electrical connections. “Routine thermal scanning, typically done annually, helps identify overheating in electrical and mechanical systems. This can include pumps, motors, bearings, conveyers, distribution boards and the like. More frequent inspections may be necessary when new installations or additional electrical loads are introduced,” says Scholtz.
When using thermal cameras:
• Ensure calibration and operator training for accurate interpretation
• Consider factors such as resolution, thermal sensitivity, field of view and functionality
• Higher resolution provides clearer, more detailed images
• Greater sensitivity allows detection of smaller temperature differences
• A wide field of view is ideal for large areas and a narrow one for detailed inspections
• Additional features, like recording capabilities, enhance functionality.
“Thermal imaging offers significant advantages in fire prevention as it allows you to detect electrical faults and overheating in both electrical and mechanical systems to reduce fire risks and equipment breakdown. It also greatly aids in lowering maintenance costs and unplanned downtime that ultimately extends the lifespan of equipment and improves safety performance,” Scholtz explains.
Emergency planning
Emergency planning outlines the actions an organisation will take in the event of a fire. A well-developed plan helps minimise injuries, protect property and maintain business continuity. Effective plans should:
• Define roles and responsibilities for employees
• Provide step-by-step response procedures
• Include communication protocols for notifying emergency responders.
Regular training and drills ensure that all employees understand procedures and can respond quickly and calmly.
Scholtz says that an integrated approach to fire prevention, is key. “Fire prevention is most effective when multiple systems work together. Sprinklers, gaseous fire suppression systems, fire doors and separations all complement detection and thermal imaging solutions. By integrating these measures, organisations can ensure a fast, coordinated response that minimises damage, protects lives and sustains operations,” Scholtz concludes.
For more information contact Aon,
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