Industrial plants have been the backbone of numerous economies for decades, providing thousands of jobs and fostering innovation in many industries. However, the presence of a huge amount of raw materials, chemicals, and infrastructure made from combustible objects poses the risk of fire-related incidents.
Adopting safety measures to safeguard workers and assets from the catastrophic consequences of fire incidents is more crucial than ever. A proactive approach to ensuring fire safety in industrial workplaces can prevent extensive property damage, operational downtime, or, worst, loss of life.
FRP (fibre-reinforced plastic) presents unique opportunities for industrial plants that want to ensure optimal protection against fire while maintaining structural integrity on various infrastructures. This revolutionary material can be used for different applications, meeting the increasing demand for overall safety in industrial workplaces.
The Fire Resistance Qualities of FRP
The use of fire-resistant materials in the modern world is more than just complying with regulatory requirements. It is a crucial element of safety planning, playing a huge role in minor incidents and extensive property and personal damage by using fire-resistant materials in constructing industrial infrastructure and equipment.
FRP shines the most in this regard. Modern FRP solutions are subject to rigorous material modifications and testing to meet stringent fire safety standards in many Australian industries, including the AS 1530.4. Its superior fire-resistance properties meet the dual standards of fire safety and structural stability, especially for fire-prone environments.
The fire-resistant nature of FRP is achieved through advanced engineering techniques, including:
- Using Fire-retardant Resin Mixtures: Many FRP manufacturers use specialised resins that contain fire retardants to further reduce flammability.
- Applying Protective Coatings: Manufacturers may use surface coatings designed to improve thermal resistance and minimise smoke production during combustion.
- Additives: Flame-retardant additives can also be mixed into the fibreglass and resin matrix to prevent ignition in case of fire.
Apart from fire resistance, FRP products can also be designed to exhibit self-extinguishing properties upon request, which are usually achieved with additives. This enables FRP structures to stop burning once the external flame or heat source is removed. Self-extinguishing features comply with the country’s ASTM E-84 and AS 1530.3 standards, ensuring low smoke emissions and self-extinguishing performance.
The Role of FRP’s Fire Resistance in Industrial Safety
Using FRP on stair treads, handles, or walkways inside industrial plants is a game changer in countless plants, significantly contributing to industrial safety in key areas.
- Preventing Fire Spread
The presence of combustible materials, chemicals, gases, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment can lead to a rapid spread of fire, possibly causing explosions if left unaddressed immediately. Having infrastructure made with FRP can significantly limit the spread within the facility, aiding in firefighting efforts and reducing the overall damage radius.
The self-extinguishing features of FRP products prevents potential secondary fires once the heat source reaches them. They can also be formulated to produce minimal to no smoke and release fewer harmful chemicals, ensuring safer conditions for personnel or emergency responders.
- Enhanced Evacuation Safety
A fire can cause panic among the workers inside a facility, which hinders effective evacuation measures. FRP composites play a significant role in ensuring the staff can safely and quickly exit the site, especially for those working on elevated structures.
FRP’s top-notch heat resistance prevents it from warping, melting, or collapsing despite extreme temperatures, making it ideal for walkways, stairs, or doors that serve as primary escape paths during emergencies. This also ensures that the workers will not experience burns and other heat-related injuries during evacuation.
- Protecting Critical Infrastructure
Industrial operations heavily rely on machinery, electrical systems, and sensitive equipment to ensure a smooth operation. Fire incidents can significantly damage these assets, leading to operational downtime and financial losses.
FRP can be designed in applications that protect valuable infrastructure from fire damage. For instance, FRP cable trays and enclosures can encase electrical wires and prevent fire exposure. Sensitive equipment can also be protected by specialised FRP enclosures that mitigate risks of damage if a fire breaks out.
In addition, FRP can also be used to build pipelines or tanks that can handle hazardous chemicals and can cause fire at any moment. Their fire resistance can reduce the risk of explosions or toxic spills in chemical plants and warehouses.
- Reducing Maintenance and Replacement Costs
Fire can cost companies a significant amount of money to replace damaged materials or compensate their employees. For instance, the explosion in a warehouse in Beirut back in 2020 resulted in $15 billion worth of damages while also having an extensive impact on the daily lives of people around the area four years after the incident.
The durability of FRP components in high-temperature environments allows them to withstand prolonged exposure to heat without degrading. Unlike some traditional materials like steel and timber, they won’t need to be replaced in case of fire incidents. Their capability to provide durable infrastructure and asset protection can minimise downtime and allow operations to resume quickly after a fire.
Comparing FRP to Traditional Materials in Fire Safety
Traditional materials like steel, timber, and concrete have been the top choices for decades when building industrial facilities and infrastructure.
However, these materials have certain limitations when subjected to high temperatures. FRP easily outshines traditional materials in promoting fire safety in industrial plants, providing optimal durability and flexibility for various applications.
- Steel
Steel is known for its strength and load-bearing capacity. However, its performance in fire conditions is a significant weakness. When exposed to high temperatures, steel can easily lose structural integrity, increasing the risks of collapse and damage to other properties. Its high thermal conductivity allows for the quick spread of fire.
- Concrete
Yes, concrete is a material recognised by many for its fire resistance, and it is often used for firewalls and industrial flooring. However, extensive exposure to fire can lead to crackling, surface flaking, or complete failure, especially if the rebars are compromised. Concrete is also very heavy and inflexible, making it unsuitable for applications where lightweight materials are needed, such as elevated platforms or modular installations.
- Timber
Although not always used in large-scale industrial settings, timber is still widely used for some applications in smaller industrial sites. However, everyone knows that timber does not perform well in fire situations, mainly because it ignites easily and poses a direct hazard in environments where flammable substances are present.
Conclusion
As fire safety continues to become a priority in many industries, switching to FRP for building infrastructure and storing assets is more crucial than ever. FRP composites are built to last in these conditions, helping reduce potential damage in case of fire and ensuring the safety of workers, equipment, and the facility itself.
If you are interested in adopting FRP to your site and are looking for the best Australian supplier, DM Composites is for you. We have been the standout choice for many Australian public and private organisations, consistently delivering quality and sustainable solutions to our partners.
Visit www.dmcomposites.com.au/contact-us if you have inquiries about our products and services.
Read More:
Everything You Need to Know About FRP Grating for Industrial Applications in Australia
The Superior Choice: Why FRP Outshines Timber and Steel
The Superior Choice Part 2: Why FRP Outshines Aluminum and Concrete
