Fire Protection in Ports and Terminals: Key Risks & Prevention Strategies

In this episode of the Dust Safety Science Podcast, Dr. Chris Cloney sits down with Raul Moreno, Director of Latin America, Spain, and Portugal with Firefly AB, to discuss fire protection in ports and logistic terminals.

The conversation highlights critical hazard areas, fire risks, and detection solutions to improve safety in bulk material handling operations.

Key Fire Risk Areas in Ports and Terminals

Ports and terminals present unique fire risks due to the handling of bulk materials like grains, pellets, biomass, and alternative fuels. The main hazard areas include:

Receiving Stations – Material decomposition can lead to smouldering fires, especially if stored for long periods.
Storage Areas and Silos – Piles of material can generate heat, leading to smouldering combustion.
Conveyor Systems – Fast-moving belts can quickly spread fire across a facility.
Dust Collectors – If improperly maintained, these can become ignition sources and amplify fire risks.

Fire Detection and Prevention Technologies

To mitigate these risks, Firefly AB offers a range of fire detection and prevention technologies:

Multicast Detector (Electronic Nose) – Detects gases from smouldering combustion before flames develop, allowing for early intervention.
Spark and Ember Detection – Identifies sparks and embers in conveyor systems to prevent the spread of fire.
Flaming Fire Detection – Monitors high-risk areas for immediate fire threats.

Fire Risk Assessment Process

When Firefly is called in to assess a port or terminal, the team follows a structured process:

Layout Review – Examining facility blueprints and images to identify potential risks.
On-Site Walkthrough – Following the material flow from receiving to storage and shipping to assess fire hazards.
Risk Analysis – Evaluating equipment, operations, and possible ignition sources.
Collaboration with Personnel – Engaging with facility managers and workers to gather insights on day-to-day risks.
Final Report & Safety Plan – Delivering a comprehensive risk assessment with recommended fire protection strategies.

Common Fire Hazards and Solutions

During assessments, Firefly frequently encounters recurring fire hazards:

Conveyors in Hard-to-Reach Areas – These are often overlooked in maintenance and can become major fire risks.
Dust Collector Connections – Poorly designed or maintained systems can cause fires to escalate.
Aging Storage Material – Stagnant bulk material can spontaneously combust if not regularly inspected.

Conclusion

Fire protection in ports and logistic terminals requires proactive safety measures, from early gas detection to proper conveyor system monitoring. Firefly AB’s approach ensures comprehensive fire prevention strategies, helping facilities mitigate risks and improve operational safety.

If you would like to discuss further, leave your thoughts in the comments section below. You can also reach Raul Moreno directly:

Website: https://firefly.se/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raul-moreno-perez/

Email: [email protected]

If you have questions about the contents of this or any other podcast episode, you can go to our ‘Questions from the Community’ page and submit a text message or video recording. We will then bring someone on to answer these questions in a future episode.