"fire broke out in the lubrication system ..."

 

The lubrication systems of machinery is a known fire hazard in our industry. Here is a recent incident highlighting this hazard that is present in most aluminium plants.

The fire started in the rolling machine inside the factory. According to the information obtained, a fire broke out in the lubrication system of the rolling mill used in the metalworking process for an undetermined reason. The flames grew in a short time, completely engulfing the machine. Factory employees who noticed the situation immediately informed the fire brigade. (local) Metropolitan Municipality Fire Brigade teams, who arrived at the scene in a short time, quickly intervened, brought the fire under control and extinguished it. The fire was prevented before it spread to other parts of the factory.

We are thankful that workers immediately called for the assistance of local emergency services. It is important that workers immediately call the fire department when a fire breaks out. Any delay in notifying the authorities can result in the fire growing larger endangering not only workers but the facility itself.

We always recommend calling the fire department/brigade immediately when a fire breaks out. Then respond to the fire with whatever means the workplace has. If the worst thing that occurs is the fire department arrives at a fire that was successfully extinguished by plant personnel. That is fine. Last thing a workplace would want is for the plant personnel to first try to extinguish the fire and realize that they need assistance and then call the fire department. In that exact scenario the Aluminium Plant Safety Blog has posted incidents where workers did that. The fire grew so big that the facility suffered severe damage. If the fire department was notified immediately the fire would not have caused as much damage .