Preventing fires in forklifts

Whether you use forklifts or pallet trucks in your business, the risk of equipment breakdown is always present. But have you thought about the consequences if one of these machines catches fire? Can you estimate the number of days your company would be out of business?

At Distreo, we frequently see distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and logistics companies that rely on a mix of electrical and non-electrical equipment. During heavy use or overnight charging, there is a significant risk of failure. And when lithium-ion batteries are involved, the danger increases. Thermal runaway, a chain reaction within lithium batteries, cannot be stopped with traditional fire extinguishers.

Most equipment is loaded at night, with little or no staff present - have you thought about what could happen if a fire broke out at such a time?

Possible types of fire

• Lithium battery fires: Extremely difficult to extinguish, escalating rapidly due to thermal runaway.
• Lead-acid battery fires: Still dangerous, but easier to manage with conventional extinguishing methods.
• Gas-powered equipment: Any leaks or malfunctions can cause fires, especially during heavy operation.
• Diesel equipment: High temperatures and flammable fuel can present serious (fire) risks under certain conditions.

The impact of a major fire on businesses can be devastating. According to various studies and reports, the statistics are alarming and vary by region:

Between 60-80% of small businesses never reopen after a major disaster, such as a fire.

Of those that reopen, 25% go bankrupt in the first year, and up to 90% close within two years if they cannot recover effectively.

What solutions do we have?

Even though the damage caused by such fires can be significant, Distreo offers high-performance and efficient solutions in such situations.

Prevention and adequate equipment will always make the difference in critical contexts.

1. Fire Blankets for Forklifts & Pallet Trucks

The best and most effective solution in such fires is Bridgehill Fire Blankets , which are specially designed and engineered to extinguish industrial fires occurring in stock handling equipment.

These blankets withstand extreme temperatures of over 2500 °C and can be reused depending on the intensity of the fire that needs to be extinguished.

2. Zenova FX 7-in-1 Fire Extinguishers

Classic fire extinguishers are often characterized by inefficiency, but in many situations, they can contribute to the spread of fire. For example, when a water-based extinguisher is used on an electrical fire, it spreads the fire and generates enormous damage.

At Distreo, we have ensured that this problem is completely avoided by using the only extinguisher capable of stopping any type of fire , including that arising from Li-ion batteries. Zenova FX extinguishers come in 2 variants:

• FX500 - 500mL spray type fire extinguishers, easy to use and effective in extinguishing
• FX 6L & 9L - 6L and 9L fire extinguishers used in offices, industrial halls, machinery and equipment, warehouses and so on

3. BlazeCut tubes - autonomous detection and extinguishing systems

BlazeCut T Series tubes are an automatic detection and extinguishing solution. They are actually tubes, with a pressure gauge at one end, that are placed in the electrical installation or engine compartment, and when a fire occurs, they automatically detect and extinguish the fire.

It does not require a battery or other energy source and provides autonomous and effective protection for 10 years!