Singleton’s have spoken out about the dangers of scrap metal fires in the past, but with the number of fires increasing and a lack of information about them, we’re raising awareness of the issue alongside the BMRA.
The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) have recently introduced a new way to keep track of, and find more information about, scrap metal fires specifically. A lot of the current data focuses on recycling and waste management fires, with little differentiation between the locations, causes and types of incidents that occurred. There have been multiple campaigns in recent years in regard to the correct disposal of electricals, WEEE and batteries, but more awareness around scrap metal fires is needed too.
What causes scrap metal fires
While you might not think metal is flammable, you’d be surprised how many metals can catch or start a fire!
Ferrous materials, which we collect at Singleton’s, can include iron swarf, steel swarf, borings, shavings or cuttings, and these are categorised as materials which are self-heating and can cause spontaneous fires.
Scrap metal catches fire through self-heating from oxidation, or rusting, which produces heat. Things can also get mixed in with the scrap metal, such as oily rags or batteries, which can cause your piles of metal to heat up or combust, starting a fire.
Metal that has been ground up into dust is called swarf, and this is what is particularly dangerous. Not only because of the risk of fire, but also because it is extremely difficult to extinguish a swarf fire, as traditional fire extinguishers aren’t equipped to deal with them. A traditional fire extinguisher will most likely just blow the small particles of burning metal around, causing more damage, but there are specific extinguishers made for metal fires, which should be used in the event of a fire at your scrap metal yard.
What to do in the event of a fire
In the event of a fire at your scrap yard, the first thing you should do is call 999 and follow your fire evacuation procedures. Once the situation is under control, to help raise awareness of fires on scrap metal sites, the BMRA is urging people in the industry to notify the BMRA.
Antonia Grey is the Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the BMRA, and she says:
“Over the past few years, I have been asking members whom I am aware have had fires about the nuts and bolts of the fire, but also about their interactions with the fire and rescue services. I will continue to ask about this because getting a unified approach to fires on metals recycling sites (where appropriate) could be key.”
Reporting a fire
In the unfortunate event of a fire at your premises, one of the last things on your mind may be reporting the fire, which is why the BMRA has made it easy. To make reporting the incident simple, the BMRA’s Fire Prevention Committee has created a form which can be found here: Fire form
The questions you will be asked are:
- Name of Business
- Cause of fire
- Type of material(s) involved in the incident
- Volume of material involved in the incident (T/KG)
- Duration of the fire (hours)
- Did the fire service attend?
- Did the fire service work with the site?
- Had the fire service visited the site before for a non-fire incident?
- Estimated cost of fire
- Location of site
The information you provide will help shape the work of the BMRA and the Association’s Fire Prevention Committee, which is made up of representatives from the industry. The committee provides strategic advice and guidance on environmental and legislative matters affecting the metals recycling industry.
Your scrap is safe with Singleton’s
If you have any scrap metal that is taking up space in your garage or garden, bring it to Singleton’s. We sort and test all of your scrap for you, so you don’t need to worry about organising it first. Just bring it to us, or get us to collect, and we’ll pay you for it. To find out how much you could get for your scrap, give us a call at Singleton’s Scrap Metal on 0161 220 8058 now.
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