I.Incorporating Flame Retardants to Enhance Intrinsic Safety
Adding a certain amount of flame retardants to the auxiliary materials produces fire-resistant PU flexible foam, which carbonizes instead of igniting at 1000°C. It stops carbonizing within 3 seconds after being removed from the fire source. PU flexible foam-using companies should prioritize using flame-retardant PU flexible foams to reduce fire risks.
II. Curing Process to Prevent Heat Accumulation and Spontaneous Combustion
Freshly foamed large PU flexible foams have high internal temperatures and prolonged heat dissipation. Without proper monitoring, these can easily catch fire when transitioning from the production line to the curing storage area. To prevent spontaneous combustion, newly produced PU flexible foams should be stacked no more than three layers high with at least one meter spacing between stacks, ideally placed separately. If smoking or spontaneous combustion is detected, use water spray or fire extinguishers instead of moving the PU flexible foams or opening doors and windows to avoid increasing airflow and spreading the fire. For PU flexible foams that may generate high temperatures, large blocks should be horizontally cut or perforated to aid in heat dissipation. Dedicated personnel should monitor the curing storage area, measuring internal PU flexible foam temperatures every 15 minutes for at least 12 hours or longer before normal storage. The maximum safe temperature rise for low-density PU flexible foams is 160°C; exceeding 200°C can trigger spontaneous combustion.
III. Cutting and Separation to Prevent Friction Ignition
Cutting blades create friction and heat, and PU flexible foam debris and dust generated during cutting can easily ignite from static electricity or hot surfaces. Companies should regularly inspect cutting blades to prevent dullness and increased friction. Use metal hoses for conveying PU flexible foam debris and dust. Equip cutting areas with fire extinguishers and ensure personnel monitor the cutting process and are skilled in fire extinguishing.
IV. Crushing PU flexible foams to Prevent Metal and Stone Contamination
Manufacturers of toys, pillows, and pet products often use crushed PU flexible foam scraps as filling. If waste PU flexible foam contains foreign objects like nails or stones, it can cause fires during crushing. Companies should rigorously inspect waste PU flexible foam for metal objects before crushing and use iron removal devices after feeding the crusher.
V. Adhesive Processing: Avoid Organic Solvents
When bonding PU flexible foam blocks, companies should use flame-retardant or water-based adhesives.
VI. Comprehensive Fire Prevention in Production, Storage, and Usage
1.Install all electrical wires in fixed conduits in production and storage areas.
2.Prohibit distribution boxes and switches in storage areas.
3.Maintain safe distances between high-temperature surfaces like lamps and mixing motors and combustible materials.
4.Ensure all electrical equipment is reliably grounded.
5.Regularly inspect electrical equipment, checking for loose connections, electrical sparks, reliability of overload and short-circuit protection devices, and insulation condition.
VII. Hot Work: Enhanced Management
Hot work is strictly prohibited around and above PU flexible foam production and storage areas (e.g., platforms or roofs). If necessary, management should be upgraded, including obtaining operation approvals, certified personnel, defining safe work areas, providing dedicated supervision, and ensuring adequate emergency equipment.
VIII. Other Fire Prevention Measures
1.Prevent lightning fires by ensuring proper grounding of buildings.
2.Designate smoking areas in safe zones and strictly prohibit smoking in fire-risk areas. Additionally, prevent unauthorized personnel from entering production and storage areas without permission.
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