Fire systems protect lives and assets

Integrated Fire Technology, formerly known as Fogmaker South Africa, offers fire detection and prevention solutions for commercial and industrial sectors including mining, forestry, military and ports and harbours.

The fire systems specialist’s range of fixed system fire detection solutions includes early pre-warning systems that alert to potential fire risks or that a fire has broken out. Fire protection product offerings include aerosol, foam and gas suppression systems, fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, hose reels, and sprinklers including galvanised piping and couplers.

“No price can be put on protecting the lives of personnel. Also consider the consequences of having to replace assets damaged or destroyed by fire. Although most companies have fire insurance in place, which theoretically covers the replacement costs associated with the fire damage, it fails to address the adverse impact on a company's sales due to stock losses or production stoppages as a result of damage to critical machinery or equipment,” says Integrated Fire Technology operations manager: fixed systems Shantelle Alberts.

Integrated Fire Technology has recently secured the full distribution rights to supply the globally tested AF-X aerosol fire protection system to customers in Southern Africa. The aerosol-based system offers a dry fire protection solution, making it ideal for assets such as electrical cabinets and equipment that cannot tolerate water or foam contamination. AF-X Fireblocker is described as a built-in firefighter that can quickly extinguish a fire with a dry aerosol – without the use of water or gas, ensuring that there is no water damage to assets.

The system is particularly suited for protecting large areas such as warehouses and storage facilities on mines or at port sites. Although aerosols are known for their corrosive qualities, Integrated Fire Technology states that, when tested against corrosion, results showed AF-X to be one of the best products on the market. The canister can integrate into existing fire panels and detection solutions.  The AF-X system carries internationally recognised certifications for aerosol extinguishing systems, including KIWA BRL K23001, ISO 15779 and Kiwa BRL- K21045 for protection of lithium-ion battery storage.

According to Alberts, the mining sector presents the biggest opportunity for fire detection and gas suppression systems. “First and foremost, personnel safety remains the number one priority within this notoriously dangerous working environment. Mine sites normally have massive high value assets including diesel machines and equipment that are critical to sustainable mining operations. Subsequently mines are under pressure to ensure that their fire systems are regularly updated.”

Integrated Fire Technology conducts site visits for risk assessments and to determine the most comprehensive solution suited to a particular application. The company also offers maintenance and after-sales support to end-users across sub-Saharan Africa.