Fire Blazes Path to Shop Safety

Last year, Roberts Automatic Products Inc., Chanhassen, Minn., had a fire in its Davenport screw machine without a fire suppression system installed, and the machine burned to the ground. The fire and equipment were too hot to manage, and the plant was evacuated. An inch of standing water laid throughout the shop floor.

After this experience and a little influence from Roberts Automatic Products’ insurance company, the decision was made to add the Stat-X condensed aerosol fire protection system from Fireaway Inc. to the shop’s multi-spindle screw machine that replaced the destroyed lathe. 

The machine was protected with a detection panel and two Stat-X 250E generators. During a manned shift, a tool broke and started a fire, while the machine was making a stainless steel part, using oil as the coolant. Once the fire started, the fire suppression system was immediately activated, and the lathe was shut down. An employee noticed the issue, and by the time he crossed the aisle to the machine, the fire was extinguished. The only damage was a slightly melted internal light bulb cover in the machine. The machine was back in production shortly afterward.

What a difference this experience was compared with Roberts’ first fire. This time, no evacuation was necessary and no cleanup involved.

For more information about the Stat-X Fixed Systems and First Responders, which are eco-friendly and non-toxic automatic condensed aerosol fire suppression systems, visit Statx.com.