Fire suppression systems could save lives, combines and this year’s harvest.
That is the key message NFU Mutual is conveying to farmers and agricultural contractors this harvest season.
Each year, the rural insurer says, combine fires put farmers’ lives at risk and cause expensive damage, disruption, and stress.
As well as the safety risks, combine fires mean farmers could lose critical harvesting time.
NFU Mutual’s tips to prevent fire this harvest:
- Firstly, clean out dust and chaff from hot spots in combines and balers regularly. Cover the machine over when you finish using it;
- Fit a suppression system that meets P-mark global certification standards;
- Use a mobile compressor to regularly blow away debris;
- Always stop to investigate hot-running engines or bearings;
- Switch off engines and ensure moving parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance;
- Have a plan in the event of fire, including a system for keeping in contact with lone workers;
- Ensure drivers are aware of the locations and heights of power lines and check that they will safely pass underwires;
- Keep mobile phones on you at all times;
- Lastly, ensure there is a fire extinguisher on the combine, which you regularly maintain. Know where the nearest water source is.
A spokesperson reiterated that regular cleaning and maintenance of combines are important to help reduce the risks of fires.
But it will not prevent them entirely. So, farmers should consider fitting fire suppression systems to their combines.
The spokesperson continued: “The technology uses a dual system of powder and foam to interrupt the chemical reaction, cut off the oxygen supply and rapidly cool superhot surfaces.”
“The result is that fires can be significantly reduced or prevented altogether.”
“It is clear that wider adoption of fire suppression systems could make a huge difference in the fight against farm fires, helping to protect lives, property, and the harvest.”
The rural insurer is offering discounted insurance for farmers that have fitted their combines with suppression systems which meet P-mark global certification standards.
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