The adoption of fire protection systems and technologies within South African waste management and/or recycling facilities is becoming increasingly important given the risks to workers and infrastructure, says fire protection solutions supplier DoseTech.

Fire protection and detection technologies are particularly relevant for waste and recycling facilities as they detect heat zones and potential fire risks associated with various waste products, says DoseTech MD Michael Feldon.

DoseTech is the exclusive regional partner of Germany-based company FireDos, which specialises in foam proportioning systems and fire monitors for firefighting applications. It provides engineering, commissioning and service support for advanced firefighting technologies throughout Southern Africa.

FireDos proportioning technology plays a key role in modern fire protection systems for waste management applications, enabling accurate dosing of foams and additives under variable operating conditions. In South Africa, these solutions are implemented and supported by DoseTech, ensuring reliable system integration and local technical support for waste and recycling facilities.

“Spontaneous combustion is a potential risk, depending on the nature of the waste product, and there are also potential ignition sources, such as materials that produce dust, textiles and powdered chemicals . . . fires are a thing in waste facilities and they happen regularly,” says Feldon.

He highlights that developed countries, especially in Europe, are integrating three- dimensional (3D) thermal cameras into fire protection systems to detect heat prior to smoke or combustion, adding that, similarly, South African waste management and recycling facilities should adopt these innovations to enhance safety in their operational processes.

The 3D thermal cameras can be used to monitor various waste-associated processes for potential threats, and improve active decision-making, allowing employees to address and/or avert any potential fire threats.

Further, should any irregularities occur, that could potentially cause a fire, the fire protection system can alert facility personnel, or intervene without human oversight by activating sprinkler systems near and/or above the area of concern.

“In waste facilities, the waste either goes to a burning station or recycling station to be processed. Waste substances that can’t be recycled go to a burning station and, occasionally, if the waste-to-energy infrastructure is installed at that plant, electricity is produced from the burning waste.

“The products that can be recycled, go to a recycling facility to be processed and are then sent on to mills, factories or manufacturers to be used in new products,” says Feldon, adding that, facilities with burning stations have created “incredible” demand for fire protection technology.

Further, he says that DoseTech expects to attract more interest from the South African recycling industry, with the country explicitly trying to shift waste away from landfills by recycling, repurposing and/or reusing waste products to facilitate the creation of a circular economy and, ultimately, new revenue streams.

The DoseTech and FireDos teams hope to play a key role by helping to protect assets and workers at these operations.

“In the 25 years that we’ve been involved in fire protection, we’ve always brought the latest technology to South Africa, and we’ve been very successful in marketing these new concepts. The introduction of this thermal camera-based system is a continuation of that tradition,” Feldon concludes.