Container fires could ignite suspended chute systems, set fire to buildings and introduce smoke.
Please read the following precautions to prevent a container and chute system from catching fire and setting fire to the building.
This photo was taken minutes after a fire began in a trash container. Flames spread from the container to a competitor’s chute and into a wooden building under construction. The building was destroyed.
Fire Warning Signs
All Chute Sections are printed with a fire warning notice since May 2004.
Plastic Danger Sign
To prevent a container fire use a Superchute® Container Drencher to keep container materials wet. Include our Drencher in your fire prevention plan.
Every floor with exposure to the chute should be equipped with a water hose.
1. Consider installing the chute at a distance from the building on a steel scaffold.
The fire in this photo occurred when a welding spark from an upper level fell into the dry container. The fire quickly spread from the container to the scaffold mounted chute and damaged the right hand corner of the building. The contractor subsequently reinstalled a new chute on a scaffold but took care to place the scaffold at a distance from the building. Ramps are used to access the chute.
2. Install the container at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the building (check local by-laws).
Quick Release Cable System
Consider installing a quick release at the discharge end of the chute.
Superchute® Black Fire Retardant Plastic Chute
Superchute® Galvanized Steel section.
Consider the following at the end of each work day:
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