When it comes to protecting the assets of a collision repair shop, one of the first things on an owner's mind should be fire prevention.
"Fire is the single biggest threat to their business, especially an operator with a single location," says Daryl Allegree, regional manager, Zurich risk engineering. While a burglar might steal tools or equipment that can be replaced fairly quickly, a fire can be life-threatening and do devastating property damage that can shut down a shop for months. Trying to recoup customers after such a long absence is difficult.
One of the areas in the shop most vulnerable to fire is the paint booth. "They need to practice good fire prevention techniques in their paint-mixing room," Allegree says. "They need to have good ventilation because vapors from thinner are heavier than air. It's important to vent at the floor level to remove vapors. If they are buying a pre-manufactured booth, make sure to select a quality booth with a good downdraft."
Removing gas tanks from cars can be perilous duty. "If they have to pull gas tanks, they need to make sure they have a UL-approved gas transfer system. These systems feature two-way pumps and storage capacity that don't allow the fumes to escape," he says. It's critical to drain a tank before removing it, because leaks or sparks could be created during removal.
"Once gas spills out you have a time bomb ticking on your shop floor," Allegree says. Fumes from the gas are highly flammable and that makes a dangerous combination with all the grinding tools at work in a typical collision repair shop.
A fairly new fire hazard is the increasing use of combustible metals in the vehicle manufacturing process. For example, magnesium core supports that secure radiators.
"Magnesium is a combustible metal. Once it starts burning most shops won't be able to extinguish it," Allegree says. "You need a class D fire extinguisher to extinguish a combustible metal fire. Shops should get at least one and put it where they do most of their cutting or welding."
Magnesium is being used more often by automakers because it is stronger and lighter than steel, Allegree said. "Most magnesium parts are in the vehicle's front end, where there are opportunities for collision damage."
Good housekeeping practices and common sense also are important to reduce the threat of fire. Shops need to be no-smoking zones and there should be several fire extinguishers nearby offering easy access.
When shops do lots of sanding and there is paint residue, keep the area clean and make sure hazardous materials are stored outside away from the building.
"For oily and dirty rags, have a UL-listed steel container for disposal," Allegree says. "Rags that have been soaked in solvent or turpentine can spontaneously combust." When there is a pile of those rags and they lack oxygen, heat can build up and they can ignite on their own. Inappropriately stored filters from paint booths also could self ignite.
