I know that I was shocked when I learned that a cooling tower can BURN TO THE GROUND while it is in service. I have even worked at facilities where I property insurer required us to install sprinkler systems INSIDE the cooling towers. I know it is hard to imagine, but it happens.
The USFA has published a “Coffee Break Training” on “Building Construction: Water-Cooling Towers” which is to help facilities identify fire hazards associated with industrial cooling towers. Another GREAT resource that is FREE is from Global FM Data Sheet on Cooling Towers. (NOTE: You will have to register to gain access to the FM Data Sheet, but it is FREE and you will not be bombarded with SPAM from FM! These data sheets that FM offers for FREE is probably the VERY BEST resource for safety professionals around the world!)
Another great resource to demonstrate how frequent fires are inside cooling towers is to use the “search” function on the homepage. The results will include the fires in cooling towers!
Members can access the Accident Photos Section and view several photos of Cooling Tower Fires.
Another VERY IMPORTANT item to mention is that the Fire Risks for these towers QUICKLY ESCULATES when they are shut down and work is being done on them or inside them. Hotwork in these areas is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. These towers are designed to move a lot of air and even when they are OFF, they still create a chimney effect and even the smallest spark can be devastating. We always required MULTIPLE fire watches when doing Type I Hotwork (e.g. open flame or visible sparks) within 75′ of cooling towers.
