Chaos at UPS Facility as Lithium Ion Batteries Ignite
On the 6th of July, 2012, an ordinary day at the United Parcel Service (UPS) hub in Louisville, KY, turned into an emergency scene when a package went ablaze. The incident occurred in the early afternoon as workers navigated the bustling warehouse, transporting parcels from one conveyor belt to another. Without warning, smoke began billowing from a seemingly innocuous package. Within moments, it erupted into flames, causing immediate panic among the staff.
The offending package contained 18 lithium ion batteries, each about one ounce, from a mix of manufacturers. They were on their journey across the country when they heated, melting through their plastic wrappings and igniting their cardboard container. Fire alarms shrieked, echoing throughout the facility as workers rushed to evacuate. Meanwhile, the brave facility fire team sprang into action, tackling the flames with extinguishers.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the event served as a startling reminder of the potential dangers lurking within everyday items. The incident could have been worse if not for the quick thinking of the UPS staff and emergency responders. A thorough investigation highlighted the need for proper packaging and handling of batteries during transit.
But what if there was another line of defense? What if a simple tool could have quelled the flames before the fire team arrived?
The innovation in question is the FireTowel, a breakthrough in fire safety technology. This specially designed towel, thicker than the average fire blanket, features weighted edges and handles, providing the capability to smother fires quickly, trap smoke efficiently, and shift the device to a safe area if necessary. With the FireTowel accessible, such as stored under seats, the batteries could have been safely wrapped early, preventing the fire from escalating. Its design to tie up after cooling also ensures the containment of potential hazards.
While the 2012 UPS incident thankfully didn't lead to serious harm, the introduction of the FireTowel into workplaces, especially those handling volatile materials, can be a potent step toward preventing future accidents, saving property, and, most importantly, protecting lives.