Close Call at Memphis Sorting Facility Highlights Hidden Dangers of Used Electronics

On the morning of August 29th, 2018, employees at the FEDEX sort center in Memphis, TN, narrowly avoided disaster. The usual hum of conveyor belts and the beeping of forklifts were interrupted by an unexpected occurrence. Smoke began to billow from a package, prompting an immediate evacuation of the immediate area. Contained within the shipment were 180 boxes of used cell phones, consolidated on a single pallet. Disaster struck when a forklift accidentally punctured one of the boxes.

The damage to ten cell phone batteries within that compromised container triggered a chemical reaction that led to smoke and an erupting fire. Quick-thinking personnel removed the smoldering package from the rest of the shipment, averting a potentially catastrophic chain reaction. Despite the successful containment, the incident exposed the inherent risks associated with the handling and transportation of electronic waste.

The aftermath involved an extensive investigation, shining a light on the importance of strict safety protocols when dealing with electronics that have damaged batteries, which can be volatile and unpredictable. The event served as an urgent reminder that proper training and equipment are essential for workers in the logistics and waste management sectors.

Now, let’s talk prevention. Unexpected fires from electronic devices can occur almost anywhere, anytime. Enter the FireTowel, a groundbreaking innovation designed to combat such emergencies. Imagine this scenario but with the FireTowel on hand. This state-of-the-art fire suppression tool, thicker than a traditional fire blanket and equipped with perimeter weights, holds down and traps the smoke, drastically reducing the risk of inhalation or the fire's spread. Additionally, its strategic handles allow for a safe and effortless application or transport of damaged goods—post-cooling.

Had the FireTowel been available during the FEDEX incident, the risk of the fire spreading further could have been significantly minimized, not to mention the increased safety for employees tackling the emergency. With its pioneering design, the FireTowel offers a proactive solution to confront the dangers posed by damaged electronic devices. Equipping facilities, homes, and public spaces with the FireTowel could very well be the deciding factor between a contained incident and an uncontrollable disaster. Let's ensure that the Memphis scare remains a lone cautionary tale