BUSRide Maintenance Remote Roundtable, Fire Onboard! Are You Prepared?
Describe the technology and mechanisms at work in your proprietary fire suppression system and associated products.
For buses and coaches Stat-X technology is a bit different than most. Going back to the early 1990s fire suppression systems on buses started to become more common and were at times specified during procurement. A typical system used dry chemical agents for suppression. The current trend in the motor coach industry is to move away from dry chemical.
Our technology is neither a dry chemical nor a clean gas; rather an alternative to a clean gas. We use a proprietary blend of micron sized particulates of potassium housed in an unpressurized stainless container for suppression. Upon activation an ultra-fine suspension of highly ionized potassium fire-fighting particles will fill the protected area and suppress the fire. Stat-X is extremely effective on suppressing fires in engines, battery and electrical compartments.
Can you cite a recent event that exemplifies the constant threat of bus and validates your product?
A recent fire event reported by various news outlets describes a bus fire on Sydney Harbour Bridge that brought peak-hour traffic to a standstill last September. The fire was initiated by an electrical malfunction in the engine bay at the back of the vehicle. In a final report into the incident, the investigators said it was likely that the fire was sparked by a short-circuit of auxiliary alternator cables where they crossed the edge of a rear chassis rail. This bus did not have an integrated fire suppression system.
What is your loudest, most emphatic message to bus and coach operators concerning fire safety and on board fire suppression systems?
We encourage owner-operators and municipalities to expand their view on procuring suppression systems that meet the hazards present and not be driven to accept low cost alternatives based on budgetary constraints. As more data becomes available regarding root causes of fires in buses and motor coaches I believe these folks are starting to see that the inexpensive alternatives might not deliver the results and benefit they really need or require. Selection of the solution to meet the hazard and not the budget is always the best path forward.
Read more on pages six and seven!