Fires are an ever-present concern for plastics recycling facilities. | zeyaman/Shutterstock

A recently published guidance document helps recycling facilities draft plans to avert and mitigate fires.

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) released the electronic publication Creating a Fire Prevention and Management Plan, which was developed by fire science, insurance and scrap recycling industry professionals.

“This guidance document provides information on how to prepare a fire prevention plan, fight incipient stage fires, and to be prepared in the event of a crisis management scenario,” Scott Wiggins, vice president of environment, health and safety for ISRI, stated in a press release. “Even if your facility has an existing plan, this is a valuable tool to help you review your operations and make any necessary improvements.”

ISRI plans to review and update the document at least once a year, according to the release.

Fires are an ever-present risk for recycling facilities, including plastics recycling plants. In 2017, a massive blaze completely destroyed an Intercontinental Export-Import (IEI-Plastics) facility in West Virginia.

A version of this story appeared in E-Scrap News on March 12.

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