Take Action Now: Reduce Risk of Fires at Solid Waste Transfer Stations

Recent incidents and observations have highlighted an increased risk of fires at solid waste transfer stations among MCIT members, including hazards associated with both loaded and empty trucks parked overnight at the facilities.

The presence of flammable materials and the unique nature of solid waste transfer station operations make it essential for members to review this issue promptly. These fires pose significant dangers to personnel and property, financial costs to the member and reputational consequences for the entity.

Reduce Fires Related to Parked Trucks, Trailers

Waste in trucks or trailers has been a common source of fires at transfer stations due to:

• Smoldering ash
• Lithium batteries
• Other flame-producing items in the waste

Other fire-ignition sources include the internal and external electrical systems of trucks.

MCIT encourages all transfer station operators to take immediate action to address these concerns including but not limited to the following.

Restrict overnight parking. If possible, prohibit overnight parking of vehicles, equipment and trailers owned by others. Fires over the weekend have proven to be especially frequent.

Establish designated parking areas. Create designated outside parking areas for trucks. These should be a safe distance from materials, push piles, buildings and equipment that could sustain fire damage. Install clear signage to direct drivers to these designated parking zones.

Review hauler agreements. Contracts with haulers should effectively transfer risks to the haulers and include hold harmless, indemnification and insurance requirement language favoring the MCIT member. The contracts should also include language stating that damage to trailers and/or vehicles is not the member’s responsibility.

Implement Additional Fire Prevention Measures

Members should also ensure that they have implemented strategies to reduce the risk of fires at transfer stations from other common causes, such as those noted below.

Control and monitor ignition sources:

• Establish and strictly follow a practice of not leaving unprocessed materials inside the facility overnight, including loaded trailers or containers.
• Create and maintain a reliable method of monitoring waste and vehicles during evenings, weekends and holidays. This is especially important.

Fire suppression and detection systems:

• Ensure that the facility is equipped with adequate fire detection and suppression systems, including monitored smoke detection alarms, fire extinguishers, hydrants and sprinkler systems.
• Regular maintenance and inspection of these systems are crucial.

Truck inspections of owned vehicles:

• Implement regular truck inspections of the entity’s owned vehicles to identify and address any potential fire hazards.
• This includes checking for fuel leaks and worn-out wiring, and ensuring that trucks are in good working condition.

No-smoking policy:

• Enforce a strict no-smoking policy on the transfer station premises.
• Install appropriate signage and establish designated smoking areas, if necessary. Such smoking areas should be an adequate distance from ignitable materials/building, contain fireproof receptacles for smoking materials and mandate their exclusive use.

Driver training:

• Provide training to the member’s drivers regarding fire prevention and safety protocols.
• Training should include the proper handling of flammable materials and immediate reporting of any safety concerns.

Emergency response plan:

• Develop a comprehensive emergency response plan that includes procedures for dealing with fires, evacuation and communication with emergency services.
• Conduct regular drills to ensure that employees are familiar with these procedures.

Review coverage:

• Review the member’s current coverage with MCIT to ensure that it adequately addresses the specific risks associated with the transfer station’s operations, including fire-related risks.
• Common issues include failure to schedule property or scheduling property at inaccurate or outdated values.
• Consider consulting the member’s MCIT risk management consultant to make necessary adjustments.

Protect Property, Employees

For members, ensuring the safety and security of their operations is of paramount importance, and it is MCIT’s goal to work with them to mitigate risks and protect their interests.

By implementing the above risk management recommendations, members can significantly reduce the risk of fires at their solid waste transfer stations, ultimately safeguarding the facility, employees and the surrounding community.

Members are encouraged to contact MCIT with any questions or to request further assistance at 1.866.547.6516. MCIT’s staff is here to support members in minimizing risks and ensuring a safe and secure operations.