The Importance of Airport Fire Suppression for Ground Support Equipment

Paul Smith
May 21, 2024

Airport fire safety has reached unprecedented levels of effectiveness, with rare occurrences of fire incidents involving both aircraft and ground support equipment (GSE). However, despite stringent mitigation strategies, the potential for significant disruption remains, especially if a fault were to occur due to damage to GSE fuel lines, hydraulic hoses, or overheating.

Most of us have seen first-hand or at least on the television the army of support teams on their GSE equipment who move in on the aircraft upon arriving at the gate. With tight turnaround times and departure slots to be met, it's vitally important that all aspects of these airplane logistics go as smoothly and quickly as possible, from baggage handling to re-fuelling, tugs and catering trucks. 

With all this going on at any one time, accidents can and do happen. Even with some of the most stringent of operational safety standards in place, ‘events’ do occur, caused by any number of reasons from human error through to mechanical/electrical failure and genuine accidents.

If a hydraulic hose were to fail unexpectedly you could have a fire burning in a matter of seconds, that has to be firstly noticed then brought under control by members of the team! In the best case scenario, they put the fire out; but in the worst case, the fire takes hold, spreading to other assets such as the aircraft or even the airbridge, eventually putting humans at risk. The costs of such an event can run from a few thousands of £s through to multi-million £ claims, leading to minor business disruption through to complete closure.

By addressing the specific risks associated with GSE operational risks, airports can significantly enhance their overall safety and operations. Is there even a need to take the risk that a minor fire, which could be suppressed, is left to burn? The answer is no, not with state-of-the-art automatic fire suppression systems being readily available, tested and approved from partners like Reacton.

Watch our state of the art fire suppression system in action.

Reacton's Dual-Agent System: Unparalleled Efficiency in Fire Suppression

Reacton's Dual-Agent fire suppression system, designed for enhanced efficiency and compactness, combines Dry Powder and Wet Chemical agents. This innovative approach allows for rapid flame knockdown and cooling, significantly reducing system size by 40% compared to Wet Chemical-only systems. Ideal for off-road vehicles and airport Ground Support Equipment (GSE), the system offers a dual-action fire suppression method that quickly controls and prevents re-ignition of fires, providing a safe, space-saving, and economical solution for complex fire suppression needs in airport operations.

Setting Industry Benchmarks in Fire Safety

As an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Reacton's systems are at the forefront of fire safety technology, representing the industry benchmark for protection and reliability. With rapid activation, advanced pneumatic detection technology, and a broad array of certifications and approvals, Reacton provides peace of mind and underscores its leadership in airport fire safety solutions.

Reacton not only sets the benchmark for innovative fire safety solutions - proven in real world installations -, but also leads the way in obtaining comprehensive approvals and certifications from independent 3rd parties for that added peace of mind.

Our global certifications include:

  • UAE.S. 5041:2021 (first in the world to achieve ESL conformity)
  • SASO 2946:2020 (first in the world to achieve ESL conformity)
  • UL 2166 Direct (DLP) Clean Agent  – the world’s first company to achieve listing to UL 2166 
  • UL 2166 Indirect (ILP) Clean Agent 
  • AS 5062:2016
  • P-MARK SPCR 183 (Reacton achieved an A+ rating, the highest score possible)
  • P-MARK SPCR 199
  • UNECE Regulation 107
  • ISO 9001:2015 - CE Mark
  • LPCB LPS 1666

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

Reflecting a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, Reacton utilizes organic, biodegradable extinguishing agents, minimizing the ecological impact of fire suppression activities. The selection of BC Dry Powder and Fluorine-Free Wet Chemicals exemplifies Reacton's dedication to offering solutions that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible.

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Discover the Advanced Technology Behind Reacton's Fire Suppression System

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the sophisticated technology that forms the backbone of our fire suppression solutions, we invite you to explore further by clicking here. At Reacton, we're forward-thinking, constantly innovating to address the evolving fire safety requirements of airports both today and in the future. Our commitment is to design and manufacture best in class fire suppression systems  that ensure the safety of your GSE equipment and surrounding assets such as the aircraft. 

Reach out to Reacton to have world class fire suppression to secure your airport ground support equipment with the industry-leading, efficient, and eco-friendly fire suppression system.

For more information on Reacton Fire Suppression products, please get in touch with the team by emailing info@reactonfire.com or call us on + 44 (0)800 0306526.

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