NFU Mutual is urging farmers to fit fire suppression systems to their combines to avoid putting the lives of workers at risk and reduce the risk of harvest disruption.

As the UK's leading farm insurer, NFU Mutual dealt with claims from 124 combine fires in 2021 - up 35% from the previous year and including ten over £100,000 each.

With supply chains disrupted in the wake of COVID-19, Brexit and the conflict in Ukraine, NFU Mutual is also concerned that sourcing spares for fire-damaged combines or bringing in replacement machines could be difficult during the 2022 harvest.

Following a testing programme on combine harvesters, NFU Mutual recommends P-Mark accredited fire suppression systems. The systems automatically trigger extinguishers if a small fire is detected in the machine. The insurer now offers premium discounts for farmers fitting recommended systems.

Bob Henderson from the Agricultural Engineering Team at NFU Mutual said: “Modern combines are large and complex, so an unchecked fire can easily lead to a huge blaze which puts lives at risk, and can easily spread through dry crops and even engulf property and neighbouring fields.

“Suppression systems significantly reduce the risk of serious combine fires, and we urge farmers to fit them.

“There’s an even stronger case to do so this year as replacement combines and spares are likely to be hard to get hold of. Delays in harvesting highly valuable arable crops are likely to be very costly.”

In a live demonstration of a Fireward P-Mark approved system, NFU Mutual showed how suppression systems work – and the results can be seen on video by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJAlQzP71Sk,

The P-mark approved suppression kits involve dual agent systems which have two cylinders, one with powder and the other with a foam. The powder acts by interrupting the chemical reaction taking place and cutting off the oxygen supply. The foam suppressing agent in the second cylinder rapidly cools superhot surfaces of over 200°C in larger engine bays which also hold turbo chargers and filters.

The P-mark is a global standard which brings together best practice from Europe. This accreditation confirms that the product is type-tested and that installation and fitting is inspected. This robust approach ensures that any suppression system is suitably tested and appropriate for the conditions in which agricultural vehicles are being used.  

NFU Mutual tips to prevent fire this harvest:

• On newer machines fitted with information screens please ensure you follow all the guidance displayed during start up process. On older machines ensure all recommended daily checks are carried out
• Regularly clean out dust and chaff from hot spots in combines and balers and check the machine over when you finish use 
• Fit a suppression system that meets P-mark status to contain, extinguish and prevent fire
• Switch off engines and ensure moving parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance 
• Always stop to investigate hot-running engines or bearings 
• Have a plan in place in the event of fire including a system for keeping in contact with lone workers 
• Keep mobile phones on you at all times - not left in a tractor or pickup cab 
• Make sure drivers are aware of the locations and heights of power lines and check that machinery will safely pass under wires 
• Ensure there is a fire extinguisher on the combine – that it is regularly maintained - and that you know where the nearest water source is  
• You can use a mobile compressor (or a fixed one if fitted to the combine) to regularly blow away debris from the machine, but only do so if the exit pressure is reduced (as a guide 30psi/2.1 bar is effective at cleaning). Wear eye and respiratory protective gear to protect from dust and never point an airline at a person to remove dust from clothing, as there is a risk of injecting air into the skin and causing bubbles in the blood stream. 

Yard 

• Instruct drivers to keep to safe speeds in the grain yard 
• Check signs are in place to help lorry drivers go to the right place, and alert members of the public to any potential hazards 
• Keep children away from working areas 
• Clean dust regularly from grain dryers – and ensure that all staff running the drier are fully trained and know what to do if fire breaks out 
• Ensure fire extinguishers are readily accessible 
• Make sure ladders and platforms used for maintenance are in good condition and a safe system of work is in operation