Autonomous flame detection and smoke monitoring system for hot work fire hazards earns FM Approval

BlackStarTech® FireSight® Robotic Fire Watch Series – an innovative, autonomous detection system created for hot work environments – has successfully completed the testing and certification requirements of FM Approvals Standard 3270 for Remote Fire Watch Systems.

FireSight®, a portable fire monitoring solution, leverages multi-spectrum infrared flame detection and smoke video analytics for fast fire identification and notification, giving facility owners and other users the ability to reduce fire watch costs and reallocate those personnel costs to other important initiatives. FireSight® is the result of a groundbreaking technology collaboration between BlackStarTech® and Fike Corporation. The primary uses of FireSight® are post-hot work area monitoring (cutting, welding, brazing, soldering, grinding, drilling, chipping, blasting, heat-tracking, and more), where fire detection or suppression systems are offline, as well as high-risk product, equipment, and process monitoring. 

The system has shown reliability in providing fast detection and the capability to automatically transmit a fire alarm to the facility, hot work management team, and Emergency Response Team members. An effective application for FireSight® is post-hot work fire watch and monitoring periods. While the frequency of potential losses can be lower in these periods, post-hot work losses can be significantly more costly – supporting the importance of post-hot work watch and monitoring. Other common applications for FireSight® include the monitoring of high-value assets, areas that are at an elevated risk from fire, and locations where traditional fire detection systems may be temporarily offline.

According to Benjamin Youman, Strategic Implementation Director at BlackStarTech®, “The current standard method for monitoring hot work includes a stationed individual to oversee and alert on developing fires, which often translates into a talented team member not utilizing more complex skills to stand watch.” Benjamin adds, “In addition to helping companies mitigate risk and prevent losses, this state-of-the-art system will help many organizations better allocate staff attention to responsibilities that require more nuanced concern and execution.”

Rick Jeffress, Director of Business Development at Fike adds, “BlackStarTech® is pioneering an autonomous system solution, and Fike eagerly joined the development process, recognizing its potential to boost productivity and minimize damage in hot work environments using proven and approved technology” Jeffress goes on to explain, “The FireSight Series features the Fike IR3-HD all-environment flame detectors, video analytics smoke detection, and our SHP-PRO fire alarm system. Each component is FM Approved, confirming reliable, accurate, and rapid fire detection capabilities.”

Patrick Byrne, FM Approvals Operations Vice President and Group Manager for Electrical Systems, describes how he "…work with the teams involved who had to overcome the fact that existing technology at the outset was not capable of functioning in the way FireSight® does today. Research and insights from FM, third-party testing from FM Approvals, and product development initiatives implemented by BlackStarTech® (spanning detection, video, and alarm systems) are all part of the meticulous work that needed to be done to meet the certification requirements of FM 3270 and become FM Approved.”

While FM Approvals has been evaluating traditional loss prevention products since 1886, this certification conveys how we also test and certify the performance of cutting-edge solutions. As industries, asset owners, and our customers innovate and evolve, we do the same by offering certification programs for their emerging areas of focus. We develop test standards used to certify innovative products spanning fire protection, building materials, electrical systems, cybersecurity of industrial control systems, IIoT devices, renewables, and more.

FM Approvals is recognized and respected worldwide with accreditations from more than 30 domestic and international organizations. The 60,000+ FM Approved products listed in the Approval Guide are produced by manufacturers based in more than 70 countries. If your organization manufactures or is in search of property loss prevention products, access the Approval Guide or contact Patrick Byrne at patrick.byrne@fmapprovals.com.