Machinery and equipment exposed to fire may have damage from heat, smoke or water. Depending on the proximity of the machinery and equipment with respect to the fire, the equipment may have a combination of any or all three types of damage. The following signs may be useful in identifying the type of damage and method or repair.
Remember: Time is important and changes everything. Respond quickly to mitigate the loss.
Fire Damage: Water
Signs of:
- Paint is not blistered.
- Exterior surfaces may be sooty.
- Metal is not warped.
- Plastic is not deformed.
- Wiring insulation is not melted.
- Belts are not charred brittle or burned.
- Unfinished metal surfaces will probably be rusting often just from moisture in the air, especially in high humidity environments.
- Water is found inside the machine cavities, cylinders, cabinets, electrical boxes, conduit, wiring insulation, etc.
- Water stains are observable on the exterior surfaces if fire suppression efforts directly hit the machine.
- TURN OFF POWER IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT ENERGIZE WET EQUIPMENT!
Repairability:
- Repairability is probable if timely repairs are performed. Replacement of water-damaged parts is probably not necessary.
- Be especially concerned about rusting if burning of chlorides or sulfur containing items has occurred (PVC pipe, certain upholstery, carpets, etc.). Chlorides in the smoke combine with the water to form hydrochloric acid, which is extremely corrosive. Sulfur and water have a similar effect.
- If possible, move all exposed machinery to a cool, dry environment to limit corrosion.
- If the machinery cannot be moved try to install temporary barriers to shield the damaged machinery from the outside elements.
- Open all doors, covers, side panels, and drawers. Drain all of the water.
- Set up fans to circulate ambient air through the equipment.
- Blow the water out with clean compressed air or hair dryers.
- Wipe down and dry metal surfaces as soon as possible.
- Coat surfaces with a preservative to prevent oxygen from reaching untreated surfaces and rusting from occurring.
- Note that covering bare metal machinery with a tarp and leaving outside for a long period of time, especially in hot humid environments may cause excessive rusting, often worse than leaving uncovered.
- Protect electronics with surface preservative sprays.
- Clean the machine thoroughly. There are numerous restoration companies that know how to do this work well.
- Treat cleaned bare metal surfaces as required by grinding, polishing, painting, application of a light oil or leaving the surface in the "as cleaned" condition, depending on the condition and application.