Bluescope AV Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is a leading provider of facility management solutions and fire safety products. As an authorized service agency for Maharashtra Fire Services, the company has built a reputation for excellence in fire safety. Initially focusing on an automatic fire extinguisher, Bluescope successfully launched its product, FireRID, into the market. FireRID is a powerful fire suppressant and environmentally friendly, aligning with sustainable safety standards.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Kulwant Singh, Head of Sales at Bluescope AV Technologies, provided an in-depth overview of the automatic fire extinguishing technology. He detailed the system’s functionality and discussed the market potential and pricing strategy for FireRID. Below are the key insights from the conversation.
Q: Can you explain in detail how an automatic fire extinguisher operates and what mechanisms it uses to detect and extinguish fires?
A: Our automatic fire extinguisher introduces a groundbreaking, self-activated technology that sets a new standard in fire safety. Traditional fire safety systems require human intervention to activate, which limits their effectiveness. For instance, in a typical office setting, you may have someone on-site for 12 hours to respond to a fire emergency. But what happens during the remaining 12 hours when no one is present? The risk remains unaddressed. To ensure complete fire protection, you need a system that can operate independently by detecting high temperatures and activating on its own.
Our device does just that. It activates automatically without the need for human intervention and immediately extinguishes the fire. In scenarios where you’re present during an emergency, the extinguisher offers an additional layer of protection. You can simply throw the extinguisher into the fire without putting yourself in harm’s way. This dual-purpose functionality not only extinguishes the fire but also safeguards your life.
This technology provides continuous, 24/7 fire protection throughout the year. Even if you’re at home on a Sunday and a fire breaks out in the office due to a short circuit, the extinguisher will automatically activate and put out the fire, ensuring peace of mind at all times.
Q: What is the underlying principle behind the operation of this fire extinguisher?
A: The technology operates on a heat-activated principle, utilizing an endothermic process. As the surrounding temperature rises, the firefighting agent inside the extinguisher expands due to the heat. This expansion causes the glass to break, releasing the agent in the form of gases. These gases then effectively extinguish the fire.
Q: What trends are you observing in the Indian market for fire safety technology, particularly for products like automatic fire extinguishers?
A: The market for fire safety technology is vast and growing. Consumer perceptions are shifting as well, with increasing demand for innovative, automated solutions. People are seeking advancements in fire safety that reduce reliance on human intervention, minimizing the need for manual operation and enhancing overall safety.
Q: Can you provide the price range for this product?
A: This fire extinguisher offers a one-time investment with a 10-year shelf life, making it a long-term, cost-effective solution. Traditional fire extinguishers come with recurring costs, as they require regular maintenance and training, whereas this technology eliminates those expenses.
In comparison, while the initial cost of our fire extinguisher is about 20% higher than conventional products, over 10 years, it significantly reduces overall costs. Standard extinguishers need frequent maintenance, including monthly or quarterly servicing, and staff must be trained to use them properly. Additionally, these products require a high-pressure test (HPT) after three years and typically have a maximum lifespan of five years before needing replacement.
With our product, you avoid these ongoing costs, maintenance efforts, and training requirements, offering you a far more cost-effective solution over a decade.
Q: Is this fire extinguisher manufactured in India, or is it imported?
A: No, we currently import this fire extinguisher from a Europe-based company in Croatia. As their Indian partner, we are committed to bringing their innovative solutions to our market. Additionally, we plan to manufacture this product in India under the Make in India initiative, further strengthening our local presence and contributing to the economy.
