Fire Risks in Laser Engraving: Lessons for Fire Safety and Prevention in the hobbyist community
HISTORY
Did You Know?
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Smoke detectors were invented in 1890 by Francis Robbins Upton (a former associate of Thomas Edison)
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In 1969, the AEC allowed homeowners to use smoke detectors without the need for a license.
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The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) passed the Life Safety Code in 1976, which was the first document to state that "smoke alarms are required" to be in every home. By 1980, an estimated 50% of all homes in the U.S. reported having working alarms, and that number jumped to 75% by 1984.
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In 2020 there were 2580 home fire deaths in the US. That was almost 50% lower than 1980 (5,200).
Problem
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79% of fire deaths and 73% of all reported fire injuries were caused by home fires, according to the NFPA.
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One fatal house fire occurred every two hours and 18 minutes.
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An estimated 358,500 home fires occur every year. 50% of these fires start in the kitchen.
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Smoke detectors can only announce fires, not predict them.
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Smoke detectors have not improved in technology for decades.
Solution
Instead of waiting for smoke to rise, we must detect unattended fires before they turn into a hazard.
Create a device equipped with a thermal camera that can detect the presence of humans and fires. When a fire is left unattended for a few minutes, alert people to take a look. Prevent the worsening of the situation by reminding people about the kitchen flame or candle they have forgotten about.
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