Dafo, established in 1919, is a turnkey supplier of fire safety and rescue equipment products and services. It offers a variety of safety products for fire and evacuation applications, along with related servicing, maintenance and training. The company provides fire suppression solutions for underground machines, mining machines, container handling equipment and other equipment that employ a diesel engine. Dafo developed fire-fighting systems for on-road and off-road vehicles in 1975 with focus on reducing fire accidents in vehicles that cause a lot of damage to people and property.
Headquartered at Stockholm in Sweden where it employs 140 people, Dafo has worldwide presence through 28 partner companies, apart from other service companies. It is currently looking for a partner in the Indian market. “India will be an important market for us in the coming years. The authorities are beginning to realize the importance of fire-fighting systems, and things are progressing in the right direction. We have received excellent response for our products in the Indian market and are confident of good success. Our first goal would be to identify a local partner and then take things forward”, says Mr. Holger Pfriem, Export Manager, Dafo Brand AB.
In Europe, Dafo works with leading vehicle manufacturers like MAN, Solaris, Volvo and Scania. While the fire suppression market for buses and coaches is well-developed, penetration in the truck segment has just begun. With most of the European OEMs already having presence in the Indian market, Dafo would be keen on continuing its association with the brands in India as well. “We will certainly look to bringing our partnership with the European OEMs to the Indian market. At the same time, we are looking at the Indian OEMs as well. Moving forward, we will source the basic components locally, to be cost-competitive. At present, our focus is on finding an Indian partner and training the company. Once we are ready, we will focus on the final customers”, adds Mr. Pfriem.
Vehicle fire suppression systems for buses
Dafo offers a complete range of fire extinguishing systems for heavy vehicles, ships and buses. Since fires in vehicles spread quickly and are hard to extinguish with a handheld extinguisher, Dafo has developed a perfectly dimensioned extinguishing system which aids in fast and effective protection that limits the damages from fire. The company provides fully-automatic fire-fighting systems in vehicles by which the fire is detected and completely extinguished. It offers different extinguishing agents in its systems, including Forrex, powder, CO2 or complete system solutions from the world’s leading suppliers.
Forrex, a liquid solution developed by the R&D team at Dafo, offers a very good cooling effect and prevents re-ignition, which is very significant factor in fire suppression. Forrex has been developed for the engine compartment and is suitable for use in countries with extreme climate. The liquid does not have any effect on human skin and is completely non-toxic. It needs to be replaced only after a period of 10 years, while most other liquids and agents need replacement every two to five years.
Forrex forms a film which sticks to the surface of the burning object. The first version of Forrex was developed in the early 1990s, while an upgraded and more effective version is ready for release in April.
Since most bus fires start in engine compartments and surrounding areas, a tested and classified vehicle fire suppression system, in combination with good fire detection, is the best first response in case of an emergency. As preventive measures are highly effective in damage risk reduction, the Dafo vehicle fire suppression system also prevents fire when the bus is halting in a depot.
SPCR 183 is the latest international fire-suppression standard for buses. Dafo was the first company to pass stipulated bus fire tests as it continues to upgrade its capabilities to conform to newer standards. Its systems, adapted to suit manufacturers’ requirements for fast installation and simple maintenance, guarantee outstanding reliability under demanding conditions.
The company has an extensive global distribution network which ensures first class service and maintenance, and it is known for the supply of approved vehicle fire suppression systems complying with global regulations and safety standards.