A common misconception is that cooling towers are inherently safe from fire hazards because water flows through them. However, cooling towers can be highly vulnerable to fire risks because they contain many combustible materials such as polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), wood and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP). These materials can be found in the form of many standard cooling tower components such as the tower structure, fill, drift eliminators, piping, louvers and fans.

Because such hazards exist, some manufacturers in the process industries, depending in their manufacturing processes, may find it prudent (or required) to seek equipment with FM Approval. As FM Global notes on its website, “FM Approvals’ certification process ensures customers a product has been objectively tested and conforms to the highest international and most national standards.” Products and services that are FM Approved are specification tested to protect their properties from loss.