Vulnerability and thermal load analysis in industrial areas using an integrated methodological approach for fire prevention: a practical case study of the company Arboriente S.A.
Abstract
The industrial sector faces growing fire safety challenges due to the increasing density of production processes, the use of combustible materials, and the concentration of thermal loads, factors that increase the frequency and severity of incidents with high human, economic, and environmental impact. In this context, Arboriente S.A., located in Puyo (Pastaza, Ecuador), operates in an environment of high socio-environmental vulnerability that exposes it to fires, floods, and technological accidents. The objective of the study was to analyze vulnerability and thermal load in industrial areas using an integrated methodological approach, with the goal of identifying fire risk levels, establishing acceptability criteria, and proposing preventive measures to strengthen operational safety and organizational resilience. A non-experimental descriptive design with a mixed approach was adopted, applying direct observation, interviews, and personnel questionnaires. Three internationally recognized methodologies were used for the risk assessment: MEIPEE (hazard and vulnerability identification), NFPA (heat load calculation), and MESERI (risk acceptability classification). The results revealed that fires constitute the primary risk, with critical heat loads in Production, Administration, and Workshops. Although MESERI classified the risk as acceptable, the NFPA found high levels of severity, justifying the implementation of specific preventive measures.
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