DNV Introduces New Fire Detector Mapping Recommended Practice to Strengthen Process Safety and Reduce Uncertainty

DNV Introduces New Fire Detector Mapping Recommended Practice to Strengthen Process Safety and Reduce Uncertainty

(IN BRIEF) DNV has launched DNV-RP-A102, a new recommended practice for fire detector mapping that provides robust guidance on the number, placement, and orientation of flame detectors in industrial process facilities. Developed to address limitations in existing methodologies, the approach explicitly accounts for uncertainty and supports ALARP-based safety decisions. The new standard aims to improve fire detection reliability while avoiding unnecessary system complexity and cost, reinforcing DNV’s leadership in process safety and risk management.

(PRESS RELEASE) HØVIK, 30-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — DNV has announced the release of a new recommended practice, DNV-RP-A102 Fire Detector Mapping, aimed at strengthening process safety by providing clear, practical guidance on determining the appropriate number, placement, and orientation of flame detectors within industrial process facilities.

Fire detector mapping is a critical safety methodology used to assess whether fires above a defined size can be reliably detected by installed or planned flame detection systems. It is widely applied across oil and gas installations, industrial and chemical plants, and energy facilities, where early detection of process fires is essential to limit escalation, protect personnel, and prevent significant asset damage.

In developing the new recommended practice, DNV conducted a detailed review of existing fire detector mapping studies and identified recurring limitations in commonly used approaches. These included overly simplified modelling assumptions, inadequate treatment of uncertainty, and methodologies that do not fully reflect the physical operating principles of flame detectors. In response, DNV has developed a more robust and transparent framework that explicitly accounts for uncertainty and supports ALARP-based decision-making, ensuring that risks are reduced to levels that are as low as reasonably practicable.

DNV-RP-A102 sets out the key technical and methodological requirements for credible three-dimensional fire detector mapping. The document also includes a worked example to support consistent application of the methodology across different facilities and operating environments. By clarifying how modelling assumptions influence detector coverage and system performance, the recommended practice aims to improve both safety outcomes and engineering confidence.

According to Hari Vamadevan, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for UK and Ireland, Energy Systems at DNV, flame detection remains a cornerstone of process safety in the energy sector. He noted that the new recommended practice will help operators better understand and reduce uncertainty in fire detector mapping studies and is expected to become a global reference point for three-dimensional flame detection analysis.

Industry data underline the ongoing relevance of improved fire detection design. Member companies of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers have reported between 70 and 100 fires and explosions annually over the past decade, while insurance industry analysis shows that fires and explosions continue to account for a significant proportion of the largest financial losses in the oil and gas sector.

John Morgan, Vice President for Safety and Risk, UK and Ireland, Energy Systems at DNV, highlighted that the new approach ensures flame detection systems are designed in line with how detectors physically function and with a realistic understanding of modelling uncertainty. He emphasised that the methodology supports effective safety design by adding detectors only where they deliver meaningful improvements in coverage, avoiding unnecessary cost while maintaining robust protection.

With the release of DNV-RP-A102, DNV reinforces its role as a trusted authority in process safety and risk management, supporting operators worldwide in designing safer, more reliable fire detection systems for high-hazard industrial environments.

About DNV
DNV is an independent assurance and risk management provider, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise DNV advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry standards, and inspires and invents solutions.

Whether assessing a new ship design, qualifying technology for a floating wind farm, analyzing sensor data from a gas pipeline or certifying a food company’s supply chain, DNV enables its customers and their stakeholders to manage technological and regulatory complexity with confidence.

Driven by its purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, DNV helps its customers seize opportunities and tackle the risks arising from global transformations. DNV is a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful and forward-thinking companies.

In the energy industry
DNV provides assurance to the entire energy value chain through its advisory, monitoring, verification, and certification services.  As the world’s leading resource of independent energy experts and technical advisors, the assurance provider helps industries and governments to navigate the many complex, interrelated transitions taking place globally and regionally, in the energy industry. DNV is committed to realizing the goals of the Paris Agreement, and supports customers to transition faster to a deeply decarbonized energy system.

Media Contacts:

Neil James Slater
Head of Media Relations, Energy Systems
contact.energysystems@dnv.com
+44 2038165702

Penda Sall
Media Relations, Energy Systems
+33 651 69 88 64
contact.energysystems@dnv.com

SOURCE: DNV