Do your company vehicles’ have fire extinguishers? Arguments For, and Against.

Last week one of my clients was informed that they needed to have fire extinguishers in all company vehicles by a WorkSafeNZ representative (Please note that this client does not work in the construction industry). I find this interesting for two reasons:

1. There is nowhere in the legislation or on the WorksafeNZ website that says there must be a fire extinguisher in company vehicles.
2. There is an ACC guideline document: Your safe driving policy: Helping you to manage work-related road safety and keep your employees and vehicles safe on the roads. That states on page 13: Special equipment: all vehicles should be fitted with a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, a torch, a reflective vest and an emergency triangle.

 

What’s the big deal?

I always advise my clients that as a bare minimum they need to have a first aid kit and Hi-Viz vests in their company vehicles. A torch/ emergency triangle are good to have, and a little thought needs to go into having a fire extinguisher because:

1. If there is a fire in or around a motor vehicle my initial advice would be to get everyone as far away as possible.
2. If someone decides to grab a hand-held fire extinguisher they need to be properly trained in how to use it and confident that they can contain the fire.
3. If the fire extinguisher is not bracketed in place, at best it can become a moving projectile. As a worst-case scenario, if the neck of the bottle is snapped it can be propelled with such force that it would blow through a cinder block wall.

 

Installing Fire Extinguishers in Your Company Fleet:

Here are a few things to think about before you go ahead:

1. Give all your driver’s training in how to use a portable fire extinguisher
2. Ensure that the fire extinguishers are bracketed in place. There is some argument as to whether it needs to be behind the front passenger seat or in the boot of the vehicle. Check the vehicle handbook to see what the manufacturer says.
3. Set up a fire extinguisher testing regime to ensure they are safely maintained.
4. Put stickers on your vehicles to show you have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit on board.
5. Ensure new drivers receive fire extinguisher training.

        

I’d be interested to know what other people think in regards to fire extinguishers in vehicles, please email sarah@employmenow.co.nz or call 0272 007 680 to let me know your thoughts.

 

Have a safe and productive week,

 

SB