The importance of fire extinguishers in industrial vehicles

There are several aspects to take into account when equipping the units that make up a fleet of industrial vehicles with fire extinguishers: the number of fire extinguishers - according to use -, the type of fire extinguisher, the shape and the situations of use of these accessories.

There are several reasons for it. But let's start with the most basic: because like the seat belt, the headrest and the rear-view mirrors, the extinguisher is a mandatory safety element in all types of cars, but, with greater reason, in a fleet of industrial vehicles that, due to their function, may eventually transport flammable chemicals or fuels.

Vehicle fire can occur for several reasons. However, the most common cause is associated with mechanical or electrical problems. Therefore, ensuring the timely and professional maintenance of industrial vehicles, in addition to being a necessity, is a measure that contributes to reducing the risk of fire.

A fire extinguisher is a product designed to do a specific job. It is an essential element to guarantee the safety of any car, be it industrial, family, sports.

Well, the reason is very simple: the older cars - 20 years ago - were built with metal bodies, so that, at the time of a fire, the textile of the chairs, and, of course, the fuel, were the only potentially flammable elements.

In automobiles and vehicles built during this century, highly flammable plastics and resins are used in 100 percent of car constructions, including the dashboard, roof, bodywork, and even bumpers. Although this helps to reduce the weight of the car and, consequently, its efficiency, it significantly increases the risk of fire and the speed with which the fire spreads.

**Different types of fire extinguishers ** Basically, we can find three types of extinguishers for industrial vehicles on the market. These are identified with the letters A, B, and C, according to the material that causes the combustion as follows:

• •
  Class A: wood, cardboard, plastic
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  Class B: Oil, gasoline, paints, ACPM, solvents, Varsol
• •
  Class C: Gases such as butane, propane, natural or city gas

There is a fourth class of extinguishers - Class D -, the use of which is very rare since they are used when the fuel is a metal such as magnesium, sodium or aluminium powder. Of course, a fleet of industrial vehicles, which is at the service of an industry that uses this type of metal in some of its processes, should consider equipping their vehicles with class D fire extinguishers.


But does this
mean that 4 different types of fire extinguishers must be carried in industrial
vehicles? No.

There is a type
of fire extinguisher called ABC, which brings together the properties of the
three most common types of fire extinguishers. Thus, a fleet of industrial
vehicles only needs to be equipped with one of ABC powder, and, in the case of
transporting metals such as those mentioned, a type D fire extinguisher.

But does this mean that 4 different types of fire extinguishers must be carried in industrial vehicles? No.

There is a type of fire extinguisher called ABC, which brings together the properties of the three most common types of fire extinguishers. Thus, a fleet of industrial vehicles only needs to be equipped with one of ABC powder, and, in the case of transporting metals such as those mentioned, a type D fire extinguisher.

Staying calm is the first recommendation. But it is also important to have the fire extinguisher at hand. It doesn't seem like a good idea to keep it in the trunk, under the spare tire.

But it is useless to have the fire extinguisher at hand if the device does not work or is not discharged. As part of a safety routine, the condition of extinguishers in industrial vehicles should be checked regularly as follows:

• •
  Make sure that the pins and seals are intact.
• •
  Verify that there is no external evidence of damage, corrosion or oxidation.
• •
  Make sure that the charge indicator is in the green zone.
• •
  Verify that the nozzle is not blocked.

Dust can agglomerate over time, so it's worth setting the fire extinguisher down and gently shaking it. This operation can be performed once every month, to prevent the powder from solidifying at the outlet to the nozzle.

Important notes:

• •
  ** **White, odourless smoke does not indicate fire. It is steam and reveals a problem in the radiator.
• •
  In contrast, dark smoke with some odour indicates the presence of a fire start.
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  If fire appears on the engine, it is not wise to fully open the hood. This facilitates the entry of oxygen with which the fire will increase rapidly.
• •
  At the smallest sign of fire, it is necessary to park the vehicle and evacuate it, carrying the fire extinguisher of course.
• •
  If it is possible to identify the source of the fire, use the extinguisher pointed at the base of the ignition. Some people, out of nervousness or inexperience, direct the charge toward the cloud of smoke.

Have a safe trip!