Fire Extingushers in vans

[Latte]

Hi all,

Sure there is an old thread about this somewhere but cant find it at the moment. Can someone tell me is there a legal requirement for the size of fire extingusher we carry in vans working on the assumption we all carry :-
Portapack (Turbo90/Rothenburger), Mapp Gas, OFN, R404,134,22,407,410 & 12KG care 30.

Thanks

Latte

[lowcool]

dont know about legal requirements for the van but bigger the better for hot works.but i am told you should up end and shake the dry powder types as it has tendency to compress itself ending up with not the full amount leaving the bottle when the pressure runs out.can just imagine putting a fire out half way whilst standing in a boat with a half full extinguisher bottle in the hands,man overboard!

[Tony]

Hi Latte,

because you mention you are carrying hydrocarbons, in UK, you have to have 2 times 2Kg dry powder fire extinguishers.

It was included in the 'Carraige of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations 1996'.

It comes in to play as soon as you carry more than 5 litres (2.5Kg) of hydrocarbons.

[monkey spanners]

We have to have 4kg extinguisher to keep the liability insurance peeps happy.

[kevmass]

I'm sure in the 2079 handbook i got given it said a 2KG dry powder

[Latte]

Ive had a reply from our H&S guy at work at this is it :-


At present we do not carry quantities of refrigerant of 333KG or more in our service vehicles therefore do not fall under the scope of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations. However at all times we must ensure the following:


Refrigerant cylinders are not leaking
Refrigerant cylinders are secured to the vehicle
Fire Extinguisher is available
Refrigerant cylinders are away from the driver
Refrigerant cylinders are fit for purpose
The vehicles are well ventillated

[Grizzly]

Typical "corporate" H&S Answer.
No straight answer then?
I am sure some of these guys should be politicians.
I an assuming you asked for clarification on the required size of the extinguisher carried Latte?

As per this thread.

Interesting thread by the way I am going to have to check what size I am carrying now?
Cheers Grizzly

[chemi-cool]

We have to have fire extinguisher by law in the van regardless what you carry.

It is only there for case of fire in the van or in the motor.

I believe that if anything at the back of the van catches fire from any reason, my first instance will be to stop and run as fast as I can before the van explode.

Refrigerant bottles, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Propane, My coffee flask.... Even a 2 ton fire extinguisher will not help.

The best thing we need is Ejector seat like jet planes have.