Additional Fire Extinguishers Required on Dangerous Goods Vehicles

On 1st January 2008 the provision for fire extinguishers to be carried on vehicles regulated by ADR was amended. The result of this change will be the need for many vehicles to carry at least one additional fire extinguisher and storage cabinet.

Lincolnshire, UK (PRWEB) February 21, 2008 -- From 1st January 2008, ADR* vehicles over 7.5 tonnes will be required to carry extra fire extinguisher capacity up to a total minimum of 12kg dry powder (or equivalent). Previously, these requirements applied only to new vehicles.

In compliance with new legislation, ADR vehicles must have a minimum of 2 kilograms in cab extinguishers, which count toward the total load space extinguisher capacity of 12kg. One extinguisher must be at least 6kg. This is up from the previous total of 8kg.

To meet the new requirements, qualifying ADR vehicles can install a single 9Kg Dry Powder extinguisher in a front or top loading Vehicle cabinet and employ either a 4Kg Dry powder fire extinguisher, or 2 x 2Kg equivalent Class A,B,C extinguishers mounted in the cab.

For older vehicles, that currently have 2Kg cab extinguishers, the ADR requirements are likely to require installing a further vehicle cabinet and a 4 or 6 Kilogram dry powder extinguisher to meet the 12Kg capacity.

To comply with regulation, new fire extinguishers have to be installed on the transport units in such a way that, firstly, the crew can get to them easily, and secondly their operational safety is not affected by the weather. In practice this means housing the fire extinguishers in purpose made cabinets. These are available in sizes to accommodate up to 9Kg/L fire extinguishers

For vehicles weighing between 3 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes, the ADR extinguisher capacity is 8Kg. For vehicles weighing below 3 tonnes, the capacity is 4Kg.

The Fire Protection Centre offer a full range of fire extinguishers and cabinets, which can be purchased online at discount wholesale prices.

*Background - Certain Dangerous Goods Vehicles require an extra test and certificate over and above the normal HGV roadworthiness test. This is known as the "ADR" test after the initials of a French phrase meaning "International Agreement Concerning the Carriage of Dangerous Goods.

About the Company

Fire Protection Centre is an independent stockist and trade distributor of fire protection products.

Established in 2000 the Company is committed to leading from the front with quality, approved products at affordable prices backed by the best possible service.

For more information, please contact:

Tony Robson
01724 854199
http://www.fireprotectioncentre.com/

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