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Dangerous Goods Vehicles Legislation Update

On 1st July 2003 the provision for fire extinguishers to be carried on vehicles regulated by ADR was amended. The minimum coverage required on vehicles above 7.5 tonnes is now 12kg or equivalent instead of 6kg. This total however can now be inclusive of the 2kg extinguisher in the cab. The amendment currently only applies to new vehicles, those equipped as per the old regulation can continue to be used until 31st December 2007. In many cases the result of this change will be the need for at least one additional extinguisher and protection box per vehicle. The relevant ADR text follows for your information.

ADR 2003: Annex B – Provisions Concerning Transport Equipment and Transport Operations

8.1.4 Fire-fighting equipment

8.1.4.1 The following provisions apply to transport units carrying dangerous goods other than those referred to in 8.1.4.2:

(A) Every transport unit shall be equipped with at least one portable fi re extinguisher for the infl ammability classes A, B, C with a minimum capacity of 2kg dry powder (or an equivalent capacity of any other suitable extinguishant agent) suitable for fighting a fire in the engine or cab of transport unit.

(B) Additional equipment as follows:

(i) for transport with a maximum permissible mass of more than 7.5 Tonnes, one or more portable fire extinguishers for the inflammability classes A, B, C with a minimum total capacity of 12kg dry powder (or an equivalent capacity of any other suitable extinguishant agent), of which one shall have a minimum capacity or 6kg;

(ii) for transport with a maximum permissible mass of more than 3 tonnes up to and including 7.5 Tonnes, one or more portable fi re extinguishers for the inflammability classes A, B C with a minimum total capacity of 8kg dry powder (or an equivalent capacity of any other suitable extinguishant agent), of which one shall have a minimum capacity of 6kg;

(iii) for transport with a maximum permissible mass of up to and including 3 Tonnes, one or more portable fi re extinguishers for the inflammability classes A, B, C with a minimum total capacity of 4kg dry powder (or an equivalent agent);

(iv) The capacity of the fire extinguisher(s) required under (a) may be deducted from the minimum total capacity of the extinguisher required under (b).

8.1.4.2 Transport units carrying dangerous goods in accordance with 1.1.3.6 shall be equipped with one portable fi re extinguisher for the flammability classes A, B C with a minimum total capacity of 2kg dry powder (or an equivalent capacity of any other suitable extinguishant agent).

8.1.4.3 The extinguishing agent shall be suitable for use on a vehicle and shall comply with the relevant requirements of EN 3 Portable fi re extinguishers, Parts 1 to 6 (EN 3- l: 1996,EN 3-2:1996,EN 3-3:1996,EN 3-4:1996,EN 3-5: 1996,EN 3-6:1995).

If the vehicle is equipped with a fixed fire extinguisher, automatic or easily brought into action for fighting a fire, the portable extinguisher need not be suitable for fighting a fire in the engine. The extinguishing agents shall be such that they are not liable to release toxic gases into the drivers cab or under the influence or the heat of the tire.

8.1.4.4 The portable fire extinguishers conforming to the provisions of 8.1.4.1 or 8.1.4.2 shall be fitted with a seal verifying that they nave not been used.

In addition, they shall bear a mark of compliance with a standard recognized by a competent authority and an inscription at least indicating the date (month, year) of the next recurrent inspection or of the maximum permissible period of use, as applicable.

The firre extinguishers shall be subjected to periodic inspections in accordance with authorized national standards in order to guarantee their functional safety.

8.1.4.5 The fire extinguishers shall be installed on the transport units in a way that they are easily accessible to the vehicle crew. The installation shall be carried out in such a way that the fire extinguishers shall be protected against the effects of the weather so that their operational safety is not affected.

What Now?

To enable you to fully satisfy the needs of those customers affected we are offering discounts on the products needed to ensure a smooth transition between regulations. This offer is limited so please contact us with your requirements ASAP.

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