Do Business Vehicles Require Fire Extinguishers?

July 26, 2022

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Do Business Vehicles Require Fire Extinguishers?

Do Business Vehicles Require Fire Extinguishers?

Q: Do business vehicles or cars used for work always need a fire extinguisher?

No. UK law does not require all business vehicles to carry a fire extinguisher. Whether one is needed depends on a health and safety risk assessment. Employers should provide an extinguisher and training if the assessment identifies a fire hazard. More info: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities/fire-safety-equipment-drills-and-training

Q: What determines if I need a fire extinguisher in a work vehicle?

The need depends on vehicle type, use, load, and the fire risk assessment outcome. Larger vehicles or those carrying hazardous materials are more likely to need one.

Q: What type of fire extinguisher is recommended for commercial vehicles?

For vans and business vehicles not carrying dangerous goods, a 2 kg ABC dry powder extinguisher is recommended. Vehicles carrying hazardous materials may require larger or multiple extinguishers.

Q: If my vehicle carries dangerous goods, what are the extinguisher requirements?

Vehicles carrying dangerous goods must have at least one 2 kg dry powder extinguisher and one 6 kg extinguisher. Smaller vehicles under 3.5 t may use two 2 kg extinguishers. The second extinguisher is not required if carrying only infectious substances. Guidance: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/2095/made

Q: Do employees need training to use a fire extinguisher?

Yes. Employees should receive basic fire-extinguisher training when one is provided. It is part of the employer's fire-safety responsibilities. More info: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities/fire-safety-equipment-drills-and-training

More and more business is being conducted on our busy roads; be it transporting goods, a mobile workplace that brings the business to the customer, or simply travelling from place to place on business. As an employer, you have a number of legal requirements to satisfy, procedures to implement and documentation to record. It’s a minefield out there and knowing your legal requirements can be tough. One such struggle is knowing your responsibilities when it comes to health and safety in business vehicles. There is plenty of contradicting information out there from different sources, many claiming that a business vehicle is classed as a ‘workplace’ and therefore must follow the FSO2005 and the requirements set out in it. However in most cases claiming that company vehicles are a ‘workplace’ and therefore require fire extinguishers, is incorrect. As a business that prides ourselves on honest service with integrity, we’ll tell you exactly what you need to understand. A business vehicle is not required by law to have a fire extinguisher installed as the FSO2005 does not apply to vehicles that are licensed under Vehicle Excise & Registration Act 1994 or are exempt from duty under the same act. The vast majority of road vehicles fall into this category today. However, (and of course there is a “however”) there is a requirement for businesses to conduct a Health and Safety assessment, which should include a fire risk assessment. Quite often your health and safety risk assessment will highlight a necessity for a fire extinguisher and adequate training in its use. The requirements for which kinds of fire extinguishers to use in a business vehicle will vary depending on the type of vehicle, use, content and size. For instance, a car used for travelling between premises may only need a small 1kg Dry Powder Extinguisher, or may not even need one at all if your risk assessment doesn’t see the need. However, a larger van or truck being used to transfer goods or chemicals will have very different requirements, and will need one or more larger extinguishers. If you do need vehicle extinguishers it’s a good idea to keep some spares so that if one is used or damaged it can be replaced immediately, and the vehicle can carry on its business without interruption.

Commercial vehicles including vans

ABC dry powder extinguishers are recommended as the best fire extinguishers for vans and other small commercial vehicles. A 2kg extinguisher of this type stored securely in the cab is sufficient for most commercial vehicles that are not carrying dangerous goods. If the vehicle is used in the carriage of dangerous goods (CDG) the minimum amount of dry powder is specified depending on the permissible mass of the vehicle. For example, a vehicle carrying up to 3.5 tonnes should have a 2kg dry powder extinguisher in the cab and another 2kg dry powder extinguisher stored securely elsewhere. Always use a transport bracket to fix the extinguisher securely.

HGVs

ABC dry powder extinguishers are recommended for use in lorries or trucks. Heavy goods vehicles that are not carrying dangerous goods should be equipped with at least one portable fire extinguisher that is suitable for tackling class A (solid combustibles such as wood), B (flammable liquid) and C (flammable gas) fires. The extinguisher should have a minimum capacity of 2kg of dry powder. Store extinguishers in the cab using a secure transport bracket. HGVs carrying dangerous goods have to comply with the CDG and ADR regulations where the minimum amount of dry powder is specified depending on the vehicle tonnage. For example, for an HGV between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes, a 2kg powder extinguisher is required in the cab with a further 6kg stored elsewhere on the vehicle (total 8kg). For other vehicle tonnage, check the minimum dry powder provision. Larger extinguishers such as 6kg or 9kg can be secured to the exterior of the vehicle using a fire extinguisher box.

Commercial Vehicle Fire Extinguisher Requirements – FAQ

Do business vehicles or cars used for work always need a fire extinguisher?

No. UK law does not require all business vehicles or company cars to carry a fire extinguisher, because the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005 does not apply to licensed road vehicles.

Whether a fire extinguisher is needed depends on a health and safety / fire risk assessment carried out by the employer. If the risk assessment identifies a potential fire hazard, the employer should provide an appropriate extinguisher and ensure employees receive basic training on how to use it.

What determines if I need a fire extinguisher in a work vehicle?

Whether a fire extinguisher is necessary depends on your vehicle type, how it’s used, what you carry, and the outcome of your fire risk assessment. Larger vehicles and those transporting hazardous materials are more likely to need one.

What type of fire extinguisher is recommended for commercial vehicles?

For most commercial vans and business vehicles not carrying dangerous goods, a 2kg ABC dry powder extinguisher is recommended. For vehicles carrying hazardous materials, more or larger extinguishers may be needed.

If my vehicle carries dangerous goods, what are the extinguisher requirements?

Vehicles transporting dangerous goods under ADR/CDG regulations must carry:

At least one 2 kg dry powder extinguisher for engine or cab fires.
At least one 6 kg dry powder extinguisher for load, tyre, or brake fires.

Smaller vehicles under 3.5 t may use two 2 kg extinguishers instead. The second extinguisher is not required if the vehicle only carries infectious substances.

Official guidance: Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations | HSE ADR guidance

Do employees need training to use a fire extinguisher?

Employees should receive basic fire-extinguisher training when a fire extinguisher is provided in a vehicle. This forms part of the wider fire-safety responsibilities set out for employers.
For more information, see the UK Government guidance on fire-safety equipment, drills, and training.