DRIVING - 04.06.2010
Q&A - do you need a fire extinguisher in the car?
Q. A member of staff has asked us to provide fire extinguishers for their company vehicles. Is there a good, or even a legal, reason to do this?
A. The only cars that need to carry a fire extinguisher are those which are transporting flammable substances and come under the control of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations.
Tip. Whilst small fire extinguishers for use in vehicles are available, the general advice from the Fire & Rescue Service is to avoid them. Instead, it suggests that if a driver discovers a fire, they should turn off the engine, evacuate to a place of safety and call 999 immediately.
The legal requirement to carry a fire extinguisher in a car is limited to those transporting flammable chemicals etc. The Fire & Rescue Service suggests that extinguishers should be avoided, so follow its advice.
Create your profile to unlock this advice and many more.