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Car Fire Extinguishers

UK-Rated Car Fire Extinguishers in Handy Easy-Use Sizes

According to the UK Fire Service, around 100,00 vehicles catch fire every year. While it may seem a relatively small number (around 100) of those result in a casualty, many could be prevented by having a car fire extinguisher on hand, and using it when needed.

At Seton, our comprehensive range of fire extinguishers are ideal for a variety of commercial and private cars, trucks, vans and other vehicles. Our range is designed to fight the types of fires that are most often associated with vehicles and, in some commercial cases, are required to support to provide a legally compliant, safe working environment.

What type of extinguisher do you need?

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Choosing The Right Car Fire Extinguishers


The UK Fire Service estimates that about 100,000 vehicles catch fire every year and that approximately 100 of those fire results in a casualty. Having the corrrect fire extinguisher on hand, and using it when needed, can dramatically increase safety and provide a driver with much-needed time before emergency services arrive.

There are a number of different factors to consider when selecting the right extinguisher for the right vehicle, be it a truck, car or van. The number of fire extinguishers needed, the type of extinguishers required, their placement and how to train employees on their use can vary depending on the type of vehicle.

We have a full range of fire extinguishers in various sizes that are ideal for dealing with vehicle fires.

Different Types of Fire Extinguishers


There are a number of types of fire extinguishers that are designed to specifically combat different kinds of fires and the unique set of challenges that each type of fire presents. For example, you cannot always use the same type of fire extinguisher for a chemical, electrical or kitchen fire, because all of those fires burn in different ways.

When it comes to vehicles, dry powder and foam extinguishers are the types of fire extinguishers best suited to vehicle safety as they can be used to combat the types of fires most often associated with vehicles:

A dry powder extinguisher such as the Seton ABC Powder Fire Extinguisher is ideal for Class A, B and C fires, and for electrical fires. These extinguishers should not be used for kitchen fires, and they should also not be used in small, enclosed spaces as the dust should not be inhaled.
A foam fire extinguisher such as Seton’s Compact Foam Fire Extinguisher is designed to combat Class A and B fires and can also be used on electrical fires. However, it is important to remember that the foam will permanently damage electrical components.

Depending on the kind of cargo your vehicle is handling, you may need other types of fire extinguishers that are designed for specific kinds of fires. For example, if your vehicle is transporting metals or cooking fats, you will also need to bring Class D or F fire extinguishers.

To learn more about fire extinguishers, how to use them, and what they are composed of, you can refer to our guide on How to Choose the Best Fire Extinguishers for your Workplace.

Where to store your car fire extinguishers


The best place to keep a small fire extinguisher will depend on the type of vehicle being used. You might assume that the most convenient place to store a fire extinguisher would be in the boot; however, fire extinguishers should ideally be kept in a place where the driver can easily and quickly access them when needed.

As a result, it is best if a fire extinguisher is secured underneath either the driver’s seat or the passenger seat. It is important to ensure that the extinguisher is well secured so that it does not roll away into another part of the vehicle while driving. We stock a collection of fire extinguisher cabinets for the safe storage of fire extinguishers in trucks, vans and other commercial vehicles. Or see our full range of Fire Extinguisher Storage & Accessories for all of your extinguisher display and storage needs.

FAQ's

What does the law say?


Employers have a responsibility to ensure that employees have healthy, safe working conditions. Employers who fail to provide a safe working environment for employees, or to prepare for emergencies such as fires, can be held liable for accidents that occur. The HSE has a series of guidelines on how employers can Proactively Improve Transport and General Fire Safety in the workplace.

Depending on the size of the vehicle and the cargo carried, additional transport laws and regulations may apply and you may need to adhere to additional safety protocols. For example, if you are transporting goods considered dangerous, additional measures need to be taken under the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (CDG). For this reason, it is important to be aware of any potential changes to legislation regarding transport.

What size fire extinguisher do I need?


The size of the fire extinguisher you need will depend on the size of your vehicle and the type of cargo it is transporting. Commercial vehicles that are smaller can benefit from the ABC Powder Fire Extinguisher or the Compact Foam Fire Extinguisher, which are space-saving, more compact fire extinguishers.

Mid-size to large commercial vehicles may require larger fire extinguishers, such as the Seton AFFF Fire Extinguisher or the Full-Size ABC Powder Fire Extinguisher.

What is the best fire extinguisher for a car fire?


Dry powder and foam fire extinguishers are suitable to be kept in a car and used in emergencies. Foam extinguishers can be used on electrical fires, including Class A and B fires. Class A fires are fires that involve wood, paper and textiles, and Class B fires are fires that involve petrol, diesels and oils. Powder extinguishers are effective against electrical fires and Class A and B fires, along with Class C fires, which are fires that involve gases.

Fires that involve gases, oils, and materials such as wood and textiles are the kinds of fires that drivers are more likely to encounter. However, workers who are driving commercial vehicles and carrying a particular cargo that includes chemicals, cooking fats or metals, will require additional fire protection materials.

What are other ways to improve car fire safety?


There are a number of steps you can take to increase vehicle safety for your staff. It is important to complete regular, comprehensive safety checks of vehicles to ensure that there are no fuel leaks or electrical failures. Fire extinguishers also have expiration dates and should be replaced once they have expired.

You can also improve fire safety by ensuring that your staff are well trained on emergency response protocols, including which fire extinguisher to use in specific situations, and how to use them. Then, in the event of an emergency, they will be able to refer to their training when they need it most.