Fire

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Fire is a chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidiser, releasing heat in the process.

 

Removing one side of the fire triangle will extinguish the fire.  Drivers are only permitted to fight small and initial fires in the cab, engine or tyres.  Do not attempt to fight a fire in a load compartment.

 

Fires can start on vehicles in many ways, including:

Underinflated tyres

Overheating brakes

Mechanical defects with bearings and differentials

Electrical faults

Leaking containers

Static igniting flammable vapours and gases

 

There are different categories of fire:

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Class A: Free burning materials – solids such as wood, cardboard, fabric etc.

 

 

Class B: Flammable liquids – fuels, alcohol, etc.

 

 

Class C: Flammable gases – methane, hydrogen, etc.

 

 

Class D: Flammable metals – aluminium, magnesium, etc.

 

 

Class E: Electrical, complicates fire classes

 

 

Class F: Cooking oils and fats

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Different extinguishers are used for these fires.

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Water extinguishers – red label, used for type A fires only.

Powder extinguishers – blue label, used for type A, B and C fires, also for fires involving electricity

Foam extinguishers – cream label, used for fire types A and B only.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers – black label, used for type B and electrical fires

 

Extinguishers must be of an approved standard and within their next test date, with the pressure gauge in the green section. The security pin should be intact and the seal secured.  The fire extinguishers should be stored in accessible weatherproof containers.  Extinguishers to be used only when the escape route is immediately behind the user; fires in load compartments not to be tackled.

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The minimum requirement on board a vehicle is a 2kg dry powder extinguisher.  The weight of extinguisher depends on the vehicle:

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Vehicle:

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Under 3.5T - Two or more; 4kg

3.5T to 7.5T - Two or more; 8kg (At least a 2kg and a 6kg)

Over 7.5T - Two or more; 12kg (At least a 2kg and a 6kg)

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BLEVE

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Boiling liquid expanding vapour explosions occur if a tank or vessel is involved in a fire.  The fire heats up the metal on the outside of the tank, however regardless of the temperature, the liquid inside the tank will have a cooling effect.  This liquid will expand as the temperature increases.  This expansion will cause an increase inside the vessel, which would be great enough to bust the Bessel open.  If a pressure relief valve is fitted this will open and relieve the pressure inside the vessel.  As the liquid level drops, due to the escape through the relief valve, flames will eventually act on the vapour space above the liquid.  This space will be unable to be cooled by the liquid.  The metal will weaken due to the dire and the build up of pressure inside the vessel will result in the vessel bursting open.  The flammable contents will be violently released and meet with the flames.  A bleve is a very powerful explosion which may send the vessel flying many hundreds of metres.

 

Emergency Aid

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On encountering an emergency:

D – danger – check for dangers all around, above too.  Pay attention to any dangerous goods present. PPE?

R – response – how responsive is the casualty? Shout, then if no response, shake and shout the casualty.

A – airway – tilt the head back by a palm on the forehead and lift the chin, check airway is clear.

B – breathing – listen / feel for normal breathing for a maximum of 10 seconds

C – CPR – if the breathing isn’t normal or present, call 999 and for help from bystanders and commence CPR.

 

Effective CPR requires practice and training – the casualty should be laid on their back on a firm flat surface.  Place the hands with straight arms over the heart and compress the heart two to three inches at a rate of 100-120 a minute.  After every 30 compressions give two rescue breaths (use a barrier.  If unable or unwilling, give compressions alone).   Other bystanders can fetch a defibrillator to be used.  Continue CPR until medical assistance takes over, or if the casualty regains consciousness.  Swap people for giving CPR every two minutes to reduce fatigue.  Only stop giving CPR when relieved by emergency medical services or too exhausted to continue.

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CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) provides oxygenated blood to the vital organs and brain.  Generally, except for drowning, this will not revive a casualty.  By administering CPR we maintain electrical activity within the brain.  Without this the brain would start to die within two to three minutes and life would be extinct within 8 to 10 minutes. If a heart has stopped beating due to cardiac arrest it will fibrillate and not pump blood around the body.  Only a defibrillator can correct this. By providing CPR, we continue to supply oxygen to organs and the brain until a defibrillator arrives.

If the casualty is breathing normally but unconscious, the casualty should be placed in the recovery position.  Casualties in recovery positions should be constantly monitored.

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Any thermal burns should be cooled with water for 20 minutes, clothing left on.  Consider using cling film as a cover.  Chemical burns should be washed with water immediately, remove contaminated clothing carefully.  Medical advice and assistance should be sought as soon as possible.

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If eyes are contaminated, they should be immediately irrigated using an eye wash station, or eye wash liquid for at least 15 minutes.  Medical assistance is immediately required.

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Blood loss

 

Apply direct pressure and up to two dressings.  Don’t take any objects out of the wound.  Elevate the injury to just above the level of the heart to reduce blood loss.

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Actions to take in an emergency

 

Occasionally emergency situations may arise during the carriage of dangerous goods.  It is imperative for the driver to know what actions to take in this situation.  An emergency situation is one where the driver has lost, or does not have, control of the situation.

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Considerations need to be given to:

The type and strength of the dangerous goods involved

The quantity of any spilled or leaking dangerous goods

The amount of people within the immediate danger area

 

Actions:

Stop and secure the vehicle, isolating the electrics

Put on PPE

Call the emergency services

Check for and assist any casualties

Keep onlookers away

Ensure that there is no smoking or sources of ignition in the area

Get any equipment ready such as warning signs

Use any on board equipment to help contain any spillage

Give the transport document to the emergency services when they arrive

Call the carrier

 

None of the above should be attempted if there is any danger to you.

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