Whereas the revised ADR compliance requirementspreviously applied only to new vehicles effective from 1st Jan 2008 all ADR classified vehicles must comply.
ADR* vehicles over 7.5 tonnes will be required to carry extra fire extinguisher capacity up to a total minimum of 12kg dry powder (or equivalent). This is up from the previous total of 8kg. These vehicles must have a minimum of a 2kg in cab extinguisher which counts toward the total load space extinguisher capacity of 12kg. One extinguisher must be at least 6kg.
To meet the new requirements qualifying ADR vehicles can install a single 9Kg Dry Powder extinguisher in a front or top loading Vehicle cabinet and employ a 4Kg Dry powder or 2 x 2Kg equivalent Class A,B,C extinguishers mounted in the cab.
For older vehicles which currently have 2Kg cab extinguishers the ADR requirements are likely to require installing a further vehicle cabinet and 4 or 6 Kg dry powder extinguisher to meet the 12Kg capacity.
The fire extinguishers have to be installed on the transport units in such a way that (i) the crew can get to them easily: and (ii) their operational safety is not affected by the weather. In practice this means housing the extinguishers in purpose made cabinets. These are available in sizes to accommodate up to 9Kg/L fire extinguishers
The ADR extinguisher capacity for vehicles 3 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes is 8Kg and below 3 tonnes 4Kg
Other requirements of the legislation require vehicles to carry up to two Vehicle Hazard Warning "Triangle", high visibility vest and flashlights for each member of the crew.
A full range of fire extinguishers, cabinets and safety products for HGV vehicles can be purchased at discount wholesale prices on line at www.fireandsafetycentre.co.uk
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*Background
Certain Vehicles carrying Dangerous Goods require an extra test and certificate over and above the normal HGV roadworthiness test. This is known as the “ADR” test after the initials of a French phrase meaning “International Agreement Concerning the Carriage of Dangerous Goods.