1. Identify fire risks inside and outside the truck
What are the fire risks in the supply chain? As an entrepreneur, it's challenging to identify all the risks yourself. To ensure this is done correctly, you can contact Securitas for help with a risk inventory, where we examine and document existing routines and rules today, as well as what needs to be added to reduce the risk of fire.
Keep in mind to reduce fire risk in the future:
- A rested driver has better reaction skills. Traffic accidents are a major risk in the transportation industry and can often lead to fires. Everything from a tired driver to slippery road conditions can cause an accident. Ensure you create the best conditions for your drivers and equip the vehicle properly to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Unload in the right places. When goods are unloaded from the transport vehicle, it's crucial to do it correctly. For example, they should not obstruct evacuation routes or be near electrical equipment. Also, consider height clearance to prevent anything from getting too close to a light source.
- Transporting flammable goods. When transporting flammable goods, the risks and requirements for safe transport increase. Follow the requirements for the type of products you are transporting. Also, train your drivers accordingly.
2. Equip vehicles with the right fire extinguishing equipment
Equip your transport vehicles with the right fire protection products and safety solutions. Depending on what is transported, different requirements are imposed on the products you need. We provide general advice here, but we can certainly help you equip your transport according to your specific needs.
You need these products to make your transports fire-resistant:
- Powder fire extinguishers in the vehicle. Equip your transport vehicles with portable fire extinguishers. The powder extinguisher is the most effective and is therefore recommended for quick extinguishing on the road. When transporting hazardous goods, it is mandatory to have at least two powder extinguishers.
- Fire blanket with the driver. In the driver's cabin, a fire blanket is a good addition to the portable extinguisher. The fire blanket helps you quickly extinguish small fires, for example, on clothing, without causing damage.
- Carbon dioxide extinguisher at the refueling station or truck loading station. Does your company have a refueling station or truck loading station? Then you must also have a carbon dioxide extinguisher on hand. The extinguisher cools the fire and is therefore best suited for electrical fires.
- First aid equipment and warm clothing. If an accident occurs on the road, it may take some time before emergency services arrive. Ensure the vehicle is equipped with equipment that can help the driver if injured or if they need to leave the vehicle and wait for roadside assistance.
3. Extinguish the fire before it takes over
Make sure all employees know what to do if they detect a fire. Train and practice together – how to extinguish a fire, but also how to decide if the driver should leave the scene. If you handle flammable goods, it is especially important that employees are trained on how to handle the products and what fire safety procedures apply.
Life-saving training:
- Teach your employees how to use the extinguisher. Fire extinguishing equipment is useless if all staff members do not know how to use it. Ensure your employees learn how to use the safety equipment in the vehicle. For example, Securitas offers practical fire protection training where you practice using the equipment you have.
- Do the right thing in case of an accident. Being able to help when a colleague suddenly has a heart attack can make a difference between life and death. If you have first aid equipment such as a defibrillator, it is also important that employees know how to use them effectively. With Securitas, you can take first aid and CPR training.
- Raise the alarm and evacuate. Sometimes, there's nothing else to do but trigger the alarm and leave. To ensure everyone knows what to do, you should practice evacuation once a year. Also, don't forget to display evacuation plans so they are visible. Securitas helps you organize evacuation drills at your premises and trains evacuation leaders.
4. Establish routines to maintain control
It is important to have routines around the maintenance of your fire protection. Everything that exists must work when it needs to be used. It is your responsibility to ensure that your fire protection is designed correctly, and regular fire protection checks are carried out. If an accident occurs, and your insurance company determines that you haven't done everything possible to prevent a fire, the incident may be considered negligence. It is also crucial to document your fire safety measures and routines in the workplace.
Routines that increase fire safety:
- Regular service maintenance. All fire protection equipment has a standard that must be followed, indicating, among other things, how often service maintenance should be performed. We at Securitas can assist you at this level.
- Routine for new employees. It's good to have regular fire safety meetings for new employees. This way, everyone is informed equally and feels secure in all emergency situations.
- Self-check. You should regularly check fire protection in your commercial premises and vehicles. Self-check means going around and ensuring everything looks correct. Don't forget to document the self-check.
A trusted partner with extensive experience:
Feeling overwhelmed? Don't worry; you don't have to handle this yourself. Protectas takes a comprehensive approach to your fire safety and tailors solutions to your needs so that you can feel secure. We assist you, from risk inventory and product selection and installation to staff training and service maintenance.
