October 4–10 is Fire Prevention Week

A key part of every daily vehicle inspection should be checking the fire extinguisher. Make sure it is fully charged, properly secured, accessible, and ready for use. Drivers should also receive basic fire safety and extinguisher training as part of their orientation.

Fire Extinguisher Requirements

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require commercial motor vehicles to carry the proper fire extinguisher:

• Hazardous materials requiring placarding: UL rating of 10 B or greater
• Other commercial motor vehicles: UL rating of 5 B or greater
• Extinguishers must be clearly labeled with their UL rating.
• The charge level must be visually identifiable.
• Extinguishers must be filled, readily accessible, and securely mounted to prevent movement.

What to Do If a Vehicle Fire Occurs

A driver's actions can make a major difference in protecting lives and limiting damage.

1. Move the vehicle off the roadway and into an open area if it is safe to do so. Stay away from buildings, trees, vehicles, and other combustible materials.
2. Call 911 and provide your location.
3. If the fire is too large to safely control, move away from the vehicle. Protecting yourself and the public comes first.
4. If operating a tractor-trailer and it can be done safely, disconnect the trailer from the tractor.
5. For an engine fire, shut the engine off as soon as possible.
6. Avoid opening the hood. Introducing additional oxygen can cause the fire to spread more quickly. If possible, attempt to extinguish it through the louvers, radiator, or underside.
7. If the fire is inside a trailer or cargo box, keep the doors closed to limit oxygen.
8. Standard fire extinguishers may not be enough to extinguish a tire fire. If conditions are safe, dirt or sand may help smother it.

Preventing Commercial Vehicle Fires

Good inspections and maintenance can reduce the risk of a vehicle fire. Drivers should:

• Complete thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections, paying particular attention to fuel, electrical and exhaust systems, tires, and cargo.
• Keep the vehicle free of excess grease, fuel, and oil.
• Monitor dashboard gauges for overheating.
• Watch mirrors for signs of smoke or flames.
• Understand the aftertreatment regeneration process on 2007 and newer vehicles, as exhaust temperatures can become extremely high.
• Know what cargo is being transported and understand its potential fire hazards.

Preventing Driver Injuries in Fall and Winter

Fire safety is not the only concern as temperatures begin to fall. Slips, trips, and falls become an increased risk when drivers work around snow and ice.

Keep these precautions in mind:

• Wear supportive footwear with rugged, non-slip soles. Additional traction devices may also be helpful.
• Slow down and take your time.
• Watch carefully for snow covering patches of ice.
• Take small steps and maintain secure footing.
• Check handrails and handholds for ice before using them.
• Wear gloves to improve grip.
• Maintain three points of contact when entering or exiting a tractor or trailer or accessing the catwalk.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Stay alert and use extra caution throughout the fall and winter months.

Ultimately, the goal is simple: prevent avoidable incidents and make sure every driver gets home safe and healthy.