We are an electrical contractor working for numerous housing associations. I am trying to implement the carrying of fire extinguishers in all vehicles, but am coming up against opposition due to the cost implications. Is it mandatory to carry fire extinguishers or just good practice in company vehicles, some are sub-contractors.

Leerob - Not mandatory. Out of interest; what is the reasoning for having them in vehicles? Is it in the event of a vehicle fire or for back up when carrying out electrical work? FH

Very interesting, what are your ignition sources?

A 6 kg powder extinguisher should sort you out nicely????????????????????????????

As bleve says if you provide you also have to train. Training will consist, among other issues, of what to tackle and what not to. Do you experience many fires while carrying out your electrical work? If so you may need to review your working practices instead.

Hi Just to answer the original question - They are not mandatory. If you work in social housing I can tell you from experience (I work for a one of the biggest social housing principal contractors in the country) That we provide small portable fire extinguishers to all of our direct labour operatives. They do not get trained to use them as our policy states that you should never use these extinguishers unless your emergency exit i.e all viable routes to exit safely have been blocked by fire and therefore are placed in a life threatening situation. Really if you are going to hand these out to your employees, you will have to risk assessed each operation, update your policy, and update your procedures. on a personnel note I think it is a waste of time because of prior comments on this page i.e. They are not trained to know what how to use, and what extinguisher to use in a life endangering situation.