The need for a first aid kit, torch and fire extinguishers have nothing to do with tradition. They come down to assessment and therefore what type of 'vehicle' and what type of 'job' they are doing. Is there a risk of injury (even minor cuts from handling packages). Is there a risk of fire (hazardous substances or even vehicle fire). Is there a risk of being out at night and needing a torch (break downs). I think you have one obvious ommission. A hi-viz jacket in case of breakdown. Personally in my own car I carry torch, first aid, hi-viz and fire extinguisher. I think if you are on the road for any reason whether work or personal then all those things can be justified and are relatively inexpensive and can be included on regular vehicle checklists for work purposes. As for a first aid kits being as deadly as a gun in the wrong hands - you need to get a sense of perspective mate!!!! When was a plaster and bit of bandage as deadly as a gun ??? The Department for Transport in conjunction with the HSE do a great information leaflet INDG382 on driving at work, which is the standard to be followed.

In my view and in the context of "so far as is reasonably practicable" when driving for work-related activities:- 1) The contents and type of first aid kit is dependent upon the activities, and yes, if working alone, a level of first aid training on the self application of aspects of first aid may be applicable, there is no prescribed criteria-that is why we "risk assess" and most will judge that the cost of a first aid kit for an employee is reasonably practicable. If tradition was maintained for all manner of safety, we would still be practicing the 19th century industrial revolution health, safety and welfare requirements. 2) I consider fire extinguishers in vehicles primarily to assist escape if the vehicle is on fire. Also, diesel will vaporise/burn at temperatures the engine operates (agree it will be very much less than petrol) and depending upon the nature of the fire, fire extinguishers may be required. However, I agree that tender agreements etc prescribing safety requirements without qulifying it with risk assessment is questionable. How many actual accidents occur with objets falling on workers wearing hard hats? does that mean that traditionally ,we did not use hard hats so that is OK?? To a construction company that has thousands of workers, is it reasonably prcaticable (just because that particaular company did not experience such occurences) not to use hard hats because it will cost them an amount of money??

, an FA kit as is deadly as a gun in the wrong hands, and the real pain of what should be in an FA kit anyway?

Or in the right hands (like a gun) can save a life - I recently stopped at an RTA with an overturned vehicle - (As Chris points out this is a terrifing situation for the person trapped inside.) Luckily for me (St John Ambulance Advanced First Aider) and partner (Nurse) the policeman was carring a trauma kit with airways and oxygen. He had no idea how to use this, esspeically on a 13 year old child, luckily we did. My first aid kit turned out not to overly useful, apart from the gloves, water and biowaste bags, but the policemans was (Apparentyl the police do not carry these kits as standard, this is just something he had inherited)

CS OGP Guideline 365, clearly states that the application of any of the recommendations relating to land transport are dependent on the outcome of risk assessment. Having said that, it seems that where it is a Clients requirement, then its a clients requirement.