The ARTSA Institute has launched a Truck Fires Safety Program to tackle heavy vehicle fires occurring each year in Australia. The fire safety program consists of four manuals and six videos aimed at drivers, maintenance staff, fire investigators and transport managers. Source: Timberbiz
The Safety program funded by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), supported by the Federal Government, and has been developed with the National Bulk Tanker Association (NBTA) and the Truck Industry Council (TIC).
ARTSA-I chairman Martin Toomey said that the NTI insurance company reports that about 10% of their serious insurance claims are truck or trailer fires. Heavy vehicle fires can destroy businesses, cause massive inconvenience, considerable environmental damage and put drivers and the public at risk.
According to leading forensic expert and ARTSA-I Executive Member Dr Peter Hart fires were all too prevalent and prevention measures are sadly lacking.
“It is time that more was done to promote the often-simple actions for prevention,” he said.
Dr Hart said that insurance data also showed that 32% of fires were in the engine bay and truck cabin area and the balance were mainly due to wheel and tyre issues. Electrical failure was also a big issue.
“If the road transport freight industry can embrace and follow this guide, the prevalence of truck and trailer fires could be halved over the next five years,” he said.
“That would be a saving of about $12M per year, not to speak of the trauma experienced by drivers and operators and the disruption caused to other road users.”
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Truck Fires Safety Program was a welcome addition to keeping drivers safe on our roads.
“This is another great example of the HVSI program and industry working to deliver important safety outcomes. I’m confident this useful and practical guidance material will help contribute to a reduction in truck fires,” Mr Petroccitto said.
The manuals and videos are downloadable at www.artsa.com.au/fires
