Carrying a fire extinguisher in a car or van is an important safety measure for many business and domestic vehicle users.
Our guide looks at where you should mount a fire extinguisher in a car, and the types of brackets that can be used. We’ll also explore low impact installation methods that don’t involve drilling any holes.
Where to Install a Car Fire Extinguisher
In commercial vehicles, fire extinguishers should be placed within easy reach of the driver. This can be behind the passenger seat, in front or behind of the driver seat. A suitable transport bracket should always be used.
Many fire extinguishers in company cars and domestic vehicles are installed behind the passenger seat. However, some fire safety experts recommend the extinguisher be stored and mounted in the car boot.
Installing in the boot keeps the extinguisher out of direct sunlight, and ensures the driver of the vehicle exits the car if they need to use it. Those installing extinguishers in company vehicles may wish to consider this as part of their risk assessment.
How to Mount a Fire Extinguisher in a Car
Car fire extinguishers are heavy objects, and should always be secured inside the vehicle. This means they cannot cause damage or injury in the event of a collision.
Some types of extinguisher mount require holes to be drilled during installation. However, there are also universal mounts which can be fixed using the bolts which secure car seats in place, and specialist storage boxes.
Consider one of these ways to securely mount an extinguisher:-
- Universal bracket – these can be mounted on the seat rail or car seat mount points. This means they are accessible within the vehicle, but safely secured. You can use this type of mount to place your extinguisher on either the drivers or passenger side of your car.
- Car fire extinguisher mount – Some car extinguisher mounts use strong Velcro to secure the device. This is only effective for smaller extinguishers, and the product may fail. A more secure solution is to buy a bracket which can be fixed using two screws.
- Vehicle Fire Extinguisher Container – This is a moulded plastic box which can be mounted within the vehicle or car boot. It needs to be fixed with bolts.
How to Video
This handy video from product owner The Bracketeer gives a great overview of how a universal bracket fits onto car seat rails and provides a secure fixing point.
Check it out to see how easy installation is:-
The Law on Car Fire Extinguishers
You aren’t legally obligated to carry a car fire extinguisher in a domestic vehicle. The law also doesn’t require them to be carried in most business vehicles .
However, work related cars should have risk assessments in place. This means that many workplaces will decide to install car fire extinguishers based on their assessment. Do not be confused by claims that business vehicles are classed as workplaces, meaning fire extinguishers are legally required.
Redboxfire.co.uk explains more on how FSO2005 laws apply to company vehicles.
Vehicles Which Are Required to Carry Fire Extinguishers:-
- Taxis and private hire vehicles.
- Public transport.
- Commercial transport vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
See Also: Taxi Fire Extinguishers – a guide to the laws on what fire extinguishers and other safety equipment a taxi must carry.
Finally
Once your fire extinguisher has been safely secured, make sure you check it regularly to ensure it is undamaged and in date.
Also, if you install within the car cab and intend travelling to a warm country you should consider moving it to the boot for the duration of your trip. Fire extinguishers should not be stored in temperatures exceeding 50c which means keeping them out of direct sunlight in hot countries.
