December 1, 2011
Fire protection specialist Wormald is calling on bus companies and transit authorities to ensure their vehicles are equipped with vehicle fire suppression systems compliant with Australian Standard AS 5062-2006.
Wormald National Product Manager for Vehicle Systems Steve Oxley says the standard specifies the minimum requirements for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of vehicle fire suppression systems.
“Although not mandatory, the standard should be recognised as best Australian industry practice by every fire protection company,” Oxley says.
He says in the event of a fire the principal aim of a vehicle fire suppression system is to provide early detection and warning so occupants of the bus are given time to safely evacuate while also automatically suppressing the fire to help minimise damage to the vehicle.
“An important component of AS 5062 is the requirement for regular inspection, testing, preventative maintenance and survey procedures for the vehicle fire suppression systems,” he says.
“This helps ensure that the systems are fully functional and will perform as designed in the event of a fire.”
Oxley says bus drivers and operators should also be fully trained on how to manually activate the vehicle fire suppression systems when necessary and how to operate other fire protection equipment located in their vehicles, such as portable fire extinguishers.
“Passengers have the expectation of safe travel on all public transport vehicles and rely on bus companies and transport authorities to have appropriate safety provisions in place,” he says.
”We recommend vehicle operators, including bus drivers, are aware of their vehicle's fire protection equipment and are fully trained on how to use it.”