SHYTOT:
But what about non hazardous freight
I don’t think there is a REQUIREMENT under the law to carry a fire extinguisher in the UK, BUT a 2kg powder extinguisher in the cab, mounted securely, accessible and where it cannot be accidentally be let off, would be a sensible thing to carry. It could easily save your life or someone else’s.
These small extinguishers are only to put out small fires inside your cab.
Don’t try and put out a tyre fire with it, you’ll be wasting your time.
Don’t try and put out a load fire with it, thats what the fire brigade is for (and GIT insurance).
If you look in the back and notice some small flames, close the doors to try and limit air from getting in (almost certainly pointless, but why give the fire free access to oxygen?) and call out the fire brigade.
By the time you get to your cab, collect your extinguisher, carry it round to the back, open a door, set off your extinguisher and point it at the fire, the fire will be so big you may as well just pee into the wind. Use the time to phone for help, clear your gear out of your cab and tell everyone else to clear off sharpish (not necessarily in that order).