ADR Fire Extinguisher Requirements

 

Carriage in Limited Quantities. (Per individual package)

IF a transport unit is not carrying dangerous goods in accordance with ADR 1.1.3.6, it still has to be equipped with at least one portable fire extinguisher for the inflammability classes* A, B and C, with a minimum capacity of 2kg dry powder (or an equivalent capacity for any other suitable extinguishing agent) suitable for fighting a fire in the engine or cab of the transport unit
Heres an examples of a 1 X 2kg (usually) dry powder extinguisher suitable for fighting a fire in the engine or the cab of the vehicle.
 or this 
In larger vehicles than those shown in the pics, the 2kg extinguisher can be mounted on the framework below the driver’s seat.

Carriage in excess of ADR threshold ( ie, when ADR applies in full)

You’ll need the 2kg extinguisher as above, PLUS one more extinguisher depending on the permitted G.V.W. of your vehicle as follows:
(The actual weight of goods that you’re carrying is irrelevant here )

Permitted G.V.W. less than 3,500 kgs needs ANOTHER 2kg extinguisher as above, making a total of 4kgs.

Permitted G.V.W. between 3,500kgs and less than 7,500kgs needs ANOTHER 6kg extinguisher making a total of 8kgs

Permitted G.V.W over 7,500kgs ie ANY LGV needs ANOTHER 10kg extinguisher making a total of 12kgs
Once the vehicle is an LGV, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a rigid, wag and drag or an artic

My suggestion for ADR compliance for LGVs is to consider having extinguishers of the following sizes: 2kg + 6kg + 6kg = 14kg. With the minimum requirement being 12kgs for an LGV, there’s no problem in being 2 kg to the good. The 6kg extinguishers are quite plentiful and 2 of them might work out cheaper than a single 10kg extinguisher.
Remember, 12kg is a minimum, not a maximum.

On most vehicles, the larger of the extinguishers is carried outside the vehicle in some kind of protective covering,
something like this:

Other requirements:

1. Extinguishers must be of an approved type ie. bear the CE mark.
2. Extinguishers must be periodically inspected and bear a label / sticker showing the next due date of inspection
3. Extinguishers must be fitted with a seal AND pin
Something like this:
 

4. Extinguishers must be protected from the effects of the weather.
5. Extinguishers must be easily accessible.

In the event that 1 and 2 and 3 above aren’t complied with, you’ll be fined for not having an extinguisher.