While there are many factors affecting road safety in the trucking world causing loss of life and extensive damage, not enough attention is paid to truck fires which present a great risk both here and internationally.
The United States has an estimated 7 000 truck fires annually. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says: “Most often, these fires are caused by fluid leaks, overheated brakes or wheel bearings, and damage to the exhaust system.
“Conversely, in South Africa fires are not only attributed to these factors but drivers also face threats that come from looting and arsonists. Reports show that in July 2023, when attacks on truck drivers saw a surge, a minimum of 20 trucks were torched in one month because of criminal activities.
Organisations lose revenue due to damaged goods and vehicles, but most importantly are the lives of the drivers that these fires impact. “With such high stakes on the line, it is essential that fleet operators upskill themselves and their drivers on high-risk scenarios and what to do to minimise this,” says Herbert.
Recently, the highly anticipated ‘Truck Fire Simulation’ was hosted by RNS Occupational Health and Safety. It provided attendees with a range of vital information and demonstrations on truck fires and their effects on drivers and daily commuters.
Bobby Shemmans, CEO of RNS Occupational Health and Safety, says: “It is important to note that these fires often start off small but end up becoming uncontrollable. Consequently, we used tankers, tyres and pallets of different materials, along with fire fighters to assist, to demonstrate how quickly it can happen and what course of action to follow.
“A fire needs three elements to sustain its growth: heat, air and a fuel source. As trucks often carry goods that are flammable, these vehicles are a breeding ground for flames as all three elements are all present in this scenario. This makes it very difficult to fight a fire without the proper equipment,” says Shemmans.
Demonstrations also indicated the additional risk faced by drivers. An example is how the round shape of a tyre makes it burn more easily. Yet, the same compounds can also be used in items such as pallets. Without the round shape, it cannot retain heat and slow the spread of a fire. This illustrates that fire awareness includes using products that minimise the risk.
Other steps to reduce fire risk include:
- The goal is to cool or extinguish a heat source as soon as it is identified.
- Proper vehicle maintenance and a safe system for drivers to follow is crucial.
- A trucker should have a fire extinguisher compatible with the goods being transported.
- These should be checked regularly and kept easily accessible to drivers.
- Drivers should also be aware of emergency numbers to dial should they encounter a fire.
- Train drivers on how to keep themselves and other motorists clear of any danger in case of a fire.
We encourage all to make meaningful steps towards educating their fleets on these risks. “It is essential to understand and recognise the serious consequences of neglecting to undertake adequate training. Equipping drivers with the know-how on truck fires can save their life and limit the loss the organisation faces as well,” says Herbert.
