New Fire Extinguisher Regulations for 2018
Posted on: February 19th 2018 • Posted in: General NewsThis guidance sets out to clarify the new fire extinguisher requirements for vehicles competing in MSA-permitted events. These new requirements have been published in section (K) of the MSA Yearbook, with effect from 1 January 2018.
These regulations only apply where the discipline-specific regulations require a fire extinguisher to be carried on the vehicle as a mandatory piece of equipment.
Is a fire extinguisher mandatory in my discipline?
The fire extinguisher requirements are detailed in the discipline-specific regulations of the MSA Yearbook, and in all cases the regulations give the mandatory minimum requirement. This has not changed, so if there has not previously been a mandatory requirement for extinguishers in your discipline then the new regulations do not change this. In disciplines where there is no mandatory requirement it is nonetheless recommended that extinguishers are carried.
What are the changes and when do they apply?
Since 1 January 2018, it has been a requirement for all extinguishers to be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines or every 24 months, whichever is sooner.
From 1 January 2019, new build vehicles in relevant disciplines must comply with (K) Competitors: Safety; Appendix 3
From 1 January 2022, all vehicles in relevant disciplines must comply with (K) Competitors: Safety; Appendix 3.
Which regulations apply to my vehicle?
If your vehicle has competed, or been issued with a Competition Car Log Book/Vehicle Passport, prior to 1 January 2019 then it can continue to comply with the existing regulations in (K)3 until 31 December 2021. Therefore, in existing cars, non-homologated extinguishers can continue to be used until this date, providing that the extinguisher is serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines or every 24 months, whichever is sooner.
If your vehicle competes for the first time after 1 January 2019 or is issued with a Vehicle Passport after this date then it must comply with the new regulations in (K) Appendix 3.
After 1 January 2022, all vehicles for which there is a mandatory requirement for a fire extinguisher will need to comply with the new regulations in (K) Appendix 3. The individual discipline regulations will define whether the requirement is for a plumbed-in or hand-held system.