Tame any flames

While road to rail needs to be South Africa’s next just transition, road transport will continue to play a pivotal part in our country’s economy for the foreseeable future. Thus, these road rollers have to be protected.

Dafo, a pioneer in vehicle fire protection systems, has been developing integrated firefighting solutions for vehicles since 1976, starting in Sweden. The company points out that transporting goods long-distance comes with inherent risks, particularly the potential threat of fires within the vehicles.

“These risks, if left unmitigated, can lead to devastating consequences. That’s where a robust fire protection system steps in as a crucial safeguard, offering multiple advantages for both fleet owners and the industry as a whole,” the company explains in its piece, “The Essential Role of Fire Protection Systems in Heavy-Duty Vehicles”.

Dafo outlines five key advantages of in-vehicle fire protection systems:

1. Life safety and protecting your investment

Your safety and that of your passengers should always come first. A vehicle fire protection system can swiftly detect and suppress fires, reducing the risk of injuries or fatalities. Your heavy-duty vehicle is also a significant investment. Installing a fire protection system can prevent extensive damage, preserving its value and saving you from costly repairs or replacements.

2. Engine longevity and reliability

The engine serves as the powerhouse of heavy-duty vehicles. Fire incidents can significantly damage engines, leading to costly repairs or even complete replacements. Installing a fire protection system mitigates these risks, preserving the engine’s longevity, reducing maintenance expenses, and ensuring consistent vehicle performance.

3. Operational continuity and efficiency

Downtime can be a major setback in the transportation industry. A fire incident halting operations not only affects schedules but also impacts profitability. A reliable fire protection system minimises the risk of vehicle fires, thereby ensuring operational continuity and enhancing overall fleet efficiency.

4. Tailored risk mitigation

Heavy-duty vehicles face unique fire risks due to the nature of their operations, varying cargo types, and environmental conditions. A tailored fire protection system accounts for these specific risks, providing a comprehensive safety net against potential hazards, thus enhancing overall fleet safety.

5. Regulatory adherence and industry standards

Adhering to safety regulations is non-negotiable in the heavy-duty vehicle sector. Equipping fleets with fire protection systems demonstrates compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Although there is no national requirement or standard for automatic fire suppression systems in South African commercial vehicles – or even a requirement for a fire extinguisher if you do not carry dangerous goods – these systems and steps do highlight a company’s commitment to safety and ethical business practices.

A local solution for EHCVs

The rise of electric vehicles in the commercial sector is also increasing the chances of fires, with its own set of challenges. “No ordinary fire extinguisher puts out a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery fire,” explains Frikkie Stroh, marketing and export director at SafeQuip, a Pan-African distributor of fire safety solutions. 

Conventional extinguishing agents like water, powder, and foam often fall short when faced with Li-ion battery fires, frequently leading to reignition. To combat this issue, SafeQuip introduced the Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) solution to South Africa in partnership with UK-based AVD Fire. 

AVD is a revolutionary fire extinguishing agent developed in response to the growing demand for effective Li-ion battery fire solutions. It consists of vermiculite (a naturally occurring mineral) combined with water, delivering superior performance compared to traditional agents.

AVD is applied as a mist composed of fine water droplets containing vermiculite platelets. Upon contact with the burning fuel, AVD suppresses flames and cools the fuel source instantly to bring the fire under control. As the mist evaporates, vermiculite platelets overlap and bind together, forming a barrier film that extinguishes the fire. This barrier serves three critical functions: preventing thermal propagation, isolating the fuel source, and providing an oxygen barrier to ultimately stop reignition.

As Dafo so eloquently highlights: “Investing in a heavy-duty vehicle fire protection system isn’t merely an option; it’s a strategic imperative. It’s a proactive step towards ensuring safety, protecting valuable assets, maintaining operational efficiency, and complying with industry regulations. Prioritising safety measures not only safeguards assets but also upholds the reputation and reliability of fleet operations.” And with SafeQuip’s offering, the electric commercial vehicle parc in South Africa has a welcome first line of defence.