Did You Know? The Importance of Having a Fire Extinguisher Accessible in Cars

A fire extinguisher (APAR) is one of the most important safety support objects. Fire extinguishers can be a first aid when a fire occurs, including a fire in a car. The presence of a fire extinguisher is paramount in mitigating the potential damage and minimizing the risk of casualties if a vehicle fire occurs.

Causes of Fires in Cars
Recent incidents reported on social media and TV highlight the concerning trend of car fires, but do you know some of the possible causes of these fires?  A car fire can occur at any time, whether the car is in use or not in use. Here are some causes of cars catching fire:

1. Fuel and oil leakage
2. Modification of installed car accessories incorrectly and exceeds the cable resistance capacity
3. The car engine overheats, which causes an electrical short circuit, triggering the car to catch fire
4. Problems with the electrical system, such as loose or chipped cables
5. Storing flammable items in the car
6. Less than optimal vehicle maintenance
7. Accidents/collisions that cause car components to be damaged can trigger fires and explosions

On February 18^th, 2020, the Ministry of Transportation issued regulations related to this matter in the Regulation of the Director General of Land Transportation Number: KP.972/AJ.502/DRJD 2020 concerning Motor Vehicle Emergency Response Facilities. In Article 2 Paragraph 2 it states:

"Motor vehicles for categories M1, N1, N2, N3, O1, O2, O3, and O4 for passenger cars, passenger car runways, and freight car runways must be equipped with emergency response facilities in the form of fire extinguishers."

As one of the first aid equipment, the significance of fire extinguishers is underscored by Law Number 22 of 2009 concerning Road Traffic and Transportation Article 57. The article states:

(1) Every Motor Vehicle operated on the Road must be equipped with Motor Vehicle equipment.
(2) Equipment as referred to in Paragraph (1) for Motorcycles in the form of Indonesian National Standard helmets.
(3) Equipment as referred to in Paragraph (1) for four-wheeled Motor Vehicles or more shall at least consist of: 
a. seat belts; 
b. spare tire;
c. safety triangle; 
d. car lifter; 
e. wheel opener; 
f. helmets and light-reflecting vests for drivers of four-wheeled or more motor vehicles who do not own houses; and 
g. first aid equipment in Traffic Accidents.

Referring to these regulations, all new cars starting from 2021 must be equipped with fire extinguishers. As for the previous year's output cars, it is expected to provide its own APAR.

Use of Fire Extinguisher
The utilization of fire extinguishers in private cars is of utmost importance for ensuring safety in various situations and minimizing potential losses in the event of a fire. Here are some tips for using a fire extinguisher in your vehicle:

1. Choose the type of fire extinguisher that complies with Indonesian National Standards and contains materials that can extinguish various fires in solids, liquid or gaseous objects, and electrical installations. Types of fire extinguishers that are effective for car fires include APAR CO2 and APAR Chemical Powder. APAR made from foam and water is not recommended because foam and water conduct electricity.
2. Ensure the number and capacity of fire extinguishers are in accordance with vehicle specifications.
3. Store extinguishers in easily accessible locations for both the driver and passengers, allowing quick operation during emergencies.
4. Please ensure the fire extinguisher is equipped with information on how to use it. How to use a car fire extinguisher is the same as fire extinguisher for other types of fire. Use is carried out with the PASS technique, namely Pull (pull the safety seal), Aim (direct the end of the hose to the fire source), Squeeze (press the APAR lever to remove the fire extinguisher in the tube), and Sweep (sweep/swing the extinguishing agent to the burning fire).
5. Regularly check the extinguisher's condition and refill if it has expired or been depleted.

Hopefully, the information above can enrich your understanding regarding the importance of fire extinguishers’ availability in cars. If you need further explanation regarding the terms and conditions of the policy, please contact us at 021 - 2523110 and we will be happy to assist you.