Far too often competitors at PCV events are frustrated when scrutineers find a non-compliant fire extinguisher in their car before an event, and then want it replaced before they can start their day.
For CAMS club speed events, cars must be fitted with a 900 g fire extinguisher or better, the requirement for fitting to the car has been revised recently and now specifies the use of high tensile bolts or equivalent. Below is an extract from CAMS SCHEDULE H – FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.
(a) Each hand-held fire extinguisher shall be secured using a metal bracket attached to the automobile with only high tensile bolts or equivalent fasteners and/or sufficient clamp/s and must remain restrained under a deceleration or acceleration of 25G ; and
(b) must be capable of removal by the driver (or crew, where applicable) while seated in their normal respective position for competition with safety harness unfastened, unless varied by specific category regulations and without the aid of tools.
(What’s 25G? About 40kph into a brick wall looks close – crash calculator)
If the extinguisher conforms to AS1841, which is most of those purchased from places like Bunnings, CAMS says it needs to be serviced every 3 years. In practical terms this means replacing your extinguisher when it gets to 3 years after the manufactured date stamped on it.
Check the manufacture date before you buy to get the most out of your purchase. The date is punched either around the base or the neck of the extinguisher.
What the PCV scrutineers look for at club events
** From Aug 2018 competitors are asked to place their extinguisher in the drivers seat during scrutiny to speed up the checking process.
- The extinguisher must be less than 3 years old
- The mounting is secure using bolts or similar fastenings
- The mounting must have a secondary strap to prevent the extinguisher coming lose in the car (see the metal clip straps in the photos in this post).
PS. There is a sad story of a 928 burning that appeared on PFA. Even if you are not a motorsport competitor you might want to consider fitting a fire extinguisher.
