Your Daily Maintenance Checks to Prevent a Vehicle Fire

Nobody expects a fire on-board their equipment; however when it does happen, the results can be catastrophic.

Expensive repairs bills, costly downtime and a delay in production, all affect your bottom line. In the worst cases, it engangers lives.

The best way to protect your people and vehicles, it to prevent a fire altogether. At Ardent we recommend our customers perform daily maintenace checks to help reduce the risk of an equipment fire.

1.  Regular Cleaning

Keeping equipment clean internally and externally is vital in aiding the prevention of a fire. Not only does it maintain the integrity of the vehicle, it also prevents the built- up of combustible materials which can restrict airflow and add fuel to the fire. Schedule cleaning for the end of the work shift, when head build-up may occur following the engine shut-down. 

Depending on the vehicle, you could choose to use  high-pressume water or steam to clean your equipment. Alternatively, you could use a high-volume deluge hose which will not only clean your equpiment, but also reduces the level of spray-back in the engine area.

Don't forget to clean the machine of all combustible debris - dry vegetation, coal dust, etc- and remove any oil and fuel drippings.

Care should be taken if jet washing any electrical apparatus, or in and around the engine compartment. If steam cleaning, ensure that the fire detection circuits of your fire suppression system, are not subjected to any direct heat.

2. Inspect the Primary Ignition Points

As part of the fire suppression system specification process, Ardent completes a thorough hazard analysis which identifies the key areas of the equipment that are at risk of fire. By regularly monitoring these areas, you can identify potential problems before a fire occurs. Check that the oil, hydraulic fluid, and fuel lines are all adequately separated from any hot turbochargers, exhaust manifolds, or engine blocks.

3.  Check for Wear and Tear

Wear and tear is common when it comes to hard-working machinery and therefore it should be regularly monitored. Any signs of damage, especially to the oil, hydraulic fluid, gas, or electrical lines, should be swiftly repaired or replaced.

4.  Tighten Loose Connections

Inspect all oil, hydraulic fluid, and fuel line fittings as well as electrical cables and connections for tightness, clean off all residue, and tighten any loose connections.

5.  Check the Braking System

Brakes are considered a key fire hazard because if they remain partially engaged, operators can continue to use the vehicle for a prolonged period, which can cause friction resulting in overheating and possibly fire. Check the braking system for proper adjustment, especially if the brakes overheat when not engaged.

Ardent Fire Suppression Systems for 24/7 Protection

Good maintenance practices can help reduce the chances of a fire, but accidents still happen, and the risk of fire cannot be eliminated. Fire suppression systems are designed to protect the equipment and operator if a fire occurs. However, not all systems on the market provide the same level of protection and reliability. Fire suppression success rates strongly depend on the right system specification for the specific machine and environment, which considers all fire hazards in the vehicle, including those located outside the engine compartment.