Firefighters training with mobile chip shop fire, Bradford UK

Fire Safety:

General - Trailers & Vehicles.

Access from inside to any door in the mobile catering unit, and the door itself, should be capable of being readily used in the event of an emergency by any person within the vehicle.

Access to and from the vehicle should be safe and free from obstruction.

Clear written instructions should be displayed inside the vehicle outlining action to be taken in the event of a fire or leakage of gas, and should include the following:

If there is a gas leak:

Nearby sources of ignition should be extinguished and the gas supply should be turned off at the cylinder.

If a cylinder is leaking, it should be removed to a well-ventilated place away from the sources of ignition, other vehicle, buildings or similar risks.

If the leak is alight:

If the flame impinges on the container and cannot be stopped, the area should be evacuated immediately.

If the flame is away from the container, shut off the fuel supply by closing the supply valve at the appliance and/or container.

Fire fighting should only be carried out by the fire brigade or by persons who have received adequate training.

Where frying is undertaken, a fire blanket, conforming to British Standard, should be provided.

Fire extinguishers should be selected, sized located and maintained in accordance with British Standard.

A dry powder extinguisher, conforming to British Standard will be suitable for both LPG and fat fires.

The extinguisher should be located in a readily accessible position, adjacent to an exit.

More comprehensive literature is available, entitled The Keeping and Use of LPG (low propane gas) in Mobile Catering Units. The information, supplied by HELA (Health and Safety Executive/Local Authority Liaison Committee), is available free of charge from Mobilers by contacting the office on 0845 130 4555.