Amateur Racers: Six Tips to Keep Yourself Safe From Fires Due to Racing Collisions
If you do amateur racing, you may want to equip your vehicle with a fire extinguisher. Whether you are on a track or racing on your own rural property, fires may start in certain situations. To keep yourself safe, consider these tips;
1. Look Into Fire Suppressions Systems Designed for Race Cars
There are special fire suppression systems designed just for race cars. Generally, these systems can be fitted inside the cabin and under the bonnet. They aren't like traditional fire extinguishers—namely, you don't grab them with your hands and spray them. Instead, you pull a cord, and that engages the fire suppression system.
2. Remember Not All Suppression Materials Are the Same
When looking at different fire suppression systems for race cars, you may want to read reviews on the powder used. Ideally, you want a powder that won't damage the electronics in the vehicle and won't leave a residue on your car's components.
3. Investigate Functioning
It's also important to consider the efficacy of how the fire extinguisher works. Can it reach fire that is hiding in the far crevices of the engine bay or in the back of the cabin. If not, you may want to choose a system with further range. Additionally, for the system that goes in the cab, you want to make sure that the powder won't coat the windscreen and make it difficult to see as you drive the racing vehicle to safety.
4. Think About Installation
Typically, these systems are secured to the vehicle with clips. Make sure that the company has a positive track record, and consider looking for a system that uses aviation quality clips for extra durability. Then, consider whether or not you can handle the installation yourself, and consider how much professional installation from a company like http://www.fireprotectionservices.com.au adds to the final cost.
5. Consider a Handheld Extinguisher
If you decide not to get a fire suppression system, you may want to invest in a handheld extinguisher. Keep that in the boot or the backseat of the car, but when you are racing, you may want to keep the extinguisher in the passenger's seat for easy access.
6. Remember Extra Extinguishers for the Sidelines
Finally, you may also want to invest in a few extra extinguishers for the sidelines of your track. These should be relatively large units, and you may want them on pull carts so that you can easily move them around.