IFDA #2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Why is it important for the driver to know the nature of the cargo in case of fire? -
Answers- The nature of the cargo can greatly affect the severity of a fire on the vehicle.
For example, paper, clothing or upholstered furniture will add more fuel to a fire than
steel coils.
What should a professional driver do if their truck is on fire? - Answers- Most
importantly, the driver should:
1. Stay calm and signal that the driver is moving to the shoulder of the roadway;
2. Come to a complete stop as soon as possible;
3. Shut off the engine and turn off the ignition;
4. Remember to leave the vehicle in park or in a gear so it doesn't continue to move;
5. Grab the fire extinguisher, and if immediately available, grab any emergency
procedures documents specific to the load;
6. Get out and away, and ensure others are away, from the burning vehicle;
7. Call the fire department by dialing 911 or the local emergency telephone number.
Is it true that steel-belted radial truck tires are not subject to tire fires? - Answers- No.
The use of steel cord in steel-belted radial truck tires does not make these tires
fireproof. Steel-belted radial truck tires have no inner tube or flap, so it may take longer
for a tire of this construction to reach its ignition temperature, but it can, with time.
How can tire fires be prevented? - Answers- Tire hires can be prevented by regularly
checking all tires to be sure that they are properly inflated so that excessive internal
heat will not build up. Care should also be taken to avoid overloading and driving at
excessive speed in hot weather.
How should the driver check tire temperature? - Answers- To check tire temperature,
the driver should place the back of their hand over and near the tire. If you feel strong
heat, it is too hot to drive on.
Will the FMCSR-required extinguisher extinguish a tire? - Answers- No. The
extinguisher may briefly control the surface flames, but after the extinguisher has been
emptied, the tire is likely to re-flash because of the heat built up deep inside the tire
carcass.
What precautions can a driver take to minimize the risk of electrical fire? - Answers- To
minimize the risk of electrical fires, a professional driver should:
1. Be sure the battery is properly secured.
2. Look for worn, deteriorated or charred insulation on wiring.
Report any such condition to the maintenance shop.
3. Not bypass or interfere with the normal functioning of fuses and circuit breakers.
4. Not install personal electrical equipment such as CB radios,
CD players, recorders, etc., except in accordance with company policy.
Why is it important for the driver to know the nature of the cargo in case of fire? -
Answers- The nature of the cargo can greatly affect the severity of a fire on the vehicle.
For example, paper, clothing or upholstered furniture will add more fuel to a fire than
steel coils.
What should a professional driver do if their truck is on fire? - Answers- Most
importantly, the driver should:
1. Stay calm and signal that the driver is moving to the shoulder of the roadway;
2. Come to a complete stop as soon as possible;
3. Shut off the engine and turn off the ignition;
4. Remember to leave the vehicle in park or in a gear so it doesn't continue to move;
5. Grab the fire extinguisher, and if immediately available, grab any emergency
procedures documents specific to the load;
6. Get out and away, and ensure others are away, from the burning vehicle;
7. Call the fire department by dialing 911 or the local emergency telephone number.
Is it true that steel-belted radial truck tires are not subject to tire fires? - Answers- No.
The use of steel cord in steel-belted radial truck tires does not make these tires
fireproof. Steel-belted radial truck tires have no inner tube or flap, so it may take longer
for a tire of this construction to reach its ignition temperature, but it can, with time.
How can tire fires be prevented? - Answers- Tire hires can be prevented by regularly
checking all tires to be sure that they are properly inflated so that excessive internal
heat will not build up. Care should also be taken to avoid overloading and driving at
excessive speed in hot weather.
How should the driver check tire temperature? - Answers- To check tire temperature,
the driver should place the back of their hand over and near the tire. If you feel strong
heat, it is too hot to drive on.
Will the FMCSR-required extinguisher extinguish a tire? - Answers- No. The
extinguisher may briefly control the surface flames, but after the extinguisher has been
emptied, the tire is likely to re-flash because of the heat built up deep inside the tire
carcass.
What precautions can a driver take to minimize the risk of electrical fire? - Answers- To
minimize the risk of electrical fires, a professional driver should:
1. Be sure the battery is properly secured.
2. Look for worn, deteriorated or charred insulation on wiring.
Report any such condition to the maintenance shop.
3. Not bypass or interfere with the normal functioning of fuses and circuit breakers.
4. Not install personal electrical equipment such as CB radios,
CD players, recorders, etc., except in accordance with company policy.
