Fire Service to Enforce Vehicle Fire Extinguisher Requirement

The Fire Safety Compliance Taskforce of the Ghana National Fire Service will, from today, ensure compliance with the vehicle fire extinguisher requirement.

The directorate, in collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority (NRA), the Ghana Police Service’s Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), will enforce laws stipulated under section 4(c) of the Ghana National Fire Service Act, 1997 (Act 537)

As part of the exercise, it will ensure that every vehicle on the road is equipped with a functional, easily accessible, and GNFS-certified/embossed portable fire extinguisher.

The Taskforce will conduct on-the-spot fire safety checks on vehicles; issue GNS certification tags for effective fire extinguishers; and provide technical advice on fire extinguisher use and compliance.

In a statement, it said it will also engage transport unions and associations across the country to emphasize the need for drivers and vehicle owners to procure and carry at least one functional fire extinguisher certified by the GNFS; ensure extinguishers are serviceable (check pressure gauge, expiry date, and tamper seal); and mount GNS certified/embossed extinguishers securely in vehicles and make them accessible.

Additionally, the task force will train drivers on the safe use of portable certified/embossed fire extinguishers and keep other essential safety items, such as a warning triangle and a first-aid kit, on board their vehicles.

“The GNFS emphasises that every second counts when fire breaks out in a vehicle. A certified/embossed working fire extinguisher within arm’s reach can make the difference between a minor scare and a tragic loss.”

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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