Tales From The Scrutineering Bay

CSCC Chief Scrutineer, Tony Harman urges you to check your fire extinguisher systems.

At the first two CSCC events of this year, we have seen a number of incorrectly installed fire extinguisher systems in cars with bottle location problems and more often, nozzles not being properly mounted.

In addition we have seen some systems that have not been serviced within the correct timeframe and also bottles that are out of date, or have been serviced by unauthorised agents. A very common failure is when external pull chords become rusted and seized. Grease or other rust prevention on the cable-pull can be your friend here.

Fire extinguisher systems for use in race cars must comply with Motorsport UK National Competition Rules, (Chapter 7, Appendix 6).

These rules mean all cars must carry a plumbed-in system that complies with FIA regulations, this includes the labelling (labels capable of being written over are not allowed).

Extinguishers must be installed in accordance with the manufacturers instructions, these will specify the number of nozzles for the system and where they should be installed.

The number of nozzles vary, depending on the homologation for that particular system, which is why when members call the office to find out how many nozzles they need, the answer is: a. fit everything included, as per the manual for the system you have bought and b. you must remove the old hoses and nozzles (don't mix and match). Regardless of how many nozzles supplied, in the case of circuit racing, don't point cockpit nozzles at an unoccupied passenger space.

Nozzles and hoses must be securely mounted (metal brackets or P clips for example) and not just held in place with plastic tie wraps (which will melt quickly in a fire).

The bottle service must be in-date and showing correct pressure in the bottle, and it must be securely mounted using the bracket it was supplied with, and as per the instructions. Please ensure that any spreader plates are sufficient in strength and area. Many large accidents have seen systems rip through the floor skin, when spreader plates or washers that are too small, are used.

The FIA homologated systems we run in the UK will all be ok for use at Zolder, provided the guidance above is followed.

So far this year, we have had three fires at CSCC events, it is therefore important that you know your system is correctly installed and will perform as designed when needed. Extinguisher systems are designed to add valuable time to allow a driver to exit the car in case of fire.

This is why the scrutineers will spend time checking that the triggering system, whether that be manual or electronic, passes a simple test, and if not, will ask you to remedy it before going out on the circuit. Just because your series or championship may not be on the scrutineering list for that event, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check it every time you compete.

If you have concerns, please bring it to us in the scrutineering bay to check it out for you.

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