Date: June 25, 1990 Info Alert # 3 INFORMATION ALERT HAZARD SUMMARY: VEHICLE FIRES - POTENTIAL HAZARDS Extreme heat may cause the liquid and/or gas in enclosed cylinders on vehicles (e.g. bumper shocks, strut cartridges, shock absorbers, brake cylinders) to explode. In one incident, the extreme heat from a vehicle fire resulted in a bumper shock absorber exploding with enough force to propel the cylinder 57 metres. Even when high temperatures do not exist, bumper shock absorbers (found on vehicles manufactured after 1973) that remain compressed after impact may return or eject without warning. LOCATION(S) AND SECTOR(S) WHERE HAZARD MAY BE ENCOUNTERED Emergency services (eg. police, firefighters) and workers in the transportation sector are at highest risk of injury. PROTECTIVE MEASURES 1. Suitable training in the hazards associated with emergency response. 2. Treat as high hazard those areas in front of and behind damaged vehicles or vehicles that are on fire or still hot. NOTE: "Information Alert" is produced by the Industrial Health and Safety Branch, Ministry of Labour for use by Ministry inspectors, health and safety associations and other interested groups or individuals in Ontario. The goal of this publication is to communicate hazard information as soon as it becomes available to prevent serious injury to workers. Reproduction and use of these alerts is encouraged.