Fire Safety Requirements 2026

Fire Safety Requirements & Processes

 

Fire safety within the BSR Electric Karting Championship paddock and track areas is based on clear standards for equipment placement, operational responsibilities, preventative measures, and structured response procedures. The primary focus is the control of electrical and battery-related fire hazards.

 

1. Fire Suppression Equipment

CO₂ Extinguishers

The championship uses 3–5 kg CO₂ extinguishers, suitable for electrical and electrochemical fire suppression in case of battery incidents.

Fire Blankets

Each working area uses a 1×1 m fiberglass fire blanket for rapid isolation of localized fire sources or thermal reactions.

Placement Requirements

Paddock Zone:

  • Minimum 1 CO₂ extinguisher + 1 fire blanket per team tent (per two karts).

Track Perimeter:

  • One extinguisher + blanket every 200–300 meters, ensuring full risk-area coverage.

Maintenance Requirements

  • All extinguishers must have valid inspection tags and expiration dates.
  • Fire blankets must be intact, clean, accessible.

 

 

2. Responsibilities

Fire Marshal / Fire Safety Responsible Person

(Designated by BSR for each event)

  • Oversees fire safety readiness across paddock and track.
  • Coordinates with Race Director during incidents.
  • Confirms restricted areas and equipment placement.

Race Teams

  • Ensure each tent has required extinguishers and blankets.
  • Verify the equipment is within service validity.
  • Follow Fire Marshal and Race Director instructions.

BSR Race Director

  • Conducts pre-event fire safety inspection.
  • Orders corrections for missing/expired/misplaced equipment.
  • Supports Fire Marshal during emergency coordination.

 

 

3. Fire Prevention Measures

To minimize fire risk, the following practices must be observed:

  • No open flames, smoking, solvents, or flammable liquids in paddock or charging zones.
  • Batteries must not be stored in direct sunlight or overheated environments.
  • Only racing team personnel may handle battery swaps or charging connections.
  • Charging areas must remain clear of spectators and unnecessary equipment.

 

4. Restricted Areas

Certain areas have limited or no access due to elevated fire and electrical risk:

  • Battery Charging Zone (BCZ) – Access limited to trained team personnel and officials.
  • Emergency Access Lanes – Must remain fully unobstructed at all times.

 

 

5. Fire Response Procedure

Immediate Action

At the first sign of fire or thermal runaway:

1.        The nearest responsible person applies CO₂ or a fire blanket.

2.        The priority is containment, isolation, and preventing escalation.

3.        Fire Marshal is notified immediately.

Risk-Based Escalation

High-Risk Situations – Immediate call to fire services

Examples:

  • Rapidly spreading flames or uncontrolled thermal events
  • Injured persons
  • Fire involving multiple batteries or flammable materials
  • Insufficient suppression capability on-site

Actions:

  • Call emergency fire services immediately
  • Communicate hazard location and type
  • Evacuate nearby personnel

 

Medium- or Low-Risk Situations – Local control permitted

Examples:

  • Light smoke or small, contained thermal activity
  • Fire limited to <3 m radius
  • No injuries and low escalation potential

Actions:

  • Control fire using CO₂ and blankets
  • Notify fire services after suppression if needed
  • Fire Marshal performs post-incident inspection

 

 

6. Incident Documentation & Reporting

After any fire-related event, no matter the size:

  • Fire Marshal records a brief incident note (time, location, cause, action taken).
  • Race Team provides basic information if their equipment was involved.
  • BSR Race Director files the report for review and future prevention improvements.

This ensures traceability and continuous safety enhancement.

 

 

7. Evacuation and Emergency Coordination Procedure

In case of a high-risk event requiring evacuation:

  • Fire Marshal or BSR Race Director issues the evacuation order.
  • All personnel must follow marked Evacuation Routes toward the designated Assembly Point.
  • Teams must ensure all charging systems are disconnected immediately.
  • Only authorized emergency personnel may re-enter the affected area until clearance is given.
  •  

 

8. Electrical Safety Summary

Kart Operating Voltage

BSR karts operate on Low Voltage systems (48–96 VDC), allowing safe handling by trained personnel without high-voltage PPE.

Charging Operations

Charging uses 110–250 VAC from local grid or EV power sources.
In case of fire, overheating, or smoke:

  • Charging must be disconnected immediately from the power source.

 

 

9. Alternative Suppression Methods

Water may be used only as a secondary cooling method, and only when safe.
CO₂ extinguishers and fire blankets remain the primary suppression tools for electrical and battery hazards.