Fire Safety Policy

Policy Statement: Little Rex Ride On Car Hire operates as a mobile hire business at private and community events across South East Queensland. We are committed to minimising fire risks, particularly those associated with our 12 volt lithium-ion batteries, while ensuring the safety of staff, customers (including children), event attendees, and the community.

This plan follows Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) and Regulations (duty to manage risks from hazardous chemicals like lithium batteries), Electrical Safety Act 2002, and Queensland Fire Department (QFD) guidance on lithium-ion battery safety. It also aligns with best-practice event safety guidelines for temporary outdoor setups.

Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. We prioritise prevention, rapid isolation, evacuation, and notifying emergency services. We carry appropriate portable fire-fighting equipment and train all staff.

Scope: Applies to all operations involving Ride on Cars, batteries, charging, transport, setup, hire, and storage at events (parks, festivals, markets, etc.).

001. LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

WHS obligations: Identify and control risks from lithium-ion batteries (potential for thermal runaway, fire, explosion, toxic gases).
Electrical Safety: Chargers must display the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). All electrical work (if any) complies with Electrical Safety Queensland rules.
QFD Lithium-Ion Guidance: We adopt all current QFD advice – lithium fires are intense, self-sustaining, produce toxic/flammable vapours, and can reignite.
Event Requirements: Risk assessments and emergency plans are prepared for each event in line with “Events in Queensland – Best Practice Guidelines”. Liaising with event organisers, local councils, and emergency services as required.
Fire Equipment: Portable extinguishers and blankets maintained per relevant Australian Standards (AS 1851 for maintenance, AS/NZS 1841 series for extinguishers).

002. RISK ASSESSMENT

Key risks at outdoor events:

Damage during transport/setup/hire (impact, puncture).
Overheating from use in hot Queensland sun.
Charging issues (if performed on-site).
Thermal runaway leading to fire, explosion, or toxic smoke affecting crowds.

Highest risk periods: Charging, damaged batteries, or post-use hot batteries.

Built-in mitigation: Each Ride on Car has a manual emergency isolator located under the back left wheel guard. This cuts power to the battery and system and must be used when safe.

The full Little Rex Safe Use of Ride on Cars Risk Assessment is accessible on request.

003. FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES

Transport & Setup: Secure cars and batteries to prevent damage. Inspect upon arrival for swelling, leaks, discolouration, smells, or deformation. Remove any damaged units from service immediately.
Storage at Events: Place cars/batteries on non-combustible surfaces (e.g., concrete, grass away from dry vegetation) in shaded, well-ventilated areas. Keep at least 10 metres from flammables, tents, stalls, vehicles, or crowds where possible. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources. Space units to allow airflow.
Charging (if required on-site):
Use only approved RCM-marked chargers.
Charge only during staffed hours on non-combustible surfaces in open, well-ventilated areas.
Never charge unattended. Unplug when fully charged.
Allow batteries to cool after use before charging.
Keep away from public areas, exits, and dry grass/vegetation.
Daily Inspections: Visual checks of all cars, batteries, and chargers before and after each event.
Damaged Batteries: If safe, isolate power, move outdoors ≥10 m from people/flammables. Monitor for signs of failure. Dispose via approved recycling methods if needed.
General: No smoking within 10 m of cars/batteries. Clear access ways at all times. Monitor weather (extreme heat increases risk).

004. FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Fire Extinguishers: At least one ABC dry powder extinguisher (suitable for Class A, B, and E fires) per vehicle/trailer or operational area. Carry extras for larger events. Serviced every 6 months by a licensed technician (current tags required).
Fire Blankets: At least one per operational setup, suitable for smothering small fires or initial containment. Staff trained in deployment.
Location: Securely mounted and clearly accessible on the hire trailer/vehicle. Marked with signage.
Note on Lithium Fires: Standard extinguishers and blankets are for small, early-stage fires only and operator safety. Lithium fires often require professional intervention – priority is evacuation and calling 000. Do not use water as the primary agent on live lithium/electrical fires.

005. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

If you observe smoke, flames, hissing/popping, overheating, unusual smells, or vapour:

Raise the Alarm - Shout “Fire Fire Fire!”, Alert nearby staff and event organisers. Direct customers and public away from the area.
Isolate Power (if safe and accessible) - Locate and activate the manual emergency isolator under the back left wheel guard on the affected car to cut all power.
Evacuate Immediately - Move everyone (staff, hirers, public) at least 10–15 metres away (further if possible) upwind from smoke/gases. Do not re-enter. Account for all people.
Attempt Containment ONLY if Safe and Fire is Very Small - Use the nearest fire extinguisher (aim at base) or fire blanket to smother. Never touch a hot/swollen battery. Do not fight large, spreading, or re-igniting fires.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Clearly state: “Lithium-ion battery fire involving kids Ride on Toy Cars at [event name/location]. Possible toxic smoke.” Provide exact location and any isolation actions taken.
Post-Incident -
Do not move the car/battery until QFD declares it safe.
Isolate the area and notify event organisers.
Record the incident (photos if safe), notify management, and review controls.
Report to WorkSafe QLD if required (serious incidents).

Additional Outdoor Considerations:

Wind direction can spread smoke/gases quickly – evacuate upwind.
Coordinate with event first-aid and security teams.
Have a designated assembly point away from the hire area (agreed with event organiser).
In bushfire-prone areas or high fire danger days, monitor BOM warnings and have cancellation/evacuation triggers.

006. STAFF TRAINING AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All Staff/Operators: Must read and understand this plan. Receive induction training on lithium risks, isolator location/use, extinguisher/blanket operation, and emergency response. Refresher training annually or before major events.
On-Site Briefing: Brief customers during hire handover (no smoking, report damage, safe use).
Manager/Lead Operator: Ensure equipment checks, risk assessment per event, liaison with organisers, and post-event review.
Records: Keep training, equipment service, inspections, and incident logs (retain for at least 2 years).

007. EVENT-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Submit or integrate this plan into the overall event risk management/emergency plan as requested by organisers.
Confirm access to site water (if available) and emergency vehicle entry points.
For larger events: Consider additional extinguishers or coordination with on-site fire wardens.

008. REVIEW AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

This plan is reviewed:

Annually.
After any incident or near-miss.
When operations, equipment, or legislation change.

All updates will be listed online at https://www.littlerex.com.au/car-hire/fire-safety-plan

THIS POLICY WAS LAST UPDATED: April, 2026

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