WORMALD has developed a vehicle fire suppression system for Toll’s road tankers transporting ammonium nitrate emulsion (ANE) across Australia.
The project commenced in late 2024 following concept development and testing. Initial deployment comprised 50 systems at Toll’s Tomago facility in New South Wales, followed by a further 150 units across Western Australia.
ANE is widely used in mining and transported over long distances by road. Exposure to heat can intensify combustion and increase the risk of explosion.
The system combines foam suppression with tyre monitoring to address fire risks associated with tyres and braking systems. Faults such as blown tyres or dragging brakes can generate heat through friction, creating potential ignition sources.
Positioned near tyres and brakes, nozzles deliver foam to areas that can be difficult to reach with handheld extinguishers. Manual activation allows drivers to stop and assess conditions before activating the suppression system.
The tyre monitoring component provides continuous data to help identify faults before they escalate. The design is intended to reduce reliance on handheld extinguishers, which require drivers to approach a fire.
Engineering requirements included accommodating different trailer configurations, allowing access for maintenance and protecting components from exposure to corrosive ANE materials.
Stainless steel components replaced standard brass fittings, while cylinder configurations were adapted to suit different trailer types and servicing requirements.
Installation was coordinated with Toll’s fleet availability at the relevant sites, with cylinder placement, pipe routing and nozzle positioning planned before work commenced.
The system is designed to support earlier fault detection and fire intervention. No quantified safety outcomes were provided.
Toll was named a finalist in the 2025 WA Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards in the Best Solution to a Work Health and Safety Risk category for the project.