One fire every 1.3 days: The hidden risk of counterfeit parts in vehicle fire suppression
The risk of fire in heavy vehicles and machinery is a significant safety concern, with recent data from Resources Safety & Health QLD revealing 273 fire events on Heavy Mining Equipment (HME) in the 2024/25 financial year – the equivalent of one fire every 1.3 days in Queensland coal mines.
A vehicle fire suppression system (VFSS) serves as a crucial safeguard for lives, property, and operations. The system’s effectiveness depends on each component performing to exact specifications. That is why the use of genuine parts, such as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or manufacturer-approved components, is not optional. It is essential.
Introducing non-genuine or untested components into a VFSS can have serious consequences. These parts often lack the rigorous testing, approvals, and traceability required under Australian Standard AS 5062: Fire Prevention and Protection for Mobile and Transportable Equipment.
Potential risks include:
- System unreliability – incorrect nozzle sizing, inferior seals, or poor-quality fittings may prevent the system from delivering the agent effectively.
- Detection failures – unapproved detection tube, wire or sensors may not trigger in time, delaying system activation or inadvertently activate impacting machine availability.
- Non-compliance – systems incorporating non-genuine parts may no longer meet AS 5062 requirements, exposing owners to regulatory breaches and legal liabilities.
- Loss of warranty and support – altered systems may not be supported or maintained by the manufacturer.
The critical importance of genuine vs counterfeit parts in vehicle fire suppression
Even minor deviations can compromise performance when lives and assets depend on the system. The ultimate consequence is a fire suppression system that fails in an emergency, leading to equipment damage, operational downtime, environmental impact, and potential injury.
Wormald’s Foam-Water Spray Vehicle Fire Suppression System (VFSS) is engineered, tested, and certified as a complete system. Each cylinder, nozzle, valve, actuator, and detection component is designed to operate precisely under extreme conditions, suppressing flames, cooling surfaces, and preventing re-ignition.
However, Wormald has identified instances where counterfeit parts have been installed alongside authentic Wormald components. These counterfeit items may appear genuine but do not meet Wormald’s strict engineering, testing, or certification standards. Mixing counterfeit parts with authentic components can significantly compromise system performance and invalidate compliance and warranty.
Using genuine Wormald parts, whether OEM or manufacturer-approved, ensures the system functions as intended. Benefits include:
- Verified system performance, tested to stringent specifications
- Assurance of compliance with Australian Standards and regulatory frameworks
- Traceability and quality assurance processes
- Ongoing warranty and technical support
- Reduced risk of failure and lower long-term maintenance costs
To provide confidence, Wormald has permanently stamped a “W” logo onto all approved VFSS components. This mark helps customers and service providers to easily verify authenticity immediately.
There is no compromise when it comes to fire safety. A vehicle fire suppression system is only as reliable as the parts within it. Using genuine Wormald parts ensures systems perform as designed, protecting lives and property.
For more information, download our Technical Bulletin on Wormald Foam-Water Spray VFSS Genuine Parts.
