Truck fires are a serious and preventable risk of transport operations. They endanger lives, cause pollution and traffic chaos and often result in the destruction of the transport asset and its cargo. EPA NSW has released a new set of resources to arm mechanics, maintenance staff and drivers with the tools they need to do their bit to prevent truck fires.
There are more than 200 truck fires in NSW each year, with most being completely preventable through regular inspection. In response, the EPA NSW truck fire inspectors have come together to create a new resource for fleet operators, workshop managers, mechanics and drivers, the Preventing Fires – Truck Inspection Manual.
“A truck fire is a concerning and serious hazard in transport operations that puts people, the community and the businesses assets and reputation at risk. In transport operation that are moving dangerous goods, such as fuel transport, or moving goods onto DG sites, such as delivery of instore items to a retail fuel site, this risk is one that could have catastrophic impacts”, explains ACAPMA’s Elisha Radwanowski.
“This set of resources provides an excellent starting point to have conversations with in house mechanical and driving staff, as well as contractor or external mechanical and driving staff, to ensure all those in the truck maintenance and operation chain are not just aware of the risk, but alive to it, and responding appropriately,” concludes Elisha.
Resources
Preventing Fires – Truck Inspection Manual
Preventing Fires – Guidance for Drivers
Precenting Fires – Checklist for Mechanics
Here to help
Safety Highlights are things to consider, implement and watch out for in your business. They are provided as general information for you to consider and do not constitute advice. You should seek further advice on your situation by contacting your legal advisor. ACAPMA members can access resources and receive advice, guidance and support from the ACAPMA employment professionals via employment@acapma.com.au, it is free for members. ACAPMA Membership delivers this and more benefits, see https://acapma.com.au/membership/ for more information.
Elisha Radwanowski BCom (HRM&IR)
ACAPMA
Source: https://acapmag.com.au/2022/07/preventing-truck-fire-resource-released-by-nsw-epa/.
