Guide to help prevent truck fires

The new Preventing fires – truck inspection manual (PDF 4MB) aims to give truck drivers inspection skills to help identify and correct faults. Being able to identify the potential causes of heavy vehicle fires is critical in protecting lives and the environment.

The manual focuses on more than pre-journey checks and includes

• guidance for drivers (PDF 832KB) to help them identify faults – such as overheating brakes and electrical faults that could lead to fires while in transit.  This guidance also informs drivers about what to in the event of a fire starting.
• a checklist for mechanics (PDF 252 KB) to assist in vehicle inspections

NSW EPA’s Director of Environmental Solutions, Karen Marler said the aim of the manual was to help truck drivers and owners reduce the more than 200 truck fires Fire and Rescue NSW attend each year.

“Truck fires are major incidents that can be extremely dangerous and result in smoke and water pollution, cargo loss, and extended road closures,” Ms Marler said.

“No driver wants to experience a truck fire and the actions needed to avoid that outcome can be as simple as noticing chafing on high current cables, such as battery cables.”

Many trucks catch fire because of mechanical or electrical faults that a trained eye could have identified.

The manual will provide a user-friendly guide, developed with the help of industry experts, to show truck operators how to inspect their vehicles and identify problems before they result in a fire. 

Ms Marler said that non-impact truck fires were the cause of eight percent of all heavy vehicle insurance claims.

“When the cargo is dangerous goods, the consequence can be particularly high and carry significant risk to the safety of drivers, other road users and the environment,” Ms Marler said.

“We would like to see the manual adopted as part of regular routine checks and in the hands of every fleet maintenance manager and heavy vehicle mechanics.”