Product Overview

Summary: This procedure sets out a clear, practical framework for providing safe driving advice on tyre selection, inspection, maintenance and replacement. It helps Australian businesses reduce vehicle-related incidents, protect workers on and off the road, and demonstrate due diligence under WHS and road safety laws.

Tyres are a critical safety component, yet they are often overlooked until something goes wrong. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured approach for organisations to deliver consistent, accurate and WHS-compliant advice to drivers on tyre condition, pressures, tread depth, loading limits and safe driving practices. It is designed for businesses that operate cars, utes, vans, trucks, buses or specialist vehicles, and need to manage both on-road safety and workplace obligations.

The SOP outlines how supervisors, mechanics and driver trainers should communicate tyre-related risks, conduct and document tyre checks, and guide drivers on when and how to escalate issues. It addresses common problem areas such as under-inflation, uneven wear, mixing tyre types, roadside emergencies and seasonal or regional driving conditions (e.g. remote, rural and high-heat environments in Australia). By implementing this procedure, businesses can significantly reduce the likelihood of blowouts, loss of control incidents and roadside breakdowns, while also improving vehicle reliability, fuel efficiency and compliance with Australian road rules and WHS legislation.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of tyre-related crashes, blowouts and loss-of-control incidents involving work vehicles.
• Ensure consistent, accurate and WHS-aligned tyre safety advice is provided to all drivers across the organisation.
• Improve vehicle reliability and uptime by identifying and addressing tyre issues before they lead to breakdowns.
• Enhance compliance with Australian WHS duties and road transport regulations relating to vehicle safety.
• Support effective driver induction and refresher training with clear, documented tyre safety guidance.

Who is this for?

• Fleet Managers
• Transport and Logistics Managers
• Workshop Supervisors
• Mechanics and Tyre Technicians
• Health and Safety Advisors
• Driving Instructors and Driver Trainers
• Operations Managers
• Delivery Drivers and Courier Drivers
• Sales Representatives using Company Vehicles
• Bus and Coach Drivers

Hazards Addressed

• Tyre blowouts at speed leading to vehicle loss of control
• Reduced braking performance due to worn or under-inflated tyres
• Aquaplaning and poor grip on wet or contaminated road surfaces
• Heat build-up in tyres from overloading or incorrect pressures
• Sidewall damage and punctures from potholes, curbs and debris
• Vehicle rollover risk due to mismatched or poorly maintained tyres
• Struck-by or crush injuries during roadside tyre changes
• Musculoskeletal injuries from incorrect manual handling of wheels and tyres
• Exposure to traffic during roadside inspections or emergency stops

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (e.g. tread depth, load rating, speed rating)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Drivers, Fleet Managers, Mechanics, Supervisors)
• 4.0 Legal and WHS Obligations for Vehicle and Tyre Safety
• 5.0 Tyre Safety Principles and Risk Factors
• 6.0 Pre-Start and Routine Tyre Inspection Requirements for Drivers
• 7.0 Providing Safe Tyre Advice to Drivers (Standard Guidance Script and Key Messages)
• 8.0 Tyre Pressure, Tread Depth and Load Rating Guidance
• 9.0 Responding to Tyre Defects, Warning Signs and Incidents
• 10.0 Safe Practices for Roadside Tyre Checks and Emergency Stops
• 11.0 Workshop and Depot Tyre Handling Safety (if applicable)
• 12.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements for Advisers and Drivers
• 13.0 Recordkeeping, Checklists and Evidence of Compliance
• 14.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of Tyre Safety Advice
• 15.0 References, Applicable Standards and Supporting Documents

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory regulations
• Safe Work Australia – General Guide for Workplace Traffic Management
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• AS/NZS 4024.1: Safety of machinery – General principles (for workshop tyre changing equipment)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines
• National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) – Load Restraint Guide and Heavy Vehicle National Law (where applicable)
• Australian Road Rules – Requirements for tyre condition, tread depth and roadworthiness (as adopted by states and territories)