Product Overview

This Tow Truck Tilt Tray Operations and Vehicle Recovery SWMS is a comprehensive safety planning document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for tow truck and vehicle recovery activities. It provides end‑to‑end coverage of tilt tray operation, towing set‑up, transport and storage processes to support WHS compliance and safer tow truck operations on Australian worksites and roads.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Aligning the tow truck safely and efficiently with the disabled or damaged vehicle prior to loading
• Driving and manoeuvring a tow truck in traffic, on work sites, and in restricted areas
• Directing vehicles onto the tilt tray using agreed hand signals, spotters, and traffic management controls
• Controlling rollback tilt bed operations, including raising, lowering and securing the tray
• Operating towing controls from the side of the vehicle to minimise crush and pinch point risks
• Hooking up a vehicle for towing using chains, straps, winches and approved attachment points
• Operating underbody wheel lifts and other lifting devices within rated capacities
• Conducting daily inspections of tow trucks, including brakes, tyres, lights, hydraulics and safety systems
• Conducting regular checks and maintenance on towing gear, winches, hooks, chains and tie‑down equipment
• Inspecting damage on towed vehicles before loading, during transport, and on delivery to reduce further harm
• Mounting towed vehicles on a hoist or support stands safely after unloading from the tilt tray
• Arranging temporary storage for towed vehicles, including secure parking and segregation of high‑risk vehicles
• Preventing unauthorised access to towed vehicles and contents through secure storage and key control
• Safe methods for towing scooters, motorcycles and small vehicles using appropriate restraints and equipment
• Managing roadside and breakdown recovery hazards, including traffic control, visibility and emergency procedures

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for tow truck operators, tilt tray drivers, vehicle recovery services, automotive workshops receiving towed vehicles, and site supervisors responsible for managing towing and recovery activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – General Guide for Workplace Traffic Management: Guidance on managing vehicle and pedestrian interactions during towing and recovery operations
• Safe Work Australia – Guide to Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace: Management of hazards associated with tow trucks, tilt trays and lifting equipment
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for pushing, pulling, lifting and securing loads during towing and recovery
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Risk controls for working on and around tilt trays, truck decks and hoists
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance where fuel, oils and battery acids are present during recovery
• AS/NZS 4024 Safety of Machinery (relevant parts): Principles for guarding, emergency stops and safe operation of powered towing and lifting plant
• AS/NZS 1418 Cranes, Hoists and Winches (relevant parts): Requirements for safe use of winches and lifting components used in vehicle recovery
• AS/NZS 4380 Cargo Restraint Systems: Requirements for load restraint devices such as webbing straps and chains used to secure vehicles
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017