Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, step-by-step process for inspecting vehicles before any tyre service work begins, ensuring both worker safety and vehicle integrity. It helps Australian businesses identify defects, stabilise vehicles correctly, and control risks associated with lifting, wheel removal, and tyre handling, all while supporting WHS compliance and professional service standards.

Before any tyre is removed, repaired or replaced, the vehicle itself must be safe to work on. This Vehicle Inspection Before Tyre Service SOP provides a structured, repeatable process for checking the condition, stability and suitability of vehicles prior to commencing tyre work. It covers critical elements such as vehicle identification, parking and isolation, load and cargo assessment, wheel and rim condition, lifting points, and the suitability of jacks, stands and hoists. By formalising these checks, the SOP significantly reduces the risk of crush injuries, vehicle roll-away, wheel separation and other serious incidents that can occur in tyre bays, workshops, depots and roadside environments.

Designed specifically for Australian tyre and automotive businesses, this document aligns with WHS duties and industry best practice, making it easier to demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and insurers. It helps standardise how inspections are performed across different technicians, shifts and sites, improving consistency, documentation and communication. Whether you operate a single tyre shop, manage a mobile service fleet, or oversee a large transport depot, implementing this SOP will support safer work environments, fewer near misses, and more confident, professional interactions with customers.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of crush and roll-away incidents by enforcing consistent pre-service vehicle stabilisation checks.
• Ensure defects and unsafe conditions are identified before tyre work begins, preventing hazardous work on compromised vehicles.
• Standardise inspection practices across workshops and mobile service teams, improving quality and reducing variability.
• Support compliance with Australian WHS legislation and industry standards through documented, auditable procedures.
• Enhance customer confidence by demonstrating a professional, safety-first approach to every tyre service job.

Who is this for?

• Tyre Technicians
• Workshop Managers
• Mobile Tyre Service Technicians
• Fleet Maintenance Supervisors
• Automotive Service Advisors
• WHS Managers
• Light and Heavy Vehicle Mechanics
• Roadside Assistance Operators

Hazards Addressed

• Vehicle roll-away due to inadequate parking, chocking or brake application
• Crush injuries from vehicle collapse when lifting equipment is incorrectly positioned or unsuitable
• Manual handling injuries from attempting tyre work on unstable or improperly supported vehicles
• Wheel or rim failure during service due to undetected cracks, distortions or damage
• Exposure to traffic and roadside hazards during mobile or roadside tyre services
• Slips, trips and falls around the vehicle caused by poor housekeeping or fluid leaks
• Contact with hot components such as brakes and wheels immediately after vehicle operation

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Legislative and Standards Framework
• 3.0 Definitions and Terminology
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 5.0 Required Competencies and Training
• 6.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 7.0 Pre-Inspection Preparation and Site Safety
• 8.0 Vehicle Reception, Identification and Documentation Checks
• 9.0 Parking, Isolation, Chocking and Stabilisation Procedures
• 10.0 Initial Visual Inspection of Vehicle Exterior and Surrounds
• 11.0 Wheel, Rim and Tyre Condition Pre-Check
• 12.0 Load, Cargo and Passenger Considerations (Including Dangerous Goods and Overloads)
• 13.0 Assessment of Lifting Points, Jacks, Stands and Hoists
• 14.0 Roadside and Mobile Service Specific Controls
• 15.0 Criteria for Withholding Service or Escalating Unsafe Conditions
• 16.0 Step-by-Step Pre-Service Inspection Checklist
• 17.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Control Measures
• 18.0 Communication with Customers and Internal Reporting Requirements
• 19.0 Incident, Near Miss and Non-Conformance Reporting
• 20.0 Recordkeeping, Inspection Forms and Audit Trail
• 21.0 Review, Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and relevant state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing risks in road transport (where applicable)
• AS 2550 series: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use (for applicable lifting equipment)
• AS/NZS 4024 series: Safety of machinery (general principles for plant safety)
• AS 1892: Portable ladders (where access to elevated wheels is required)
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use