Product Overview

Summary: This Vehicle Inspection Pre-Tow Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step-by-step process for checking vehicles and towing equipment before any tow is commenced. It helps Australian businesses control roadside risks, protect workers and the public, and demonstrate compliance with WHS and road transport obligations.

Towing activities expose workers, customers and the public to significant risks if vehicles and towing equipment are not properly inspected before use. This Vehicle Inspection Pre-Tow Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, repeatable process for verifying the condition of both the tow vehicle and the vehicle to be towed, as well as all associated towing attachments and restraints. It covers critical checks such as brakes, lights, tyres, tow couplings, winches, hydraulic systems, load capacity, and the securement of the casualty vehicle prior to leaving the scene.

Designed specifically for the Australian WHS and road transport environment, this SOP helps businesses address their duty of care under WHS legislation and heavy vehicle laws. It reduces the likelihood of on-road breakdowns, load shifts, roll-aways and secondary collisions caused by poorly secured or unsuitable tows. By standardising the pre-tow inspection process, organisations can improve operator competence, support training and inductions, and create a clear audit trail that demonstrates due diligence to regulators, insurers and clients.

Key Benefits

• Ensure systematic pre-tow inspections that reduce the risk of on-road incidents and equipment failure.
• Reduce the likelihood of vehicle roll-away, load shift and detachment events during towing operations.
• Support compliance with Australian WHS legislation and road transport requirements for vehicle safety and load restraint.
• Standardise expectations and training for tow truck operators across shifts, depots and contractors.
• Improve record-keeping and defensibility in the event of incidents, customer disputes or regulatory investigations.

Who is this for?

• Tow Truck Operators
• Recovery Vehicle Drivers
• Fleet Managers
• Workshop Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• Transport Operations Managers
• Roadside Assistance Team Leaders
• Compliance and Risk Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Vehicle roll-away during loading, unloading or connection
• Detachment of the towed vehicle or trailer while in transit
• Failure of tow couplings, safety chains, tow balls or hitches
• Winch, cable or strap failure under load
• Hydraulic system leaks or failures on tilt trays and recovery vehicles
• Inadequate load restraint leading to vehicle movement or load shift
• Poor tyre condition or under-inflation affecting vehicle control
• Defective brakes, steering or suspension on the tow vehicle or towed vehicle
• Inoperative lights and indicators reducing visibility to other road users
• Manual handling strains during setup and securing activities
• Slips, trips and falls around the vehicle during roadside inspections
• Exposure to traffic and struck-by hazards at roadside or crash scenes

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Tow Vehicle, Casualty Vehicle, Recovery Equipment, Rated Capacity)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Operators, Supervisors, WHS Personnel)
• 4.0 Required Licences, Competencies and Training
• 5.0 Required PPE and Safety Equipment
• 6.0 Pre-Tow Planning and Risk Assessment (Location, Traffic, Weather, Vehicle Condition)
• 7.0 Tow Vehicle Pre-Use Inspection Checklist
• 8.0 Inspection of Towing Equipment (Towbar, Couplings, Safety Chains, Winches, Slings, Straps, Hooks)
• 9.0 Assessment of the Vehicle to be Towed (Damage, Leaks, Wheel and Axle Condition, Brakes, Steering)
• 10.0 Load Capacity, Weight and Configuration Checks
• 11.0 Safe Connection and Securing Procedure (Hook-up, Tie-down, Load Restraint)
• 12.0 Electrical and Lighting Checks (Brake Lights, Indicators, Clearance Lights, Trailer Plugs)
• 13.0 Final Safety Walk-Around and Pre-Departure Verification
• 14.0 Roadside and Traffic Safety Controls During Inspection (Cones, Beacons, Hi-Vis, Spotters)
• 15.0 Documentation, Inspection Records and Pre-Tow Checklists
• 16.0 Non-Conformance Management (Defects, Unsafe Conditions and Escalation)
• 17.0 Emergency Procedures (Equipment Failure, Vehicle Shift, Secondary Collision)
• 18.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Pre-Tow Process

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and associated regulations (where applicable)
• NHVR – Load Restraint Guide (based on Load Restraint Guide 2018, National Transport Commission)
• AS/NZS 4024.1: Safety of machinery – General principles (for winches and mechanical equipment risk controls)
• AS/NZS 1210: Pressure vessels and related standards (where hydraulic systems and pressure equipment are relevant)
• AS/NZS 4177 series: Caravan and light trailer towing components (towbars and couplings, where applicable)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Manual Tasks
• State and territory road rules and vehicle standards (e.g. Vehicle Standards and Road Traffic legislation)