This Advisory was developed as part of a safety project funded by the federal government through the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative Funding Agreement, administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). The lead entity in delivering this project was the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC), overseen by a Working Committee and by representatives from the NHVR.
The objective of the Advisory is to assist bus and coach operators in the delivery of tangible improvements in heavy vehicle safety with the adoption of a bus fire evacuation protocol including associated training packages that can be used to train bus drivers on how to reduce the risks associated with bus fires. A dedicated webpage is available as a one-stop-shop for the Advisory and associated materials and templates from which operators are free to use.
Bus Fire Evacuation Protocol
Advisory 1
Advisory 1 of this Bus & Coach Safety Advisory Series was released in August 2023 and is intended to support incoming ADR’s 109/00 and 110/00 relating to zero emissions technology for heavy vehicles. This page provides website links to relevant regulations and standards, and downloadable MWord working templates that can be incorporated into existing heavy vehicle specification forms (systems) for use by manufacturers, bus operators and transport agencies. Download Advisory 1. Overview of chapters Componentry of battery and hydrogen zero emissions vehicles …
Advisory 2
This Advisory is intended to provide guidance on the operation and maintenance of zero emissions vehicles specifically in relation to the new vehicle technology systems such as: battery packs, electrical power control and distribution systems, high-pressure hydrogen storage and distribution componentry, fire protection and emergency response. The expected release date for Advisory 2 is January 2024. The main chapters of this advisory include: Requirements of AS 5732:2022 in relation to: Processes for maintenance and repairs not related to the rechargeable electric energy …
Advisory 3
This Advisory is intended to focus on the fixed systems and infrastructure needed to support zero emissions vehicles. The expected release date of Advisory 3 is June 2024. The main chapters of this advisory include: Recharging stations and systems. Periodic maintenance of refuelling/recharging infrastructure. Hydrogen refuelling/recharging stations. Traffic/impact protection. Security. Infrared fire protection. Venting. Location in depot. Depot and operating safety. Tunnels and on-road infrastructure. Operations in enclosed spaces (for example – tunnels).
Bus Breakdown Guide
One of the most common hazards in the bus and coach industry is the on-road safety risks presented by a bus breakdown or malfunction. While breakdowns can occur in all motor vehicles, the risks associated with bus breakdowns, where the vehicle is carrying public passengers and often schoolchildren, can be significant. Data from the bus and coach sector reveals that the majority of serious injuries and fatalities occur not within the bus but rather on the road where passengers alighting …
Driver training to prevent bus rollaway
On 24 Feb 2022, ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) released a training video for drivers on how to mitigate bus rollaway events. Extensive research collated by CDC shows that, nationally, the majority of bus rollaway events happen at the depot or interchange. Research indicates that the majority of rollaway events happen during pre-trip inspections, meal breaks and end of day when the bus is being cleaned. The ultimate aim of this video is to educate drivers and reduce the occurrences of …
