Fuel Tank - Vehicle

The Health and Safety Authority is issuing a Safety Alert following an investigation into an incident where it was determined there was a failure of the air valves in the anti-drive off systemand the emergency stop button on a tank-vehicle carrying fuel (Class 3 flammable liquid).

The Health and Safety Authority reminds all employers that they have a duty to ensure that work equipment is operating properly and kept adequately maintained.

Corrective action:

Employers, owners and operators 

Employers and persons who own and/or operate fuel tank-vehicles are responsible for ensuring they are properly maintained.

Employers, owners and operators should carry out the following:

• Air valves and emergency stop buttons are critical for the proper functioning of the anti-drive off systems and must be checked regularly to ensure their effectiveness
• As part of their daily checks, drivers of fuel tank-vehicles should check that the anti-drive off system and the emergency stop buttons are functioning correctly
• The anti-drive off system and the emergency stop button checks should be included in the 12-week vehicle maintenance check carried out by competent persons

Relevant Legislation

• The Safety, Health and Welfare at work Act 2005
• EC (Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment) Regulations 2011, as amended