Safe Driving

Scope

This Operational Guideline must be followed by members driving NSW Rural Fire Services (RFS) vehicles and appliances (including Trail Bikes, All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Personnel Carriers) for all activities, and outlines guidance for crew safety, fatigue management, service vehicle accidents, and the appropriate use of RFS vehicles.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all RFS members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

• Safety is the highest priority when driving or travelling in an RFS vehicle. Members must consider their own safety, the safety of passengers, and other road users at all times.
• Road Rules 2014 (NSW) (NSW Road Rules) provide the legislative framework for driving in NSW and must be observed when operating an RFS vehicle. Drivers will be responsible for any NSW Road Rules breached while they are operating an RFS vehicle. In addition, drivers may be criminally liable for offences under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). When driving outside of NSW, the applicable local state road rules apply.
• Drivers must have the appropriate licence for the appliance being driven (i.e. vehicle, heavy vehicle, motorcycle, etc). See RFS OPG - Driver Licensing for further information.
• Safe driving is the adoption of low risk driving attitudes and behaviours that reduce the possibility of the driver being involved in a driving accident.
  • Low risk attitudes include:
    • placing a high value on safe driving; and
    • choosing low risk alternatives at all times.
  • Low risk behaviours include:
    • preparation – planning driving (being fit to drive, rest breaks/overnight stops, route selection, non-driving duties), vehicle safety checks, etc;
    • driving – being alert, scanning for potential hazards, managing speed and position of the vehicle to reduce the likelihood of a crash; and
    • evaluation – reviewing driving to identify ways of reducing risk on future journeys.
• Drivers must operate the RFS vehicle in an efficient, careful, and lawful manner at all times.
• Drivers must consider prevailing traffic, weather, and road conditions.
• Drivers of RFS vehicles are solely responsible for the operation of the vehicle and must be considerate of its condition and drivability (including consideration of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation 2013 (NSW)), the occupants, other road users, and the road rules, at all times.

Special Considerations

Passenger Safety

The following should be considered for maintaining the safety of passengers and crew whilst driving and/or operating RFS vehicles:

• RFS members may travel in RFS vehicles on any authorised RFS activity.
• Volunteer members who have not completed Bush Firefighter (BF) or Bush Firefighter Support (BFS) training are authorised to travel in any RFS vehicle under the supervision of an RFS member:
  • provided they have been familiarised with the vehicle, and associated hazards/precautions; and
  • they are travelling for an authorised RFS activity or to an incident (other than to engage directly in frontline firefighting duties).
• Non-RFS members are permitted to travel in an RFS vehicle if they are:
  • personnel from other combat agencies;
  • persons at an incident who would otherwise be in danger if remaining (prior approval should be sought from the Officer in Charge (OIC));
  • specialists, technicians, media, film crews, photographers or any other person authorised by the District Manager (DM) or higher, OCC Response Coordinator (Resco) or the Incident Controller (IC);
  • members of the public when conducting community engagement events authorised by the DM or higher; or
  • passengers, in accordance with the provisions of the RFS Policy 8.1.1 Passenger Motor Vehicle Usage.
• Drivers are responsible for ensuring that all passengers are correctly seated and wearing seatbelts at all times in accordance with the applicable road rules.
• Drivers and passengers shall not wear helmets whilst travelling in a moving RFS vehicle, unless required for operational reasons.
• Members driving RFS vehicles shall minimise the use of hand-held communication devices to critical communications only whilst the vehicle is in motion. Where more than one person is travelling in the vehicle, the passenger should operate communication devices to contribute to low risk driving behaviours.
• Drivers are to ensure that all items on an RFS vehicle are stowed securely. Only personal protective clothing and equipment (PPC/PPE), or items such as handheld radios, are to be carried in the cabin of a vehicle with passengers.

Travelling on the Rear of Appliances

• Travelling on the rear, or any other external part of an RFS vehicle, is prohibited. The only exception to this is when directly involved in fire suppression activities. In this instance, members must remain behind heat shields at all times and in an area where they can’t fall from the vehicle.

Use of RFS Vehicles

• RFS vehicles must only be used for authorised RFS business and activities. Private use of RFS vehicles can only be approved by the Commissioner.

Service Vehicle Accidents

• In the event of a RFS vehicle being involved in an accident, drivers must take any actions as required under section 287 of the NSW Road Rules.

Minor damage (vehicles can be driven safely) and no injuries

• For an accident whilst driving under non-emergency conditions:
  • Stop, assess damage, check for injuries, and render first aid assistance as required within level of competency;
  • Notify FireCom, or Line Manager, as soon as practicable; and
  • Complete required accident report forms within specified time frames.
  • Note: In accordance with the vehicle’s insurance policy, under no circumstances is the driver, OIC or crew to admit any fault or liability to the cause of the accident.
• For an accident whilst Response Driving and the initial emergency call was for a potentially life-threatening situation, in addition to the above:
  • Confirm with the Resco if another resource has been allocated to the initial incident call and if not, consider the possibility of continuing to the call if:
    • the RFS vehicle is drivable;
    • it is suitable to leave the driver at the accident scene to exchange and record the required particulars;
    • pictures have been taken of the final position of the RFS vehicle; and
    • there is another driver to continue the response.
  • The Resco will arrange for appropriate transport of the original driver from the accident scene.

Substantial damage (vehicle needs to be towed or cannot be driven safely) and/or any injury requiring treatment by a health professional

• In addition to the above:
  • Driver, crew and RFS vehicle to remain at the accident scene; and
  • FireCom shall Respond another appliance to the initial emergency call.

Particulars to be exchanged

• The driver must give the required particulars in accordance with section 287 of the NSW Road Rules.

Checking Stations

• RFS drivers are responsible for the condition of the RFS vehicle subject to inspection.
• When Proceeding under normal traffic conditions, all RFS vehicles (or vehicle/trailer combinations) with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 8 tonnes or more must enter a Heavy Vehicle Safety Station (HVSS) and comply with any other National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) roadside order, to be inspected.
  • Note - HVSS located at Bell, Chinderah, Pine Creek and Halfway Creek, will intercept and inspect all vehicles over 4.5 tonnes.
• Responding RFS vehicles do not have to comply.

Vehicle Log Book

• The RFS requires a logbook to be maintained for each RFS vehicle and recognises that districts have appropriate systems for monitoring a RFS vehicle’s movement.
• Drivers of RFS Heavy Vehicles are exempt from Personal Logbook requirements of Heavy Vehicle National Law (NSW) No42a of 2013 (NHVL NSW 2013) under section 356, and National Heavy Vehicle Emergency Services Work Diary and Record Keeping Exemption Notice 2023 No.2 provided the RFS vehicle logbook is maintained.

Fatigue Management

• A person must not drive an RFS vehicle on a road whilst impaired by fatigue.
• RFS apply the following Standard Hours for maximum work and minimum rest periods:

• * Stationary rest time is the time a driver spends out of a vehicle or in an approved sleeper berth of a stationary heavy vehicle.
• ** Night rest breaks are 7 continuous hours stationary rest time taken between the hours of 2200 on a day and 0800 on the next day (using the time zone of the base of the driver) or a 24 continuous hours stationary rest break.
• Heavy Vehicle National Law (NSW) No42a of 2013 (NHVL NSW 2013) section 265 provides exemptions for emergency services workers from the requirements of work and rest time, however RFS drivers are to take all reasonable steps to adhere to the Standard Hours – Heavy Vehicle Drivers as outlined above.
• The related Safe Driving Operational Procedures and Guidelines (OPGs) (listed below) should be read in conjunction with other RFS Policies, Service Standards, and OPGs relating to the operation or movement of vehicles.
• References to legislation are correct at the date of adoption of these OPGs however, it is the responsibility of members to be aware of any changes to the NSW Road Rules or Heavy Vehicle National Law and Regulations (HVNL).

Public Events, Parades, and Other Authorised Activities

• RFS vehicles, which are exempt from registration, may only be used for authorised RFS activities.
• Any other activity, such as a static display, parade, transporting ‘Santa’, etc., requires the written approval of the DM to ensure that the indemnity and liability is extended under insurance arrangements and must be conducted under the supervision of a member authorised by the brigade captain.

Trailers

• Trailers attached to operational RFS vehicles are to be towed in accordance with the NSW Road Rules. If a RFS vehicle is authorised, and subsequently Responds while towing a trailer, the vehicle cannot exceed the posted speed limit, nor the speed restrictions associated with the trailer specifications.
• Towing a trailer requires advanced skill. Drivers must exercise caution, allowing for greater braking distance; and variations in speed, turns, and lane changes.
• The weight distribution within the trailer must be appropriate for the load being carried and the load must also be properly secured.
• The towing vehicle and the mass of the trailer being towed must comply with NSW Road Rules and also comply with:
  • The capacity of the towing attachment (the towbar);
  • The maximum laden mass of the trailer; and
  • The maximum towing mass specified either by the manufacturer of the towing vehicle or by regulation where the manufacturer of the towing vehicle has not specified the maximum towing mass.
• For information relating to Response Driving, see RFS OPG - Response Driving.

Vehicle Recovery

• In the event that a RFS vehicle becomes immobilised (mechanical failure, bogged, etc.), the driver or OIC is to:
  • Notify FireCom to advise vehicle status, intended actions, request assistance, or to arrange recovery.
  • If a vehicle is bogged and can be quickly mobilised by using equipment on the vehicle, e.g. shovels, tyre deflator, then personnel may recover the vehicle. This must not involve the use equipment to tow, the vehicle must be under its own power.
  • All other recovery is to be performed by trained recovery personnel authorised by the DM (for brigade assets), IC (for Class 2 or 3 fires), or appropriate fleet manager (for staff vehicles).

NOTE: Vehicle recovery must not be attempted by crews unless it can be done safely and without risk to personnel, the environment or damage to the vehicle.

Requirements for Performing U-Turns in authorised U-Turn locations

• The following safety principles must always be applied when performing U-turns:
  • Conduct a dynamic risk assessment (DRA) to ensure it is safe to perform the U-turn, which considers relevant conditions, including:
    • Speed and volume of traffic;
    • Weather conditions;
    • Road conditions;
    • Visibility;
    • Size and manoeuvrability of vehicle; and
    • Width of road.
  • Take reasonable care and keep a proper lookout at all times;
  • Signal in advance of performing a U-turn by using the vehicles indicator;
  • Do not begin a U-turn without clear view of approaching traffic;
  • Ensure a U-turn can be safely made without unreasonably obstructing traffic movement;
  • Give way to all vehicles and pedestrians; and
  • Consider other reasonable alternatives to using the facility, such as freeway exit points or intersections.
• While Responding, drivers may consider use of ‘No U-turn’ facilities (see RFS OPG - Response Driving).

Other

• Trail Bikes:
  • Must be operated in a safe manner at all times and appropriate to the prevailing conditions;
  • Always travel in pairs as a minimum; and
  • Are not to be ridden under Response conditions.
• ATVs:
  • Must be operated in a safe manner at all times and appropriate to the prevailing conditions;
  • Must have seatbelts for the driver and all passengers;
  • Should always be operated with at least two members on board; and
  • Are not to be driven under Response conditions.

Related Information

• Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)
• Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation 2013 (NSW)
• National Heavy Vehicle Emergency Services Work Diary and Record Keeping Exemption Notice 2023 (No.2)
• National Heavy Vehicle Law (NSW)
• National Heavy Vehicle Regulator - Work & Rest Requirements
• RFS OPG - Convoy Driving
• RFS OPG - Driver Licensing
• RFS OPG - Guiding Vehicles
• RFS OPG - Response Driving
• RFS Policy 8.1.1 Passenger Motor Vehicle Usage
• RFS Safety Hub
• RFS Service Standard 6.1.2 Qualifications for NSW RFS Members
• RFS Service Standard 8.1.2 Vehicle Marking and Identification
• Road Rules 2014 (NSW)