Mandatory requirements

Vehicle Safety Features and Equipment Checklist

The safety features and equipment below must be considered when purchasing/hiring a University motor vehicle, and/or when approving a private motor vehicle to be used for University activities.

To be a University authorised vehicle, the vehicle must:

• 
  have an Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) 5 Star rating; or
  
• 
  have an ANCAP 4 Star rating and a kerb weight of at least 1300kg; or
  
• 
  be a specific purpose vehicle assessed and authorised using an approved University risk assessment.
  

• 
  Fire extinguisher: CO2 or dry-powder (at least 1kg). Appropriately stowed, for example within the boot or contained within a quick-release clamp inside the cabin (authorised use of private vehicles excepted);
  
• 
  First-aid kit (portable);
  
• 
  Spare tyre (and tyre changing equipment). Must be in good condition with proper inflation.
  

The following is a list of recommended vehicle safety requirements that may be needed for a University vehicle, depending on the nature of the trip and/or type of vehicle being driven.

These requirements should be considered as part of a risk assessment when approving the purchase/use of new University owned vehicles, specific purpose vehicles, and private vehicles to be used for University activities.

Note:

ANCAP awards a star rating from 1 to 5 for each vehicle following crash tests by independent specialist laboratories. Although a vehicle may include all or most of the following safety measures it may not meet the 5-star (or 4-star plus mass) requirements.

• 
  Airbags: Dual front airbags, side airbags (at least in front seats) and curtain airbags or head protecting side airbags.
  
• 
  Anti-whiplash system, at least in the front seat.
  
• 
  Headrests: Adjustable, for all seating positions.
  
• 
  Seatbelts: Three point seat belts in all seating positions, seat belts with pre-tensioners in front seating positions, and seat belt reminder system (at least for driver position).
  
• 
  Well proven pedestrian protection e.g. No rear mounted spare wheel. Bull-bars should not be fitted to vehicles used primarily for “on-road” driving as research shows they significantly increase the risk of fatality and serious injury for pedestrians and riders of two-wheeled vehicles. Bull bars are only of use when it is likely that animals will be encountered while driving off-road vehicles only. Must be airbag compliant if airbags are fitted.
  

• 
  Active cruise control to detect the distance and speed of the preceding vehicle and maintain an appropriate following distance.
  
• 
  Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to automatically correct over- or under-steer in a swerve. Should incorporate:
  
  • 
    Anti-lock braking system (ABS) - to maximise the effectiveness of steering and brakes by preventing locking and reducing potential to skid.
    
  • 
    Traction control – to optimise grip and stability of the car on the road during acceleration by measuring wheel rotation.
    
• 
  Glazing: Clear; no window tinting exceeding the manufacturer’s specifications.
  
• 
  Hazard warning lights should be fitted to all vehicles.
  
• 
  Highly visible car colour (preferably white).
  
• 
  Reminder and other automatic systems including speed alert systems, automatic head lamps, and daytime running lights.
  
• 
  Power steering is desirable for heavy steering vehicles to improve control and reduce fatigue.
  

• 
  Most fuel- efficient engine (normally smallest engine) for the vehicle chosen.
  

• 
  Cargo/Safety barriers or Barrier net: Compliant safety barriers should be installed in station wagons and open cabin vehicles to prevent unrestrained objects from striking drivers or passengers in the event of a collision or sudden braking.
  
• 
  Communication equipment such as radio sets or mobile phone may be required for journeys in remote areas.
  
• 
  Reversing camera to assist the driver in detecting persons/objects in the path of a reversing vehicle.
  
• 
  Spare parts should be carried on long journeys and in remote areas including spares for the fan belt, power steering, air-conditioning and alternator.
  
• 
  Tool kit: A tool kit with items to allow basic, emergency repairs should be carried.
  
• 
  Torch: A torch should be carried for long trips and trips to remote locations.
  
• 
  Water: Spare water should be carried in a suitable container for use on trips in remote locations.
  
• 
  Winches should be fitted to or carried by off-road vehicles where the task assessment identifies it as necessary.
  

• 
  Ergonomic features such as a fully adjustable driver's seat, lumbar supports and a moveable steering column should be considered when a vehicle is purchased or leased for use on long trips or extensively by a particular driver.