Your Fleet's WHS Obligation: Tyre Inspection Intervals You Might Be Missing

The Legal Framework

Tyres on commercial fleet vehicles are classified as plant and equipment under both the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU)—including fleet operators—must ensure that plant and equipment does not expose workers or others to health and safety risks. Since tyre failure at highway speeds represents a foreseeable serious incident, maintenance must be systematic, proportionate to risk, and documented.

What Documented Inspection Intervals Means

Two essential components: a schedule and records.

• Pre-departure: Driver visual checks of all tyres before each shift—condition, damage, pressure loss—as part of a formal pre-start checklist.
• Weekly: Tread depth measurement, sidewall inspection, cold inflation pressure verification across all positions.
• Monthly/service interval: Performed by a qualified person, covering tread depth, sidewall integrity, load rating, manufacture date, torque documentation, and removal of tyres approaching minimum legal tread depth.

A schedule without corresponding records indicates intention, not compliance.

The Liability Exposure

If a tyre-related incident occurs, WorkSafe investigators immediately request maintenance records. Strong records provide evidentiary protection. Without them, exposure is serious.

Under Victoria’s OHS Act 2004, failure to maintain safety-critical plant can constitute a Category 2 offence carrying penalties up to $1.5 million for body corporates. Personal liability for directors and fleet managers also exists.

The Tyre Inspection Checklist

1. Tread Depth — Legal minimum 1.5mm; fleet best practice: remove at 3–4mm.
2. Sidewall Integrity — Inspect for cuts, bulges, cracking. Any bulge requires automatic removal.
3. Cold Inflation Pressure — Check against manufacturer specifications after 3 hours stationary; record actual values.
4. Date of Manufacture — DOT code final 4 digits indicate week/year; retire at 10 years regardless of tread.
5. Load Rating — Verify against operating GVM and axle load, especially after payload configuration changes.
6. Torque Specification — Record values at fitment and re-check after first 50–100km.
7. Visible Damage — Inspect rims, hub faces, valve stems.

Setting Up a Simple Tyre Maintenance Log

A spreadsheet suffices. Capture: vehicle registration, tyre position, brand/size/load rating, DOT date, fitment date, tread depth per inspection, pressure per inspection, inspector name, and actions taken. Retain records for at least five years.

In-House vs. Specialist

Pre-departure and weekly checks can be managed by trained drivers with calibrated gauges. Monthly and post-incident inspections require a qualified tyre technician.

For fleets exceeding five vehicles, establishing a scheduled relationship with a qualified tyre provider—with documented service records—provides both operational and evidentiary value.