Use of University Vehicles

Policy

The University of Western Australia provides vehicles for use by employees for work related activities. These vehicles are defined as a workplace under the WA Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984. The University acknowledges its responsibility to provide safe vehicles and to ensure that they are adequately maintained.

Schools/Sections must ensure that their staff, students and others driving their vehicles or operating vehicles on their behalf are competent to handle such vehicles. 

VehiclesVehicles must be selected and used only for the purposes intended. Vehicle safety features must be included in the criteria on which purchasing decisions are made. Cargo barriers are required to be fitted to open vehicles where there is a risk of unrestrained objects striking the driver in the event of a collision.  

Drivers Responsibilities

The driver shall however be responsible for ensuring:

• They hold a current license (recognised by WA Police) for the type and class of vehicle;
• That the vehicle is only used for the purposes for which it was designed and licensed;
• That they and their passengers adhere to:
• All other University policies including "Smoking Policy" and "Children in the Workplace Policy"; and
• The Road Traffic Act and all other relevant legislation;
• The 'roadworthiness' of the vehicle prior to use and upon return;
• All defects are reported as soon as is practicable;
• They familiarise themselves with the full operation of the vehicle and make all necessary adjustments to seats, steering and mirrors prior to commencement of the journey;
• Headlights are turned on whilst driving at all times on country roads (to improve vehicle visibility);
• They do not drive when feeling tired, unwell or for more than 10 hours in a 24 hour period; and
• They take at least one 20 minute rest period for every 3 hour period of driving.

Speed limits are set at a level appropriate for the usual road and traffic conditions, and at a speed most motorists can comfortably handle. Whatever the speed limit, it is the driver’s responsibility to slow down under certain conditions such as

• During adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or fog;
• When driving on dirt or gravel roads where the road holding capabilities are reduced and the stopping distances extended. If the vehicle has an anti-lock braking system it will not be as effective on loose surfaces; and
• When it rains after a dry spell the streets do not offer as much grip since oil and fuel deposited on the bitumen floats on top of the water.

Mobile phones shall not be used whilst driving a University vehicle unless the appropriate "hands-free" kit is installed and used.

 Driver Training

Drivers are required to hold an appropriate licence for the type and class of vehicle and have sufficient knowledge, skills and experience to safely control the vehicle. Advanced or Defensive driver training should be provided if drivers are not confident or are required to drive in inherently hazardous conditions, such as on gravel roads.

Vehicles on the Inner Campus

Vehicles are only permitted onto the inner campus to deliver and collect goods and are not to remain parked on the inner campus for extended periods. Speed on the inner campus is at walking pace only with hazard lights operating whilst the vehicle is in motion. Radios (apart for University communications) are not to be used at any time for vehicles on the inner campus. 

Incident Reporting

All incidents and injuries involving vehicles is required to be reported to the University and thoroughly investigated.