In light of the recent fuel tanker crash in New South Wales, Dangerous Goods Officers from WA’s Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) spent yesterday in Kwinana inspecting similar trucks.
The tragic crash in the northern Sydney suburb of Mona Vale killed two men and left five people in hospital, some with severe burns.
In an effort to prevent a similar tragedy in Western Australia, officers from DMP, Main Roads, Department of Transport and WA Police have teamed together for ‘Operation Mona Vale.’
23 petrol tankers were stopped.
Eight were issued defect notices and two were given dangerous goods notices.
The defects included oil leaks, fuel leaks and inaccessible fire extinguishers.
“The low number of defects found on the trucks is very reassuring to all road users, especially compared to the concerning findings on similar vehicles over east,” DMP Principal Dangerous Goods Officer Peter Xanthis said.
“Authorities in New South Wales and Victoria are conducting similar traffics stops to inspect petrol tankers.”
Officers stopped 53 trucks during the first two days of the NSW operation and found 109 defects, 46 of which were major.
The most common issues found were brakes, followed by suspension and poor tyres.
“DMP plans to conduct many more of these traffic stops,” Mr Xanthis said.
“All transport companies should being taking a very close look at their fleet – every road user should be safe at all times,” he concluded.
NSW Roads and Maritime Services heavy vehicle inspectors and NSW Police are continuing to audit the trucking company involved in the tragic crash.
Add Comment