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EMERGENCY STOP & BATTERY ISOLATION SWITCH LOCATION

The location of EMERGENCY STOP buttons and BATTERY ISOLATION switches is critical to the safe operation of a dangerous goods delivery vehicle.

Having these switches and buttons installed on the drivers side and behind the vehicle cabin allows all dangerous goods drivers and emergency services the ability to quickly access and shut down the vehicle in an emergency.

We would like to remind owners, operators and installers of emergency electrical equipment, that the location of the buttons and switches is be governed by the following key points.

Australian Standard 2809.1:2023 Battery Isolation Switch

  • located as close as practicable to the drivers door;
    *this needs allow for both vehicle and operator safety*
  • in a position that is clearly visible and easily assessable while standing on the ground;
    *standing on the ground and at arms length from the outer edge of the vehicle*
  • labelled “BATTERY ISOLATION SWITCH” and detailing is method of operation e.g. “PUSH”
    *good signage will help to locate a well protected emergency stop button or battery isolation switch*

We recommend the following:

  • BATTERY ISOLATION switches and EMERGENCY STOP buttons should be mounted well within the outer perimeter of the vehicle, no more than a typical arms length. This is to avoid the button or switch being damaged by animal strike or minor vehicle collision.

We have seen examples of EMERGENCY STOP switches damaged while the vehicle is in motion, in most cases this has occurred via a collision with an animal.

In one known incident after a collision the driver lost all power to the vehicle engine, lighting, etc, but luckily the driver was able to bring the vehicle to a safe stop.

Attached are examples of where EMERGENCY STOP and BATTERY ISOLATION switches have been installed close to the external perimeter of the vehicle allowing them to be subjected to damage via vehicle collision or animal strike.

Also attached are examples of buttons and switches that have been installed well within the exterior perimeter of the vehicle, reducing the chance of being damaged or struck.

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