All Procedures · Incidents & Emergencies

Breakdown Procedure

Last updated 2026-04-23

Owner: Aaron Fitzell

Last Updated: 2026-02-28

Version: 1.0

(have an idea for how this SOP could be better? Please fill out the Suggest Edit form at the very bottom of this procedure)

Procedure Info
Tags

breakdown, vehicle fault, breakdown, mechanical failure, roadside, stranded, assistance, tow, emergency, coach failure, defect, rescue, roadside assistance,

Purpose

To provide a general guide for drivers to follow in the event of a breakdown.

Breakdowns can be very stressful. Having a clear procedure to follow when breakdowns happen can help drivers remain calm and clear-headed.

When to Use This SOP

When your bus has a mechanical failure or any other issue that prevents it from operating or being operated safely.

Who Should Use This SOP

Drivers who’s buses break down, or encounter a fault that make it unsafe to proceed.

Tools and Resources Needed

(List the equipment, tools, electronics or software needed to complete this procedure.)

  • Square T Key
  • Triangle Kit

    • Procedure

    1. Pull Over and Park Where it is Safe

    If on freeway:

    1. Use an emergency stopping bay or safe shoulder if available.
    2. If there’s nowhere safe to park, take the next exit if possible.

    2. Turn on Hazard Lights Immediately

    3. Put On Your Hi-Vis Vest

    4. Protect Passengers

    • ⚠️ Do not allow passengers to leave the bus – their safety is your responsibility! ⚠️
    • If you are pressured to let passengers off the bus contact operations.
    ⚠️
    You must never let passengers leave the bus if it’s unsafe to do so.

    For instance, if there is traffic close to the bus, do not let them leave!

    Your passengers' safety is your responsibility!

    5. Call Operations

    1. Use the two-way radio to contact operations and report what happened.
    2. If the radio isn’t working ring operations at 03 9438 3666.

    6. Deploy Warning Triangles

    If it’s safe for you to do so you need to put out the warning triangles

    1. Use the Square T Key to unlock the emergency kit compartment.
    2. Unfold the three triangles and arrange them like this:
    Your keyring has a Square T Key
    Your keyring has a Square T Key
    The compartment with the triangle kit has this label
    The compartment with the triangle kit has this label
    Square T Key opens this compartment
    Square T Key opens this compartment
    Lift compartment from the bottom
    Lift compartment from the bottom
    Triangle kit box
    Triangle kit box
    Arrange triangle like this
    Arrange triangle like this

    7. Check the Problem

    1. If you can do so safely, walk around the bus and open the engine compartment to see if you can determine what the issue is.
    2. If you’re able to see what the problem is, let operations know.

    8. Confer With Operations For Next Steps

    Operations may send out the breakdown vehicle. If they do, remain alert for its arrival.

    Breakdown vehicle
    Breakdown vehicle

     

    Review Schedule and Change Log

    VersionDateAuthorChange Summary
    1.02026-02-28Joel SmithInitial draft