How to wash down a vehicle

Cleaning procedure

(guide only) – ensure all safety precautions are taken (read vehicle/machine/equipment operating manual prior to cleaning).
• Place vehicle/machine in a safe position - stable and immobile
• Stop engine, apply park brake, chock wheels and lower all implements or secure/chock them if they are required up for cleaning (eg slasher)
• Ensure the area is free of obstructions/objects that may cause injury (logs, powerlines etc)
• Examine the item for cleaning to determine extent of mud, dust and plant material build up.
• Identify any points that require specific attention eg behind guards and protective plates, radiators,spare tyres etc these may be difficult to locate and access.
• Remove necessary guards/belly plates to access areas for cleaning.
• Identify areas that may require cleaning with compressed air rather than water. Do these first.
• Clean under guards and underneath machinery/vehicle and then do the cabin, upper body and implements.
• Tool boxes and storage compartments may also require cleaning.
• Move vehicle/machine with caution. Avoid re-contamination, wash remaining mud etc on
tyres/tracks.
• Carry out final inspection to ensure all areas have been cleaned.
• Replace guards (belly plates)

 

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Machinery and vehicle cleandown
Points to consider when cleaning -down vehicles and machinery:
No procedure or work instruction can list all the parts to consider during cleandown of vehicle,
machinery and equipment due to factors such as:
• Numerous different models and new models
• Different attachments (eg. Different types of blades on dozers)
• Different modifications, either in the factory or frequently by the previous owner
• Varying condition of the machinery, eg. Rusted parts allowing entry of contaminants into sections
usually sealed etc.

For more information visit

www.daff.qld.gov.au/documents/Biosecurity_EnvironmentalPests/IPA-Cleandown-Procedures.pdf

 

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Follow the checklist  

• Cabin
• Side Steps
• Belly Plates
• Toolboxes
• Flooring Mats
• Wheels & Spares
• Inspection Plates
• Fuel Tank Guards
• Walking Gear
• Wheel Arches
• Cover Plates
• Draw Bar
• Grill
• Tyre Rims
• Bumper Bar
• Suspension
• Wipers Recess
• Axels Boot / Rear
• Diff s
• Gear Box
• Mud Flaps
• Tray
• Attachments
• Radiator
• Chassis Rails
• Side Guards
• Load
• Engine Bay
• Cabin Wheel Well
• Sump Guards