Risk of fire in the engine compartment of buses

On 3 April 2014 a fire occurred in the engine compartment of a route service bus.

An examination of the bus revealed that the fire was caused by the main electrical cable that was connected to the air conditioner control panel. The cable, which was fed through a hole in a metal mounting plate, was rubbing on the sharp edge of the hole. This caused the cable’s protective insulation to wear, allowing the wire to make contact with the metal plate and resulting in the cable overheating.

Bus operators should have their buses inspected to ensure wiring looms are routed and secured appropriately to prevent chafing on sharp edges. For more information about this matter or bus safety legislative requirements in Victoria, please contact Andrew Chlebica, Manager Compliance and Information, on (03) 9655 6873. This advice is effective immediately.

Approved by Stephen Turner, Director, Bus Safety.