Plant and Vehicle Idle Time

Idle time is the time that a vehicle or item of plant has its engine running but is not being used effectively. Different vehicles or plant will have different idle time rates depending on their function. In some cases it is appropriate that a machine sits stationery, perhaps with the engine running at low rpm. An example of this may be when using a truck to drive a PTO driven generator to undertake a secondary task or an Elevating Work Platform idling while someone in the bucket is working at height.

Idle time can be caused by a broad range of issues and in some cases idle time can be for legitimate reasons. The causes of idle time can include:

• Sub-optimal work planning and procedures
• Unforeseen delays
• Culture
• Lack of awareness
• Plant specification.

All of these causes can lead to undesirable consequences from increased operating costs and environmental impact to negative impacts on WHS.

Did you know that IPWEA FLEET has a Practice Guide to help you address idle time in your fleet. The Plant and Vehicle Idle Time Practice Guide is available to all IPWEA FLEET subscribers from the Subscriber Only Fleet Resources Page.

If you have any questions, please contact Rob Wilson – Manager IPWEA FLEET at robert.wilson@ipwea.org