NSW Rural Fire Service: PSA raises urgent safety concerns over Category 9 weight compliance

  6 May 2026

As members may be aware, serious safety concerns have emerged regarding the operation of Category 9 firefighting appliances within the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS). These concerns relate to vehicle weight compliance, work health and safety (WHS) obligations, and broader systemic issues impacting workforce safety and governance.

The RFS has now confirmed that some Category 9 appliances are operating at, close to, or above approved Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) limits.

The PSA has raised this matter with SafeWork NSW and now advises members not operate these vehicles unless they meet the GVM standard.

For more information, contact the PSA on 1800 772 679 and ask to speak with a member of our ETIO Team.