Driver Defects Checks

When should my drivers do a daily defect check on heavy good vehicles? 

The formal phrase used to describe this element of defect detection is a ‘first use check’. On EACH DAY of HGV operation the vehicle MUST NOT enter the public highway until it has first had key safety elements checked by the driver i.e. lights, tyres wheel nuts, battery security, steering… 

There is a common misunderstanding that if the check is done the night before on return to the depot, this will be sufficient for operation the next day. Defects can develop or manifest themselves overnight hence the importance of checking the vehicle before use the next day. For example a vehicle could be vandalised, a tyre deflate or an oil leak establish itself overnight. Nor is it acceptable to allow your drivers to perform the defect check say at the point of his first break, even if this may only be half an hour down the road. If the vehicle does not undergo the check prior to leaving the depot that day any subsequent operation will not only be a potential threat to other road users but also a breach of the Operator Licence. One of the main reasons for disciplinary action taken by the Traffic Commissioner is for failure in the defect reporting system. 

An Operator should regard this, as well as regular periodic servicing, as the most important element of its maintenance system. For the system to be effective it should include quality training for and supervision of all drivers, proper record completion, a follow through system when defects are detected and a record of defect rectified. V.O.S.A on request will expect an operator to provide a written defect sheet for each day of vehicle operation for at least a period of 15 months. 

Not only is this system crucial but should dramatically reduce the likelihood of roadside prohibitions occurring.