TOOLBOX TALK AIM:  

The aim of this toolbox talk is to communicate company policy of ensuring all drivers (including subcontracted and agency drivers) conduct a vehicle check of their vehicle to ensure they are in full working order. Checks must be completed at the start and at the end of the shift.  

Reasons Why

The driver is always legally responsible for the condition of the vehicle while in use. Therefore, conducting a daily walkaround check is a vital part of a driver’s core role. Operators can delegate the walkaround check to a responsible person, who must carry out a minimum of one check in 24 hours. A daily walkaround check helps to ensure that the vehicle is: • Clean • Roadworthy • Safe to drive This helps keep drivers, their vehicles and other road users safe by reducing the likelihood of an accident. The walkaround check should also help to highlight and fix any defects before they cause a more serious problem. This can reduce maintenance costs as well as vehicle downtime. 

Hazards involved

Driving vehicles that have not been properly checked by the driver can result in unsafe working conditions. The vehicle may be unsafe to drive which can lead to accidents and in serious cases, fatalities.  

Incentive

Undertaking daily walkaround checks results in: • Improved vehicle performance – defects are reported and fixed before serious problems occur • Improved reputation and corporate image as a clean and well maintained van looks professional • Reduced likelihood of accidents with their attendant cost, time and reputation loss • Reduced fines and penalty points If vehicle defects are sufficiently serious, they can result in a charge of dangerous driving. This can result in 3-11 points, two years imprisonment, unlimited fines and mandatory disqualification. 

Outline 

This toolbox talk covers what and how to check the vehicle for roadworthiness and report any defects. Our vehicles are an important asset. As such they need to be looked after. Our company goal is to minimise any issues that will have a negative impact on our business. If our vehicles are not well managed and maintained, we are more likely to have or cause accidents, or be stopped by DVSA (Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency) or the police, which could result in this company being called to a public inquiry and potentially, the loss of our operator’s licence.

Who needs to do the vehicle checks? 

All drivers (including sub-contracted and agency) are required to check their vehicles before starting work and once work is completed. Twice per shift. 

Emphasis points

This business needs its operator’s licence in order to trade. Loss of the operator’s licence will lead to closure of this business. We need to make sure our vehicles are in a safe operating condition at all times and do not present a risk to our employees or members of the public. Walk round checks are important, because they are the last checks made on a vehicle to ensure it is in a safe operating condition, before it is driven on the public highway. HGV’s pose a greater risk to other road users owing to their size and the loads they carry. We need to make sure our vehicles don’t contribute to these risks, by identifying defects on vehicles before they drive out of the front gate. • Checking a vehicle before setting out means that you make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and can spot any defects before they cause an accident, helping to keep you and other road users safe. • As part of your walkaround check you should also check that the vehicle is clean outside and inside. Do not restrict your view of the road by leaving rubbish on the dashboard or attaching mobile phones or sat nav devices to the windscreen in inappropriate positions. • Ultimately, checking for roadworthiness is about safety; but it’s also about being professional. Walk Round Checks • If you identify and report defects early, then we can arrange for the defects to be rectified before they become more serious. This means that the repair cost may be lower and the vehicle will spend less time off the road, helping the company to become more profitable – which ultimately benefits you. • You, the drivers, are legally responsible for the vehicle you are driving. If you knowingly go out and drive a vehicle that isn’t roadworthy, it could mean trouble for both you and the company.

How to perform a vehicle defect 

Always use your FleetCheck walkaround application when checking the vehicle. Everything that needs to be checked on your vehicle is listed on this application. • The most important objective is to check each item on the check list ‘sufficiently’. This means checking each component carefully in order to find any defects that might occur over time through wear or be caused by damage. • If you discover a defect, you must record it on the FleetCheck application accurately and take an image on your phone if appropriate. • Remember to do the walkaround check on any substitute vehicle provided. • Work your way through the FleetCheck application methodically. If there is an issue, highlight it. If you are not sure about something, ask for help either from your manager, supervisor or another colleague.

HGV/LGV Guidance

What vehicle checks must a HGV (LGV) driver complete? The following is a list of vehicle checks a HGV driver must conduct before use:  

1. Mirrors and glass – Check the glass for any cracks or stickers. Ensure the mirrors are pointing in the right direction. 

2. Windscreen wipers and washers – Check windscreen wipers are working correctly and there is sufficient washer fluid.  

3. Front view – Ensure full visibility through the cab front window. 

4. Warning lamps – Make sure the vehicle warning light is working correctly.  

5. Steering – Ensure the steering wheel moves and the steering works correctly. 

6. Horn – Test the horn works properly (please bear in mind the time of day and the neighbours!)  

7. Brakes and air build-up – Check the brakes work and test the air build-up. 

8. Height marker – Ensure you have a height marker and it is correct.  

9. Seatbelts – Check all seatbelts are working correctly.  

10. Lights and indicators – Ensure all the vehicle lights and indicators work correctly. 

11. Fuel/oil leaks – Make sure there are no fuel or oil leaks.  

12. Battery security and condition – Check the vehicle battery is secure and in good condition.  

13. Diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue) – If the vehicle runs on Diesel, ensure you have sufficient exhaust fluid, such as AdBlue.  

14. Excessive engine exhaust smoke – Check there isn’t excessive smoke being emitted from the engine.  

15. Security of body / wings – Make sure the vehicle’s body is securely fitted with no parts starting to fall off. This also includes the wing mirrors.  

16. Spray suppression – Ensure the spray suppressions are securely fitted and meet legislation.  

17. Tyres and wheel fixing – Ensure all tyres and wheels are correctly fitted. Make sure all nuts and bolts are tight and the tyre treads and pressure meet legislation.  

18. Brake lines – Check the brake lines are in good working order.  

19. Electrical connections – Check all electrical connections are fully working. Test each one individually.  

20. Coupling security – Check that your vehicle is securely coupled (attached) to your cargo load.  

21. Security of load – Ensure your load is secure and its weight is evenly distributed throughout the HGV (LGV). 22. Number plate – Check the number plate is secure and visible.  

23. Reflectors – Check all reflectors are securely attached and visible.  

24. Markers – Check all required vehicle markers are securely attached and visible