The Training & Responsibilities of HGV Drivers in Maintenance Compliance
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The important role that HGV drivers play in the UK can’t be understated, as they represent the linchpin of the logistics industry, ensuring that goods are delivered safely and efficiently. Adhering to schedules is a large part of the job of a professional lorry driver, but so is sticking to daily and planned maintenance schedules.
As both transport managers and drivers know, meeting maintenance schedules is essential not only in ensuring the longevity of a vehicle but also the safety of the driver, other motorists and the cargo being carried. As such, drivers need to understand their responsibilities in complying with maintenance rules alongside their other duties.
Abiding By Maintenance Regulations is Crucial
There are strict maintenance regulations in place in the UK that need to be complied with, and they exist to ensure roadworthiness. Covering a broad spectrum of repairs and checks, from brake pad condition to tyre integrity, compliance is important not just for legal reasons but also in relation to operational safety.
Regular maintenance checks minimise the risk of accidents caused by vehicle failure, meaning that they’re instrumental in protecting lives while also benefitting fleet operators. As such, they reduce the likelihood and frequency of costly downtime for repairs.
Regular Driver Training for Maintenance Compliance
In order for HGV drivers to be supported in fulfilling their maintenance compliance duties, they need to be given regular training. This education should cover the basics of vehicle mechanics, as well as specific regulatory requirements for HGVs.
Drivers should also be trained to perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections, recognising signs of wear, malfunction, or damage that could impede vehicle performance or safety. This kind of training typically includes other aspects like fluid levels (oil and coolant), tyre pressure and tread depth, brake functionality, and the securement of cargo.
The Responsibilities of HGV Drivers Have
HGV drivers have both proactive and reactive vehicle maintenance responsibilities. Proactively, drivers need to carry out daily walkaround inspections of their trucks, as well as post-trip checks. These inspections represent the first line of defence against mechanical failure, with any issues found being promptly reported and dealt with before the vehicle is used again.
In terms of reactive responsibilities, drivers need to practice good judgment when encountering issues on the road, backed by the knowledge needed to assess whether a vehicle can continue on its journey or must be pulled over and a problem immediately reported.
Keeping Accurate Records Is Also Essential
HGV drivers also have a duty to keep accurate records of the inspections they make, along with any maintenance performed. These records are critical for upholding regulatory compliance and also serve to inform preventative maintenance schedules to help develop future issues.
If you’d like to know more about either daily vehicle checks or scheduled maintenance, check out our articles that focus much more on each specific subject.
HGV Drivers Have an Important Role in Maintenance Compliance
While transport managers must ensure maintenance rules are followed, so do drivers. Proper training is required so that every driver has a clear understanding of what’s expected, and this helps them contribute to a working culture where these obligations are seen as vital and addressed as they need to be.
When a culture of safety and following the rules is instilled in the workplace, drivers can meet their responsibilities and everyone on the road benefits. Working at the leading edge of the industry, drivers are very much at the forefront of ensuring HGV vehicles are roadworthy and safe.
