It is almost universally understood that completing regular vehicle inspections is a critical component of ensuring your HGVs are safe.
The penalties and consequences of non-compliance can range from inconvenience to catastrophic.
The Government’s guide to maintaining roadworthiness sets out the four different types of vehicle inspections which can be undertaken and explains the difference between them:
- Safety inspection
A safety inspection (often called a “PMI”) is an inspection that is carried out at pre-set intervals.
These are often completed every six weeks, but do not need to be. However, they need to be completed in line with the frequency that an operator has declared on their licence
The PMI should include all the items covered by the statutory annual test and employ the methods of assessment that are prescribed in the respective inspection manual.
The PMI sheet can be in any format, as long as the mandatory items are included.
- First use inspection
Prior to using a newly acquired vehicle or trailer, operators must conduct a first use inspection to satisfy themselves that the equipment is in a roadworthy condition.
The scope of the inspection should at least include all those items that are inspected at annual test, this includes conducting a laden roller brake test when appropriate for the type of vehicle.
In some instances, a first use inspection is not required if sufficient evidence is provided to indicate that the equipment has been subject to a safety inspection.
- Intermediate safety check
With some types of vehicles, it may be necessary to check some components more often than at full safety inspections.
For example, a vehicle used in urban areas such as a public service vehicle or a local delivery vehicle, or vehicles used in hilly areas, may require more frequent component checks, for example brakes, steering and suspension.
It is sometimes necessary to check components following repair work.
Any additional intermediate safety checks carried out should be documented and retained on the maintenance file.
It should be clear on the documentation these are an intermediate safety check and not a full safety inspection.
- Daily walkaround check
A driver (or designated responsible person) must conduct a walkaround check of a vehicle prior to using the equipment on the public highway.
At least one walkaround check should be carried out in every 24-hour period that the vehicle is in service.
Those carrying out checks must be suitably trained and competent in identifying any faults.
The check should include all items that are readily visible to the inspector without the need for dismantling. To facilitate the inspection, it may be necessary to use an assistant.
For more advice and information relating to vehicle inspections please contact Jared Dunbar today.