Health & Safety

Vehicles

• Each vehicle has a current MOT.
• Each vehicle is registered for insurance purposes.
• Each vehicle has its own on-board defect book which drivers must complete every day before their journey.
• On site we have two fitters to ensure safety of the vehicles.
• Each vehicle has regular safety checks, at least every six weeks.
• Seat belts are properly fitted and drivers are aware of their responsibility to ensure that they are always used.
• Vehicles are fully equipped with ancillary equipment.
• All drivers have demonstrated their competence and that appropriate records are filed.
• A second driver is appointed to share driving duties on longer journeys.
• No driver exceeds the European Union driving regulations.
• Regulations and conditions governing travel abroad are adhered to.

• We have a fully equipped workshop which includes, vehicles lifts, air compressor, air tools and all other specialised equipment needed for the industry.
• All vehicles are locked away at night on the business premises.

Drivers

• All drivers and guides are local authority approved.
• Staff should satisfy the following minimum criteria in order to drive our vehicles:
• Be aged 25 or over
• Have a valid, PCV current driving licence
• Have 2 years driving experience.
• All staff are local authority approved.
• All staff have been CRB checked and authorised.
• All staff are required to have good communication skills.

Drivers should not consume alcohol on the day on which any vehicle is being operated.

No alcoholic beverages may be consumed by drivers or passengers in passenger vehicles.

Drivers who have been prescribed medication should seek the advice of their own GP before driving vehicles.

It is the Transport Manager’s responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is adequately and regularly maintained.

However, it is the driver’s responsibility to check the vehicle prior to any journey (Appendix 1) or satisfy themselves that such checks have already been carried out.

The pre-journey checks must be carried out at least on a daily basis whilst the vehicle is in use.

The driver should pre-plan and prepare for the journey to allow ample time to reach the destination.

Drivers must not use handheld mobile phones whilst the vehicle is in motion. A hands-free phone can be distracting in difficult traffic conditions and there is still a risk of prosecution for failing to have proper control of a vehicle or for careless or reckless driving.

All drivers must know what to do if they are involved in an accident or if the vehicle breaks down and vehicle defects must be reported promptly to the member of staff responsible.

Each driver is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle is roadworthy by reference to a completed checklist (appendix 1) or by checking:

• Tyre pressures and tread depth.
• Fuel level.
• Engine oil level.
• Cooling system water level.
• Lights and indicators.
• Screen washing equipment.
• Brake fluid.
• Seats and seatbelt operation.
• Emergency exit marks and operations.
• All ancillary equipment required.
• The vehicle displays a current road-fund licence.
• Passengers are seated and the vehicle is not overloaded.
• All doors are closed but not locked.
• The first aid box is fully equipped.

• Fire extinguisher.
• Luggage is neatly stowed.
• Emergency doors are not obstructed.
• Reversing manoeuvres are carried out with great care, particularly if passengers are being conveyed.
• No-one smokes in the vehicle.
• The journey is pre-planned and fully prepared and that sufficient time has been allowed.
• Safe pick-up/drop-off areas are identified and used.
• On-board emergency procedures are fully understood.
• The vehicle defect book is completed.
• Vehicle interior is left in a clean condition and that sufficient fuel is left to begin the next journey.