When you are in charge of an HGV, you need to make sure that it is in good working order to keep yourself and everyone else on the road as safe as possible. This means it is essential that you perform a walkaround check, before getting into the vehicle to make sure it is fit for purpose. This can allow you to keep on top of any defects, make sure the vehicle is running efficiently, and save lives.
In this article, Fleet Ex look at what should be involved in a daily vehicle check how you should perform it, and what your legal requirements are.
Is it a legal requirement to perform daily HGV checks?
The DVSA requires all HGVs to be checked on a daily basis. The DVSA has the power to inspect vehicles and check for any safety defects at the roadside, and if they feel you have missed anything before setting out, they can ask for records of your checks.
You must perform a check each day of your vehicle, including your trailer, before you drive it, and you are also responsible for monitoring the condition of the vehicle during service.
If the vehicle is going to be driven by more than one driver in a day, each one must check it before setting off to ensure maximum safety for everyone involved. It is therefore essential that you know what should be included in a daily check of an HGV.
Exterior checks of the vehicle
You will need to make sure that you check all aspects of the exterior of your HGV. This should start by ensuring that your lights and indicators are all working correctly, that the lenses are well fitted and clean and that they are the correct colour. You should also take the opportunity to look at the battery to make sure it is secure, in good condition and not leaking and that the fuel cap is fitted.
When the engine is turned on, you should look under the vehicle to spot any signs of fuel or oil leaks. It is important that you look out for any excessive exhaust smoke and that you have enough AdBlue. Take a look at the body and wings of the vehicle and ensure that fastenings work as well as checking that doors, body panels, landing legs, side guards and rear under guards are fully secured and well fitted.
You should also inspect each tyre to make sure that it is secure, inflated, free from damage and has a tread depth of at least 1mm. Spray suppression flaps should be fitted if needed and must be free from damage and clogging. You will also need to assess each electrical connection to ensure that any visible wiring is insulated and unlikely to catch on anything.
When you begin to load the vehicle, you need to ensure that the correct type of loading secure system is used so that it is not going to move whilst in transit and become unrestrained. The coupling security also needs to be checked, keeping a secure attachment to any trailer, located in either the fifth wheel or coupling and the secondary locking is in the right position.
Before completing the check, you should look at the reflectors, markings and warning plates, as well as your number plate to make sure they’re all clearly visible, secure, and clean.
Checking the interior
Checking the inside of the vehicle is just as important as the outside. You should make sure that you take a look at the mirrors to check that they are in the right place and free from any damage, that the view is not obscured in any way, and that they are securely attached. You will also need to check the windscreen for any cracks, scratches, discolouration or excessive tinting.
This is also the point where you should check that the windscreen wipers and washer are working correctly and if any wipers are missing, damaged or worn then you need to report this. It is essential that all drivers have a clear front view without any obstructions in the sweep area of the wipers.
The dashboard should also be checked for any warning lights or gauges to ensure that they are working and whether they indicate a problem. You should also make sure that there is no excessive lift or movement in the steering column and that the wheel moves properly without any jamming. You should also ensure that the power assisted steering is working and the vehicle’s horn is easy to reach and functioning correctly.
You should also make sure that the correct height is displayed on the vehicle height marker inside the cab before double-checking that the seat belt does not exhibit any signs of damage and is secure when plugged in and retracting easily when taken off.
Records of daily checks
You should make sure that there is a record of your daily checks. This should contain a checklist of everything you need to look at, so that you can add a date, time and signature to show when this was completed. If you notice any defects, then you should report them to your manager immediately and record what you notice and who you reported it to.
A record of any defects should include the vehicle registration date, details of the defects, assessment of them as to whether they are dangerous or not, your name, who the defect was reported to, what rectification work has taken place and when this was completed.
Minor defects do not always mean that the vehicle is unsafe, but anything significant could put the vehicle out of action. You must also keep a record of anything that becomes apparent during a journey. These records must be kept and should be available for viewing for at least 15 months.
A daily walk around check should take no more than 15 minutes to make sure that your vehicle is safe and compliant. Even during the busiest of times, these checks are essential for the safety of everyone on the road.
