Vehicle Checks and Defects
Two of the top 5 causes of accidents involving goods and passenger vehicles include cargo movement and component failure. Incidents involving lorries are more likely to cause fatalities or serious injuries than other vehicles, as high as 24% compared to the average for all crashes of 13%.
It is a requirement under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work act that risks are reduced. For drivers this is covered by the daily walkaround check and by continuous monitoring.
There are three main causes of incidents on the road:
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Nature
-
Mechanical failure
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Human error
Out of the three of these, human error accounts for the greatest number. It could be argued all incidents originate in human error. Drivers need to do all they can to ensure their vehicles and loads/passengers are safe.
Checks should be performed whenever new vehicles are collected, new trailers or whenever vehicles have been left unattended when parked particularly in public places.
PG9 and TE160 prohibitions are issued for vehicles or drivers who are deemed to present an unacceptable risk to the public road network. It is an offence to drive, tow or operate a vehicle with a prohibition issued on it. Prohibitions notify the operator and the traffic commissioner. The issues must be rectified before the prohibition can be lifted. DVSA have the ability to target operators of fleets with poor ratings.
The ratings are encompassed in the Operators Compliance Risk Score (OCRS). These are rated Red (high risk), Amber (medium risk) and green (low risk) on two elements - the vehicle roadworthiness - from vehicle tests (first tests, subsequent annual tests); ‘vehicle encounters’ (fleet check inspections at operator premises, roadside inspections) and from traffic - Roadside inspections and prosecutions (for example, for drivers’ hours and tachograph offences, weighing checks). It is possible for there to be no records of stops within three years, in which case a vehicle, driver or operator may not appear on OCRS. Issues appear on the report as points. More points indicates more risk. Penalties can range from 25 points through to 300 points and the score is rated according to a 3 year system that can be seen here. You can see more about how the OCRS system works at the UK Government website here. Only the operator licence holder has access to the system and can see the score for the licence. If you have an O licence, you can access the system here.
Drivers and operators must do their part in two respects - firstly, to ensure the vehicle is in a good roadworthy state, and secondly through compliance with regulations.
Prohibitions can be delayed or deferred for up to ten days based on the number and severity of risks. If the risks are not sufficiently high to warrant a prohibition, a vehicle inspection notice can be issued.
A technical roadside inspection report (PG35EC) is issued following inspection that will determine what level of action if any, is required.
There are some excellent guides on websites out there to offer a walkthrough for checks - such as this one at the British Trucking website here. The UK Government has created lots of resources for this too, follow the links at the top of the page for more.
Security
Owners, drivers, hirers and operators must secure their vehicles to prevent unauthorised access by clandestine entrants. Otherwise, you could receive a fine under the UK’s clandestine entrant civil penalty scheme.
Clandestine entrants may seek to enter the UK in different ways, such as by attempting to pass through UK border controls while concealed in a vehicle or detached trailer. This includes UK immigration controls based at juxtaposed locations in northern France.
If you are found carrying a clandestine entrant, even if you are a tourist, you could get a fine. You may face a fine of up to £10,000 for each clandestine entrant you carry (so does the operator of the vehicle.)
If you are driving a goods vehicle, and it is not adequately secured you could also get a fine, even if no clandestine entrant is found. You may face a fine of up to £6,000 if you drive a goods vehicle that is not adequately secured. This applies whether you are entering or departing the UK.
A vehicle’s owner, hirer or driver can be fined. For detached trailers, a vehicle’s owner, hirer or operator can be fined. Companies may be liable for fines imposed on their drivers.
Records
Records must be kept for daily checks - these can be written or digital, and must be kept for 15 months. Considering the importance of these documents should the worst happen, it is essential for drivers and operators to be very meticulous about both the checking systems and the records from these.
HGV Checks:
Check inside the vehicle
1. Front view (mirrors, cameras, and glass)
Check that no objects get in the way of your front view.
As a general rule, there should be nothing in the swept area of the windscreen wipers.
Some official stickers and road safety items are allowed, as long as they do not seriously block your view of the road, for example, operator licence disc.
Mirrors, cameras and glass
Check that the windscreen is not:
-
cracked
-
scratched
-
discoloured
Check that the windscreen and front side windows are not excessively tinted.
Check that all mirrors are in place and not:
-
damaged or missing glass
-
obscured
-
insecure
If a camera system is used instead of a mirror, check that it works and the view is correct.
2. Windscreen wipers and washers
Make sure the windscreen wipers work. Check that they are not:
-
missing
-
damaged or worn
Make sure the windscreen washer is working.
3. Dashboard warning lights and gauges
Check that all of these are working correctly:
instruments
gauges
warning lights - including the engine warning, emissions system, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic braking system (EBS)
4. Steering
Check that the steering wheel:
-
moves properly and that the power-assisted steering works correctly
-
has no excessive play
-
does not jam
Check that there’s no excessive lift or movement in the steering column.
5. Horn
Check that the horn works and is easily accessible from the driver’s seat.
6. Brakes and air build-up
Check that:
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the air builds up correctly and warning system works
-
there are no air leaks
-
the footwell is clear
-
the service brake operates both the tractor and trailer brakes
-
the parking brake for the tractor works
-
the service brake pedal does not have excessive side play or missing, loose or incomplete anti-slip tread
7. Height marker
Check the correct vehicle height is displayed on the vehicle height marker in the cab.
Remember, the height can change, for example, when the fifth wheel is adjusted, or if the trailer is loaded, unloaded or reloaded.
8. Seatbelts
Check that seatbelts:
-
do not have any cuts, damage or fraying that may stop them from working
-
stay secure when you plug them in
-
retract against you when fitted, and fully retract when you take them off
9. Security and condition of cab, doors and steps
Check that:
-
cab mountings and tilt devices are secure
-
body panels are secure and not likely to fall off
-
all doors operate as required and secure when closed
-
steps are secure and safe to use
Check outside the vehicle
10. Lights and indicators
Check that:
-
all lights and indicators work correctly
-
all lenses are fitted, clean and the right colour
-
stop lamps come on when you apply the service brake and go out when you release it
-
marker lights are fitted and work
11. Fuel and oil leaks
Check that the fuel filler cap is fitted correctly.
Turn on the engine and check underneath the vehicle for any fuel or oil leaks.
12. Security of body and wings
Check that:
-
all fastening devices work
-
cab doors and trailer doors are secure when closed
-
body panels on tractor or trailer are secure and not likely to fall off
-
landing legs (if fitted) are secure and not likely to fall off while driving
-
sideguards and rear under-run guards are fitted if required, and that they’re not insecure or damaged
13. Battery security and conditions
Check that your battery is:
-
secure
-
in good condition
-
not leaking
14. Diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue)
Check that your diesel vehicle has enough AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid and top up if necessary.
15. Excessive engine exhaust smoke
Check that the exhaust does not emit an excessive amount of smoke.
16. High voltage emergency cut-off switch
Check that:
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you know where the high voltage emergency cut-off switch is located
-
the high voltage emergency cut off switch operates correctly
-
all high voltage electrical components are secure and not damaged
17. Alternative fuel systems and isolation
Check that:
-
you know where the fuel isolation switch is located
-
there are no leaks from the system
-
all visible components are in good condition
18. Spray suppression
If spray suppression flaps are required, check that they are:
-
fitted
-
secure
-
not damaged
-
not clogged with mud or debris
19. Tyres and wheel fixing
Check that:
-
the tyres and wheels are secure
-
the tyres have a tread depth of at least 1mm
-
the tyres are inflated correctly
-
there are no deep cuts in the tyre’s sidewall
-
there is no cord visible anywhere on the tyre
-
all wheel nuts are tight enough - you can check if wheel nut indicators (if fitted) have moved to do this
-
there are no objects or debris trapped between the twin wheels
20. Brake lines and trailer parking brake
Check that:
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couplings are free from debris and are in the right place
-
there are no leaks
-
there is no damage or wear to the brake lines
-
the parking brake for the trailer works
After the initial brake test, leave the engine running so pressure can build up. This will make it easier to hear any leaks as you carry out the rest of the walkaround check.
21. Electrical connections
Check each connection and make sure that all:
-
visible wiring is insulated
-
visible wiring is not likely to get caught or damaged
-
all electrical trailer couplings are connected securely
-
all electrical switches work correctly
22. Coupling security
Check that your vehicle is securely attached to your trailer and that the:
-
trailer is located correctly in the fifth wheel or coupling
-
secondary locking devices are in the correct position
23. Security of load
Check that the load does not move and is not likely to move.
Make sure you use the right type of load securing system for the load.
If you’re not happy with how the load is secured or how stable it is, ask the person in charge of vehicle safety to:
get a competent person to assess it - reload or resecure it if necessary
Read detailed guidance about load securing. (see page on this topic)
24. Number plate
Check that the number plate is not:
-
broken or incomplete
-
incorrect or spaced incorrectly
-
dirty
-
faded
-
covered over by anything
25. Reflectors
Check that the reflectors (including side reflectors) are not:
-
missing
-
broken
-
insecure
-
fitted incorrectly
-
the wrong colour
-
obscured by dirt or other objects
26. Markings and warning plates
Check that the vehicle’s markings (including conspicuity markings) are:
-
the right colour
-
visible
-
securely fastened
-
not obscured by dirt or other objects
-
If the vehicle is carrying dangerous goods, check that the hazard information panels are:
-
show the correct information for the load
-
visible
-
securely fastened
-
not obscured by dirt or other objects
Other check items
You might need to check other items specific to the vehicle, for example, loading or specialised equipment.
Record and report the result of your check
Record and report all defects that you:
-
find during the daily walkaround check
-
become aware of during your journey
What to record
Record:
-
the vehicle registration (number plate) or identification mark
-
the date
-
details of the defects or symptoms
-
your assessment of the defects (for example, ‘dangerous’)
-
your name
-
who it was reported to
Use a form that includes a list of the items checked each day. Record ‘nil’ defects if you do not find any.
Download a template to use or use the system that your employer provides.
Use a form that includes a list of the items checked each day. Record ‘nil’ defects if you do not find any.
An example of this form can be found on the government’s website here:
Carry out HGV daily walkaround checks - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
PCV Specific Advice
The DVSA has issued some fairly specific detail on PCV checks. You can visit their site about this here:
Carry out PSV daily walkaround checks - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
These are the items mentioned on their site:
From the driver’s seat:
1. Steering
Check that the steering wheel:
moves properly and that the power-assisted steering works correctly
has no excessive play
does not jam
Check that there’s no excessive lift or movement in the steering column.
2. Mirrors, glass and visibility
Check that all mirrors are in place and not:
damaged or missing glass
covered up
insecure
Check that the windscreen is not:
cracked
scratched
discoloured
Check that the windscreen and front side windows are not excessively tinted.
Check that no objects get in the way of your front view.
As a general rule, there should be nothing in the swept area of the windscreen wipers.
As long as they do not seriously block your view of the road, you can have some official stickers and road safety items, such as an operator licence disc.
If you use a camera system instead of a mirror, check that it works and the view is correct.
3. Brake and air build-up
Check that:
the air builds up correctly
the warning system works
there are no air leaks
the footwell is clear
the service brake works
the parking brake works
the service brake pedal does not have excessive side play or missing, loose or incomplete anti-slip tread
4. Windscreen wipers and washers
Make sure the windscreen wipers work. Check that they are not:
missing
damaged or worn
Make sure the windscreen washer is working.
5. Heating and ventilation
Check that:
forced-air ventilation systems work, if your vehicle has them
at least half of the ventilation system works, if your vehicle does not have forced-air ventilation
ventilators, windows and roof hatches are secure
de-mister equipment works
6. Horn
Check that the horn works and is easily accessible from the driver’s seat.
7. Warning lamps
Check that these work correctly:
instruments
gauges
dashboard warning lamps, including the anti-lock braking system (ABS), full headlamp and parking brake
8. Height marker
Check the height displayed on the vehicle height marker in the cab.
Checks outside the vehicle
9. Lights and indicators
Check that:
all lights and indicators work correctly
all lenses are fitted, clean and the right colour
If your vehicle was first used after 1 April 1991 and it is more than 2.1 metres wide, check that marker lights are fitted and work.
10. Wheelchair access
If your vehicle is covered by Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations, you must check that these accessibility features are in good condition:
the wheelchair space and its safety features
the boarding device for wheelchair users
priority seats
handrails
colour contrasting features such as handrails and steps
You must also make sure you know how these features work.
11. Doors and exits
Check that doors and emergency exits:
work correctly
are secure when shut
open fully
Check that there are visible emergency exit markings and that the lights work.
12. Tyre and wheel fixing
Check that:
tyres and wheels are secure
tyres have a tread depth of at least 1mm
tyres are inflated correctly
there are no deep cuts in the tyre’s sidewall
there is no cord visible anywhere on the tyre
there are no objects or debris trapped between the twin wheels
all wheel nuts are in place and are tight enough
If your vehicle has wheel nut indicators, check if they have moved.
13. Diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue)
Check that your diesel vehicle has enough AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid and top up if necessary.
14. Fuel, oil and waste leaks
Check that the fuel filler cap is fitted correctly.
Turn on the engine and check underneath your vehicle for any fuel, oil or waste leaks.
15. Number plate
Check that the number plate is not:
broken or incomplete
incorrect or spaced incorrectly
dirty
faded
covered up by anything
16. Excessive engine exhaust smoke
Check that the exhaust does not emit an excessive amount of smoke.
17. Lights and reflectors
Check that:
all lights and indicators work correctly
all lenses are fitted, clean and the right colour
stop lamps come on when you apply the service brake and go out when you release it
Check that the reflectors (including side reflectors) are not:
missing
broken
insecure
fitted incorrectly
the wrong colour
covered by dirt or other objects
18. Body exterior
Check that:
body panels, luggage compartment doors and access doors are secure and that they do not have jagged edges
luggage compartment doors and access doors are secure when closed
Checks inside the vehicle:
19. Seats and seat belts
Check that seats are secure, not damaged.
If seats are designed to retract automatically when not in use, make sure they retract correctly.
If there are seatbelts, check that they:
do not have any cuts, damage or fraying that may stop them from working
stay secure when you plug them in
retract against you when fitted, and fully retract when you take them off
20. Body interior
Check that:
exits are not obstructed
nothing that a passenger may walk on will collapse or is defective or insecure
retractable steps work correctly
engine interior covers are present and do not allow fumes to enter the passenger compartment
interior lights are present and work
any special features such as toilets or cooking facilities are in good condition and safe to use
If your vehicle has parcel racks, grab rails, stanchions, guard rails, padded backrests and barriers, make sure these are all in place and secure.
21. Fire extinguisher
Check that the fire extinguisher is the correct type. It must
contain water or foam
be marked BS 5423 or EN3
have a minimum fire rating of at least 8A or 21B
Check that the fire extinguisher is:
easy to access
in good condition
not discharged
22. Emergency exit hammer
If your vehicle has glass emergency exits that need a hammer to break, check that the hammer is present and easy to access.
23. First aid kit
Vehicles need a first aid kit if they are a bus with:
16 or more passenger seats (except local services)
9 to 16 passenger seats first used from 1 April 1988
Check that the first aid kit is:
present
in good condition
easy to access
24. Communication with the driver
Check that:
bell pushes work and make a sound when you push them
signs that show your vehicle is going to stop work
signs that show the route and destination work
Record and report the result of your check
Record and report all defects that you:
-
find during the daily walkaround check
-
become aware of during your journey
What to record
Record:
-
the vehicle registration (number plate) or identification mark
-
the date
-
details of the defects or symptoms
-
your assessment of the defects (for example, ‘dangerous’)
-
your name
-
who you reported it to
Use a form that includes a list of the items checked each day. Record ‘nil’ defects if you do not find any.
The DVSA even has a template defect form you can download and use, found here:
Public service vehicle (PSV) defect report form for drivers (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Recommended links:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/carry-out-daily-heavy-goods-vehicle-hgv-walkaround-checks (Excellent!)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-service-vehicle-drivers-daily-walkaround-check (Excellent!)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/categorisation-of-defects (Longer read)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/van-drivers-daily-walkaround-check (Excellent!)
