Page 210 - Driving Commercial Vehicles Manual+

driving commercial vehicles

Vehicle condition
fast fact
You must determine that your vehicle is in safe operating condition before
The NSC sets out minimum you drive it. This is part of your job and your responsibility as a professional
safety standards for all driver. If you operate your vehicle when it’s not safe, you’re putting yourself
commercial carriers and and others at risk.
drivers operating in Canada.
Taking the time for pre-trip inspections can prevent costly en route delays and
reduce the chances of a crash caused by a mechanical failure.

All commercial vehicles that fall under the National Safety Code (NSC) must
be inspected before they’re used each day (pre-trip inspections) and at the
fast fact end of the final trip of each day (post-trip inspections). These inspections are
required under the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations.
Copies of the NSC
regulations that apply in B.C. Either you or another person specified by the carrier must do these
(found in the Motor Vehicle inspections. Both you (the driver) and the carrier share the responsibility to
Act Regulations, Division 37 ensure these inspections are done properly.
— Safety Code) are available
at provincial weigh scales If you drive any of these vehicles, you must complete daily written inspection
and at www.th.gov.bc.ca/cvse. reports:
• bus, school bus, special activity bus, special vehicle or limousine with a
seating capacity of more than 10 including the driver

• two-axle truck or truck-tractor with a licensed GVW greater than 14,600 kg
• truck or truck-tractor towing a trailer that has a licensed GVW greater than
8,200 kg.

Cargo securement

Under the NSC, all vehicles transporting cargo on a highway regardless of the
gross vehicle weight must be inspected for cargo securement.
This includes all articles or materials carried by a vehicle, including those used
in its operation.
fast fact
You must inspect the vehicle prior to driving it to:
You may be fined if you fail to • confirm that the equipment used in the vehicle’s operations (such as
carry a trip inspection report. tailgate, tailboard, doors, tarpaulins and spare tire) are secured
If you operate an unsafe • ensure that cargo doesn’t interfere with safe operation of the vehicle
vehicle, you may also be fined
and/or your vehicle may be • ensure that cargo doesn’t interfere with exiting the vehicle, and
placed out of service.
• make any necessary adjustments to the cargo and cargo securement system.
Make this a part of your inspection routine.
You must also re-inspect the cargo securement system within 80 km from the
point where the cargo was loaded, and on a regular basis during the trip at
the earliest of:

• a change in duty status of the driver
• three hours of driving, or
• 240 km of driving since the last inspection.
You’re required to record cargo securement inspections on your daily logs.
You don’t need to inspect cargo if it’s sealed and you’ve been ordered not to
inspect it, or if the cargo is inaccessible.

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