Page 60 - Global Maintenance Standard - NE_VOct 2020

Introduction

Safety critical defects are the failure or damage to a vehicle, plant and machinery or to components or
systems thereof that have the potential to impair its intended function and could cause an accident or
incident.

The purpose of this standard is to set out the framework for a safety critical defect management system,
linking into the other maintenance standards where appropriate (E.g. vehicle inspection). It will also
identify the need to have clear local standards in place that cover those defects defined as safety critical.

Safety critical defects will need to be defined locally in line with local legislation and company policy but
this standard will identify some examples of minimum requirements. This is not designed to be an
exhaustive list and must be made appropriate to the local divisions.

A robust safety critical management system must be implemented to ensure that safety critical defects
are minimised, areas identified as safety critical are condition monitored or changed at fixed frequency
and in all cases once defects are identified the vehicle is appropriately dealt with.

If this standard is applied correctly it it will improve vehicle reliability, reduce lost time and mileage and
support NX’s commitment to roadworthiness and customer safety by demonstrating that vehicles are
safe and legal.

Critical to this process is the authorised sign off by a qualified engineer to ensure all required checks and
repairs have been undertaken in line with manufacturer, legislative and regulatory requirements, and that
the vehicle is roadworthy.

This standard sets the framework on which Group Companies will set the minimum requirements for
safety critical defects. Group Companies must have in place management systems to deliver the
requirements of this standard throughout the vehicles life cycle.

It is the responsibility of the Engineering Director, or equivalent, to ensure that those responsible for
discharging these policies are competent to do so.

Scope and Application of these Requirements

This Global Maintenance Standard sets out the minimum requirements that must be applied throughout
all National Express Group Companies. This is to ensure that the risk of vehicles being operated below
any local legislative standards is robustly managed. In addition to the requirements of this standard, all
statutory requirements set by local and national legislation and regulations must be complied with. It is
the responsibility of each Group Company to identify and apply the relevant legislation, industry codes,
licencing and standards. They must also ensure that maintenance processes do not increase the risk of
vehicles being operated below these standards.

Each Group Company is responsible for incorporating the requirements in this standard into their
management systems and operating procedures. Each Group Company can exceed the requirements
outlined in this standard, and such good practices must be shared across the Group. Where Group
Companies are already exceeding standards, these must be maintained.

Global Maintenance Standard: Safety Critical Defects 4