Page 41 - National Express_ GMStands

Introduction

It is critical to ensure that replacement part quality has no negative impact on vehicle safety.

This standard sets out the framework on which Group Companies should be setting the minimum
requirements for the sourcing, assessment, validation and approval of parts used on vehicles to carry
customers. Group Companies must have management systems in place to deliver the requirements of this
standard, and ensure that any parts used to repair NX vehicles are appropriate and approved.

It is the responsibility of the Engineering Director, or equivalent, of each Group Company, 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 maintained and
repaired with unsuitable or non-approved parts 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, of course, exceed the
requirements outlined in this standard, and such good practices should be shared across the Group.
Where Group Companies are already exceeding standards, then these should be maintained.

Each Engineering Director, or equivalent, shall define the person or persons within each Group Company
who have the necessary competence to draft the policies identified in this Global Standard.

Wherever possible, it is recommended that a peer review of draft standards is carried out across the Group
to capitalise on existing expertise and best practice.

Risks

The purpose of this standard is to minimise the risk of component failure affecting customers, people and
assets. This must start with a defined process for procuring parts; initially this must be through the Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) supplier.
If safety critical part quality is ignored, or any approval process is not carried out effectively, it can result in
endangerment to life and potentially prejudice the effective use of assets. Therefore such parts, and their
procurement, must be deemed as a ‘safety critical’ activity. Where there is doubt as to interpretation, the
default position must be to purchase OEM components.
All policies and procedures implemented in line with this standard must be effectively managed and
enforced at all levels.

Global Maintenance Standard: Parts Management (Including Safety Critical Parts) 4