Page 44 - National Express_ GMStands

Group Companies must ensure that competent staff are appointed or nominated to carry out these
assessments. A typical parts assessment process may include, but is not limited to, the following:

Note that this will depend very much on the component.

Obtaining as much information as possible regarding the specification of the existing and the proposed
part.
Cross referencing of part numbers to manufacturers part numbers (for purchasing like for like from
alternative suppliers)
Obtaining dimension drawings (for wheels for example), and testing samples against these drawings to
compare with OEM specifications,
Material specification (including hardness)
Fixings and mounting points for comparison to OEM parts
A process, where appropriate, of a controlled trial of the part on operational vehicles in operational
environments.
Where appropriate, planned visits to the site where the parts are being produced or manufactured (this is
especially required for reworked or reconditioned parts).

Group Companies must consider the liability, and potential risk imported, when moving away from the
OEM, or an approved OEM parts supplier (i.e. moving down the parts supply triangle). A robust assessment
process is essential in protecting the safety of staff and customers, as well as the reputation of the Group.

Movement away from the OEM or the OEM suppliers must be considered thoroughly, and be formally
approved and signed off prior to any transition to alternative suppliers.

Group Companies must therefore ensure that there are adequate controls in place to restrict the purchase
of parts from any alternative suppliers that have not undergone formal approval for the parts required.

Note that parts assessments must be based on individual parts and not the supplier.

THERE ARE THREE OPTIONS HERE AND WE NEED AS A GROUP TO SELECT THE MOST
APPROPRIATE OPTION

It is recognised that there will be a number of parts that are currently being sourced by Group Companies
that may not hold a record of having undergone this assessment. Where this is the case, Group Companies
must quantify all parts that have not gone through an assessment process and must fully document future
action in accordance with the following:

Carry out an assessment of all such ‘safety critical’ parts only, within one year of the date of this standard
being issued. If the remaining parts, either defined as not safety critical or have proven to be suitable and
satisfactory by default, are deemed to be approved.

From the date of the introduction of this standard, all such parts must go through the approval process
herein.

4.0 Vehicle Modifications

Group Companies must ensure that they are fully aware of the implications of taking the responsibility for
design authority when making changes or modifications to vehicles, and the resulting change in liability
away from the OEM.

Global Maintenance Standard: Parts Management (Including Safety Critical Parts) 7