Page 64 - National Express_ GMStands

Introduction

Vehicle Pre-use Checks is the process of undertaking a basic vehicle safety inspection, prior to use. This
check must comply with Company, local legislative and regulatory requirements, for all vehicles (used to
carry customers) in the National Express’ fleet, throughout their lifecycle.

The function of vehicle pre-use check is to ensure that drivers/engineers identify any defects on the vehicle
and that a qualified engineer (or authorised person) reviews and makes a decision on these defects prior to
the vehicle being used on the road in service.

If carried out and applied correctly, pre-use checks will improve vehicle reliability, reduce lost time and
mileage for unplanned defect repairs and support National Express’ commitment to roadworthiness by
demonstrating that vehicles are safe and legally compliant.

Critical to this process is the authorised sign off by a qualified engineer, or authorised person to ensure all
required checks and repairs have been undertaken in line with manufacturer, legislative and regulatory
requirements. This ensures that the vehicle is roadworthy, prior to being released for use in service.

This standard sets the framework on which Group Companies will set the minimum requirements for vehicle
pre-use check frequency, quality and content, as well as management of defects. Group Companies must
have in place management systems to deliver the requirements of this standard and ensure all vehicles are
subject to pre-use checks throughout their 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
company or 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, 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) must define the person or people 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.

Global Maintenance Standard: Vehicle Pre-use Checks & Defect Reporting 4