Page 65 - National Express_ GMStands

Risks

The purpose of this standard is to minimise the risk of vehicles being used in service that do not comply
with company and local legislative requirements. This must start with a defined process for vehicle pre-use
checks and the reporting, authorised review and where necessary repair or deferral of any defects
throughout the vehicle life cycle. It will also, where appropriate, cover the requirements for defect
management and deferral of defects.

Pre-use checks, when implemented effectively, will reduce the risk to passengers and ensure the safety an
roadworthiness of vehicles and therefore vehicle pre-use checks must be deemed as a ‘safety critical’
activity.
All policies and procedures implemented in line with this standard must be effectively managed and
enforced at all levels.

1.0 Vehicle Pre-use Check Standards

Group Companies must ensure that they have clear arrangements in place to ensure there is a pre-use
check of all vehicles before being used in service. These arrangements must include, at a minimum, the
frequency, documentation, inspection criteria, management of defects, reporting processes and
authorisation levels for pre-use checks.

These arrangements must be documented and readily available to all staff involved with the pre-use check
process, this includes informing all drivers of their responsibilities to undertake pre-use checks, in writing.
Those carrying out pre-use checks and those reviewing and signing off work and / or vehicles as
serviceable must be competent and authorised to do so.

Group Companies must ensure that there is a mechanism in place to ensure that any updates and
changes to any pre-use check standards are communicated to those involved in applying and discharging
the process and that records are maintained of such training and communications.

1.1 Vehicle Pre-use Check Frequency

Group Companies must ensure that all vehicles, to be used in service, are subject to a pre-use check
immediately prior to use. A minimum of one full pre-use check must be completed on every vehicle, to be
used in service, every 24 hours. It is recommended this is completed prior to use on any given day (during
a.m. run out).

It is vitally important that time is allocated to allow these checks to be undertaken. Group Companies must
therefore ensure that time is allocated in schedules and work patterns/duties.

It is recommended that Group Companies consider the process whereby more than one driver will use the
vehicle in a 24 hour period. It is best practice for all drivers to carry out their own check to ensure the
vehicle is, and remains, roadworthy. However, it is recognised that this may not always be possible due to
health and safety reasons.

Global Maintenance Standard: Vehicle Pre-use Checks & Defect Reporting 5