Page 67 - National Express_ GMStands

2.0 Management of Defects

Group Companies must ensure that there is a written policy for the management of defects that are
identified as part of any pre-use checks. Defect management must include policies to repair and rectify
defects that fall below legislative requirements prior to vehicles being released for service.

This policy must also cover the criteria and process for defects that can be deferred for attention at a later
date due to parts or labour shortages for example, but do not deem the vehicles as not roadworthy.

It is vital that ALL defects identified during pre-use checks are reviewed, a decision made and signed off by
a competent and authorised engineer or designated person, prior to the vehicles being used in service.

Where Group Companies expect drivers to repair or sign off vehicle effects there must be a record of
training undertaken to demonstrate their competence to do so.

2.1 Rectification of Defects

Each Group Company must, as part of the vehicle pre-use check policy, have a documented policy on
requirements for rectification of defects. Identified defects must be assessed and rectified accordingly
depending on severity and risk, as defined below:

Defects that fall below minimum, local, legal requirements must be rectified immediately, and in all cases
before the vehicle is released for service.
Defects that pose any safety risks must be rectified immediately, and in all cases before the vehicle is
released for service.
Fuel leaks are not to be tolerated and must be repaired.

Faults may be identified as part of pre-use checks that are defined as defects that do not require immediate
repair and which may be advisory in nature. If these are not considered to be defects they may be signed
off as serviceable and noted accordingly, for example, “old panel damage”.

Some defects will require additional inspection to determine their severity and the impact on
roadworthiness, these defects must be reviewed, a decision made and action taken before being signed off
releasing the vehicle for service.

2.2 Defect Deferral

Each Group Company must ensure they have a written policy that details the criteria for deferral of defects
identified during the pre-use check. As a minimum this policy will be aligned to legislative requirements
regarding roadworthiness (or prohibitable) defects, statutory annual test failure items (or equivalent) and
safety defects. In short, where defects affect the roadworthiness or safety of the vehicle they must not be
deferred.

Global Maintenance Standard: Vehicle Pre-use Checks & Defect Reporting 7