Why HGV Safety Checks Are More Than a Legal Requirement
Looking after you and your company's HGV is more than just a reasonable expectation; it's also a legal obligation. These checks include both interior and exterior inspections and are regularly performed to ensure they're roadworthy and in excellent condition. Will Pringle, a truck expert from used truck dealer Smith Bros, says: "HGV safety inspections are not merely a tick-box exercise; they are a mandatory legal assessment that guarantees the safety of a vehicle for the driver.
Legally required by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) of the UK, these checks ensure compliance with the law and could lead to serious consequences if not carried out. Penalties for non-compliance could include fines or a suspension of a fleet licence if there is a lack of communication and adherence." "One of the most important documents for any HGV owner should be the DVSA HGV inspection manual.
This handbook details everything you need to know about the inspection itself, including a step-by-step checklist that takes you through how to prepare your vehicle for an evaluation, how to carry it out and how to look after your vehicle going forward." Will goes on to share a step-by-step HGV safety inspection checklist...
Check the interior of your truck
The maintenance of safety features such as seatbelts, airbags, and door locks should be checked during interior inspections. Seatbelts must not be damaged and must be securely fitted to the seat.
Make sure airbags are in perfect working order. A missing or disconnected airbag is considered a major fault in the inspection. No matter what type of vehicle you're seeking, whether a crane truck or a flatbed for sale, interior safety and comfort should not be overlooked.
Seats must be be structurally sound and fit perfectly without any defects. Adjustment mechanisms must also be functioning correctly. Mirrors should be free from long-term damage or decay.
There should be the correct number and types of mirrors, with the brackets that attach the mirror to the cab in perfect condition. Finally, check the dashboard features. The horn must be operational, easily accessible to the driver, and loud enough for other road users to hear.
The speedometer and other dials must be perfectly readable without any obstruction. They should also be in excellent working order and must illuminate when necessary.
Complete exterior checks
It is vital that the health of your wheels and tyres is maintained, as failure to do so will harm your HGV's fuel efficiency. Check for any damage to the wheel itself, including any visible elongation of a stud hole.
You should also ensure that the tyres are of the correct size and have no major wear, bulges, or tears. Assessing your vehicle's suspension is a vital part of the HGV safety inspection checklist. Suspension should be inspected regularly for fractures or cracks, which would be a serious issue if found.
Likewise, if the suspension appears unsafe to the extent that detachment could happen, this should be addressed immediately. Especially for HGVs, regular brake maintenance is essential as wear and tear are very common. The entire braking system should be inspected, including the brake drums, pipes, and reservoir, with each part checked for corrosion, misalignment, wear, and general damage.
As well as ensuring all lamps, including headlights, rear fog lamps, and brake lights, are clean and functional, they should also be tested for long-term safety. During the check, it must be confirmed that lamps are correctly positioned and unlikely to become detached; they must also display the correct colour. Because of the heavy weight and high power required for HGV haulage, transmission systems can endure more strain and potential damage over time.
Flange bolts should be checked to ensure they are secure. Additionally, they need to be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary.
Dealing with HGV defects
Once your HGV safety inspection checklist has been completed, all defects must be documented and reported, and appropriate corrective action should be taken. If a dangerous defect that poses a serious safety risk is identified, the vehicle must not be driven until the fault is rectified.
Daily walkarounds, which involve a thorough inspection of your vehicle, should be performed to ensure that any minor issues are closely monitored, thereby maintaining your fleet's safety.
More Information:
Smith Bros - https://www.smithbrosltd.co.uk
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