Avoiding incidents on the highway 28 September • Durham

Es Shepherd Head of Member Advice FTA

What are the common issues and incidents? This presentation looks at…. Highways England incident data insecure loads load strap incidents fuel leaks tyres brakes wheels warning lamps And of course… Advice on avoiding these types of incidents

Highways England 2015 incident data ALL incidents 75,371 - Up 11% from 2013 Shed loads 181 – Reduced 35% from 2013 Strap incidents 4,380 – Up 9.5% from 2014 Fuel spillages 533 – up 55% from 2013

Load securing Compliance has improved But.. Issues continue Curtain side vehicles EN 12642XL interpretation ‘Our loads don’t move’ DVSA and industry guidance published to help

Curtain side vehicles & EN12642 XL DVSA accept EN12642 XL standard bodies to meet the minimum 50% load capability to the side - Without additional load restraint Providing the load is ‘POSITIVE FIT’ Which means…. Loaded to the headboard Full width of the body Minimal gap to rear doors The approval certificate stipulates the loading requirements The standard applies to the whole body structure, not the curtains !!

Curtain side vehicle operators – a question….. Will your method of load securing prevent this?

Other types of vehicle are not unaffected…

Strap incidents Highways England data Strap incidents are increasing 2015 – 9.5% increase on 2014 around 1,100 hrs of road network lane disruption Major hazard in live lanes accident impact on other vehicles collision avoidance reactive manoeuvres tyre punctures impact damage – fuel tanks etc

Strap incidents What are the issues? Stating the obvious… Incorrect positioning/application Incorrect tensioning Poor condition Not so obvious… Lack of in use checks during transit, load settlement etc. And often the overlooked… Stowage of straps on the vehicle

Fuel leaks and spillages Fuel tank rupture in accidents – unforeseen and unavoidable incidents Fuel tanks are ‘type approved’ Type Approval includes pressure testing Collisions tests Strict requirements on sealing and venting However, side impact testing is not a requirement fuel tanks are vulnerable to impact damage

Fuel leaks and spillages Some fuel spill incidents are avoidable Fuel tank caps Tank cap seals ‘Temporary’ / Non Approved tank caps Fuel tank cap requirements Must be - Automatic opening/closing non-removable, or Tethered/chained, or Lockable, with ignition key Key only removable in locked position Non-Approved caps –issue???? Auxiliary fuel tanks?

Fuel leaks - enforcement DVSA enforcement action – fuel leaks Amended and more stringent Immediate Prohibition fuel leak defective cap/seal IMMEDIATE PROHIBITION

Tyre incidents What are issues? Overheat Overload Under inflation Catastrophic failure Excess wear & cord exposure Did you see any truck tyre carcass debris on your journey today?

Tyre incidents Driver walk around checks Tread depths Pressures Wear and defects Often overlooked? Inner tyres on twin assemblies Mis-matched tyres

Clicker pad question - Tyre pressures What is your company policy on driver checks on tyres for correct inflation? Visual check by driver Use of tyre pressure gauges by driver Use of Tyre Pressure Monitoring Equipment No policy

Tyre incidents Maintenance providers – considerations Inspection interval 6 week/12 week Workshop air supply 120psi? Policy on under inflated tyres?

Industry guidance Recently published Copy in delegate packs PDF on FTA Website

Brake incidents Issues include: overheating component failure binding brake

Brake incidents Binding trailer brakes – very common issue Often emergency coupling wear Service coupling checked for lift at annual test Emergency coupling isn’t!

Wheel issues Remains an industry issue Issues are usually maintenance related Driver checks are vital Follow the FTA guidance

Warning lamps - Question for clicker pads ABS/EBS warning lamps are a big issue A driver reports in with ABS warning lamp on, what actions do you take? Instruct the driver to continue with their daily driving and report the defect at the end of shift Instruct the driver to drive to the nearest maintenance facility for investigation Instruct the driver to stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so and arrange for roadside assistance Instruct the driver to continue driving to their next destination and arrange for roadside assistance on arrival

Warning lamps Discussion… Driver reports in with ABS warning lamp on, what action do you take? What does the law state? What action will DVSA take? Does the lamp colour make any difference? What if it is EBS?

ABS / EBS Warning lamps FTA successfully negotiated pragmatic DVSA action based on what the law states FTA guidance Briefing Note DVSA Memo DVSA Categorisation of Defects amendment

Summary Many incidents on the highway are avoidable Vehicle maintenance and driver checks/action Major factor Consequences have major impact Operator licence Prohibitions Prosecutions Other road users Network closures Environmental impacts Corporate image