bmf driver's handbook

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Driving is the most closely regulated activity undertaken by the Company’s employees and involves some of the greatest risks. This Handbook sets out best practice for ensuring compliance with the law and for minimising risk.

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Page 1: BMF Driver's Handbook

Drivers’Handbook

Issue 02October 2013

MF571

Page 2: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook2

IntroductionDriving is the most closely regulated activity undertaken by the Company’s employees and involves some of the greatest risks. This Handbook sets out best practice for ensuring compliance with the law and for minimising risk.

Company PolicyIt is Company policy to operate our vehicles safely, legally and responsibly and to take every precaution to prevent vehicle accidents. The Company relies on its drivers to implement this policy, to drive sensibly and follow the golden rules set out in this Handbook.

Our drivers and company vehicles are a mobile advertisement for our Company. It is important therefore, that you are smartly dressed and have a tidy appearance. You must show courtesy to other road users, even when provoked and display good manners at all times. The Company prides itself in the care we show the public at large.

© BMF. Images courtesy of UGS and John Nicholls. BMF would like to thank Duncan McLean of Henderson McLean Ltd for his work in the preparation of this Handbook.

Information correct at time of going to press Cctober 2013.

Before You Start

Page 3: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook 3

Before You Start

Before you startIntroduction and Company policy .......................................................................................................2Driving licences ................................................................................................................................4-5Insurance ...........................................................................................................................................6Driving standards ................................................................................................................................6Seat belts ........................................................................................................................................6-7Mobile phones ....................................................................................................................................7Medical conditions ..............................................................................................................................7Alcohol and drug abuse .....................................................................................................................8Speed limits ........................................................................................................................................8Passengers ........................................................................................................................................8Accidents and incidents ......................................................................................................................9Driving offences ..................................................................................................................................9Legal responsibilities ...........................................................................................................................9Driver fixed penalty notices .................................................................................................................9

Operational issuesCare of vehicles ................................................................................................................................11Vehicle cleanliness ............................................................................................................................11Fuel cards .........................................................................................................................................11Vehicle loads

Overloading ..................................................................................................................................11Security of loads ...........................................................................................................................11Delivering to customers ................................................................................................................11

On-street loading, unloading and parking .........................................................................................12Crane operating guidelines

Arrival on site ................................................................................................................................12Operating the crane ......................................................................................................................13Leaving the site .............................................................................................................................13Handling bulk bags .......................................................................................................................13

Health and safety ..............................................................................................................................14Vehicle security .................................................................................................................................14

Drivers’ hours and tachographsDrivers’ hours and EU rest regulations ..............................................................................................15Working Time Directive ...............................................................................................................15-16Tachographs

Analogue tachographs ..................................................................................................................16Digital tachographs .......................................................................................................................17Driver responsibilities ....................................................................................................................18Production of information, downloading and storage ....................................................................19Vehicle unit ...................................................................................................................................19Quick use guide to digital tachographs ....................................................................................20-21Confirmation of understanding ......................................................................................................22

Contents

Page 4: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook4

Driving licencesIn order to drive a Company vehicle you must be in possession of a full, valid UK licence for the category of vehicle being driven (or in possession of a relevant foreign or international licence that would permit you to drive in the UK).

Vocational licences

Category Entitlement

B A motor vehicle with a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 3.5 tonne and not more than 8 seats in addition to the driver. Drawing a trailer not exceeding 750kg

B+E A combination of a motor vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass exceeding 750kg

C A motor vehicle used for the carriage of goods and whose maximum permissible weight exceeds 3.5 tonne

C1 A motor vehicle used for the carriage of goods with a maximum authorised mass exceeding 3.5 tonne but not exceeding 7.5 tonne and including a trailer with a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 750kg

C+E A combination of a motor vehicle in category C and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass exceeding 750kg

C1+E For drivers obtaining this category with a car licence before 1 January 1997. The definition covers combination motor vehicle in category C1 and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass exceeding 750kg

Note For drivers obtaining this category with a C1+E on or after 1 January 1997. The definition covers combination of vehicle in category C1 and trailer exceeding 750kg up to a combination weight limit of 12 tonne providing the maximum allowed mass of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle

Persons authorised to drive commercial vehicles

Only approved personnel and contractors are allowed to drive vehicles on behalf of the Company. A Senior Manager of the Company is responsible for approving drivers of Company vehicles. An employee not approved cannot drive on behalf of the Company.

Note: You must not allow anyone to drive your vehicle who is not on the approved drivers’ list.

Vehicles insured by the Company can be driven by:

• Employees who drive Company vehicles as part of their duties.

• Personnel who have permission from a Senior Manager of the Company.

• Drivers aged over 18 years for small goods vehicles and vehicles up to 750kg gross vehicle weight and aged over 21 years for all other vehicles. They should have held a full GB or Northern Ireland driving licence for the category of vehicle being driven for at least one year.

The vehicle categories a driver is entitled to drive are clearly shown on their driving licence.

Before You Start

Page 5: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook 5

Driving licence audit

All approved drivers must undergo a licence audit every six months. Your licence must be shown to your Manager (not a photocopy). The Company will keep a photocopy of the complete driving licence. Failure to produce the licence when requested will result in your entitlement being suspended.

Note: You must notify your Manager of any driving convictions as soon as they occur and you must not wait for them to be picked up at the six-month check.

Renewing the photograph on your driving licence

You will need to renew the photograph on your driving licence before it expires, as it is only valid for 10 years. If you are a short period licence holder, over 70 or medical short period, you will only need to renew your photograph when your driving entitlement expires.

The renewal date can be found on the front of your licence 4b i.e. 18-08-10.

Loss of driving licence

The loss of a driving licence as a result of the penalty point procedure or a serious driving offence constitutes grounds for dismissal where an employee is required to hold a driving licence in order to carry out their duties.

A return to driving duties after a period of disqualification is at the absolute discretion of the Company.

Excluded drivers

The following people are specifically excluded from driving the Company vehicles (whether employees or not):

• Anyone not in possession of a full, valid UK licence for the category of vehicle being driven (or not in possession of a relevant foreign or international licence that would permit them to drive in the UK).

• Learner drivers (unless permission in writing has been granted by the Company and a suitable qualified driver is present).

• Anyone under the relevant age and without the experience required, for the category of vehicle being driven.

• Anyone who has been convicted of or who has pending any prosecution for a motoring offence in the following categories:

• Reckless driving/dangerous driving, causing death by dangerous driving or manslaughter.

• Driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

• Failing to stop after an accident.

• Any other offence or combination of offences, which has or might result in disqualification.

• Anyone who has been refused motor insurance (or renewal) or had a policy cancelled.

• Anyone who suffers from a medical condition that would disqualify them from holding or obtaining a relevant current driving licence.

Before You Start Before You Start

Page 6: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook6

Driver CPCThe driver CPC will apply to all new drivers acquiring a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) from September 2009.

Those drivers already holding a vocational licence will be granted grandfather rights. However, all drivers must complete 35 hours periodic training every 5 years.

This will apply to drivers who drive vehicles in categories C1, C1+E,C or C+E as they are all in scope of this regulation.

The company will arrange all necessary training.

InsuranceAll Company vehicles, including hire vehicles in the care and custody of the Company, by law are insured for liabilities to third parties with substantial excess to be paid by the Company. The actual cover may change from time to time and should you require details of insurance cover these are available from your Manager. The cost of damage to Company vehicles, hired vehicles or third party property one way or another will end up being paid by the Company. It therefore goes without saying care must be taken when driving or manoeuvring.

A copy of the insurance certificate is available from the Company.

Accident and incident reporting

It is your responsibility to ensure that all incidents, including potentially serious ‘near misses’ are reported to your Manager no later than the end of the working day or shift when the incident occurred. In the event of an accident, Managers will be involved in debriefing drivers to ensure full details of the accident are reported and recorded.

At the time of an incident

• Organisetraffictoavoidfurtherincidentsordamage.

• Callemergencyservicesifthereareanyinjuriesorinotherdangerouscircumstances.

• Organisefirstaidifapplicable.

(See page 9 for further details).

Driving standardsNo one may give an instruction to break or ignore any Traffic Regulation, neither must drivers take any instruction as a directive to break any Traffic Regulation. Drivers who have been involved in careless or repeated incidents may well be required to take part in a driver assessment and re-training programme.

All drivers are expected to drive safely and within the law. An employee who is required to drive vehicles may be instructed to attend a one-day driver training and assessment course. An employee who is considered to be an unsafe driver may be expected to undertake further training until his/her driving reaches an acceptable standard.

Employees refusing to undertake such training and/or failing to reach an acceptable standard of driving may lose the authority to drive vehicles or may have their employment terminated.

Before You Start

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Driver’s Handbook 7

Seat beltsUse of seat belts (where fitted) by Company drivers and all vehicle occupants is a condition of employment. It is the responsibility of the driver but also the duty of any employee, driver or not, to ensure that all vehicle occupants are wearing seat belts.

Exemptions

There are limited exemptions from the need to wear seat belts and these are as follows:

• Using a vehicle constructed or adapted for the delivery or collection of goods or mail while making localrounds,deliveriesorcollections(thejourneytoorfromthedeliveryareaisnotexempt).

• While performing a manoeuvre that includes reversing.

• Supervising a learner driver performing a manoeuvre including reversing.

• A person holding a valid doctor’s certificate indicating it is inadvisable on medical grounds to wear a seat belt.

• A person conducting a driving test if wearing a seat belt would endanger himself or any other person.

• A person riding in a vehicle being used under a trade licence for the purpose of investigating or remedying a mechanical fault.

Mobile phonesIt is an offence to hold a hand held phone or any other devices such as palm pilots and personal organisers whilst driving. It is not an offence to use a two-way radio while driving, however, care should be taken.

Itisillegaltousehand-heldphonesorotherdevicesintrafficjamsandattrafficlights.

However, if the phone is in a hands free cradle, drivers will be able to push a single button to activate the hands-free phone system. Phone calls should not be dialled while the vehicle is moving or stopped in a trafficjamorattrafficlights.

TheDepartmentforTransportconsidersthatemployerswouldnotbeliablejustbecausetheysuppliedaphone or because they phoned an employee who was driving.

Medical conditionsIf you have a medical condition which has become worse since your licence was issued or you have developed a new medical condition, it is your responsibility to inform your Manager and the Drivers’ Medical Unit, DVLA Swansea SA99 1TU.

You must also inform DVLA if you have had any of the following:

• An epileptic event (seizure or fit).

• Sudden attacks of disabling giddiness, fainting or blackouts.

• Severe mental handicap.

• A pacemaker, defibrillator or anti-ventricular tachycardia device fitted.

• Diabetes controlled by insulin or tablets.

Before You Start Before You Start

Page 8: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook8

Medical conditions (cont.)• Angina (heart pain) while driving.

• Parkinson’s disease.

• Any other chronic neurological condition.

• A serious problem with memory.

• Amajororminorstroke.

• Any type of brain surgery, brain tumour.

• Severeheadinjuryinvolvingin-patienttreatmentathospital.

• Any severe psychiatric illness or mental disorder.

• Continuing/permanent difficulty in the use of arms or legs which affects your ability to control a vehicle.

• Dependency on or misuse of alcohol, illicit drugs or chemical substances in the past three years (do not include drink/driving offences).

• Any visual disability that affects both eyes (do not declare short/long sight or colour blindness).

• Any heart condition or heart operation.

• Sight in only one eye.

• Any visual problems affecting either eye.

Alcohol and drug abuseDriving a Company vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any illicit drugs or narcotics is strictly prohibitedandsubjecttodisciplinaryaction,whichmayresultindismissal.

Speed limitsItisimportanttobuildinsufficienttravellingtimeintoyourjourneytomaintainstrictcompliancewithallspeed limits.

Speed limits for the main classes of vehicles

Vehicle Class Motorways Dual carriageways

Other roads

Cars, car-derived vans 70 70 60

Cars, car-derived vans when drawing a trailer

60 60 50

Rigid goods vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes GVW

70 60 50

Goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and goods vehicles drawing a trailer where the combined laden weight exceeds 7.5 tonnes

60* 50 40

*Speed limiter requirements may limit a vehicle’s maximum speed to 56 mph

Before You Start

Page 9: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook 9

Note

• The above are maximum speed limits. There are often lower limits in force and these should be strictly observed.

• Small vans such as the Ford Transit Connect are not a car derived van, these vehicles are goods vehicles and therefore the goods vehicle speed limits for vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes must be observed.

PassengersYou are not allowed to carry passengers not employed by the Company in a Company vehicle unless specifically instructed to do so by the Company. Formal disciplinary procedures will be followed if a driver contravenes this instruction.

Carrying live animals in the vehicle is strictly forbidden.

Accidents and incidents

Legal requirements

• Stop!

• Give your name and the address of the Company to anyone having reasonable grounds for requiring it.

• Exchange registration numbers.

• Thepolicemustbecalledifthereareanypersonalinjuriessustained.Itisadvisable to call them if the accident is serious or you suspect any driver of being under the influence of drink or drugs.

• Contact your Manager to report the incident.

• Admit responsibility or liability.

• Sign any documents, other than a European Statement (for drivers from other EU countries).

• Make payments or any offers of payment.

In the event of an incident, drivers must obtain the following information:

• Time.

• Names and addresses of all witnesses.

• Road and lighting conditions.

• Third party driver’s name and address.

• Third party’s insurers and policy number.

• Name and number of any attending Police Officer.

• A brief sketch of the scene of the accident, showing positions of vehicles before and after impact and any relevant signs, etc.

Failure to report damage or loss promptly may invalidate the Company’s insurance policy, in which case drivers may be held personally liable.

Before You Start Before You Start

DO

DON’T

Page 10: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook10

Driving offencesIt is worth reminding drivers that most offences refer to both driver and Company. Drivers are responsible for paying their fines, which may range from £250 to £1000 for offences relating to overloading, drivers’ hours, tachographs, insecure loads and not observing weight restrictions.

The Company does not pay fines for drivers convicted of driving offences. If you are unclear on any part of this policy or your responsibilities you should contact your Manager.

Legal responsibilitiesYou are legally responsible for your actions on the road, and for your compliance with all Traffic Regulations. You are responsible for reporting all defects on your vehicle which cause the vehicle to contravene regulations. If there is any doubt about a vehicle’s roadworthiness, it should not be driven on public roads or on sites until the problem has been resolved.

Driver Fixed Penalty NoticesTheVehicleandOperatorServicesAgency(VOSA)officersandpolicehavetheauthoritytoissuefixedpenaltiesattheroadside.Fixedpenaltieswillbesetatdifferentamountsdependingontheoffence.Additionally,differentlevelsoffixedpenaltywillbesetforthesameoffencetoreflectthelevelofoffending.

Officers will be able to issue fixed penalty notices for the following categories of offence.

• Overloading

• Drivers’hoursandtachographrecords

• Roadworthinessandstatutorytesting

• Driverlicensing

• Europeancommunityauthorisationandlicences

• Vehicleexciseduty.

Before You Start

Page 11: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook 11

Care of vehiclesAt all times, it remains the responsibility of the driver of a Company vehicle to ensure that the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition. You MUST carry out daily checks of the vehicle you are driving using the Vehicle Daily Check and Defect Report provided before the start of any driving duty. If a lorry mounted crane is fitted, the crane must be checked for damage and oil leaks. The vehicle report sheet should be used to report any crane faults or defects. You must not assume that someone else has checked the vehicle. Any defects or damage to the vehicle, however caused, must be notified to your Manager.

Vehicle cleanlinessYour vehicle is a travelling advertisement for the Company, so please keep it clean inside and out.

Fuel cardsIf Company commercial vehicles are issued with a ‘fuel card’ this must only be used to purchase vehicle fuel, and in emergencies engine oil. Drivers must give the correct odometer reading to the garage attendant when transactions are made. The correct odometer reading is essential as vehicle fuel consumption is monitored. The fuel card and fuel transaction tickets MUST be returned to your Manager at the end of each day with the vehicle keys.

Vehicle loadsOverloading

• It is an offence to use a vehicle on the Public Highway in an overloaded condition. The overloading can be on front or rear axles as well as the gross vehicle weight and each are seen as separate offences. Drivers are responsible for ensuring the vehicle being driven is not overloaded. If in doubt consult your Manager and arrange to have the vehicle weight checked at the nearest weighbridge.

Security of loads

• It is an offence to use a vehicle without the load being secured to the vehicle.

• All products, timber, sheet materials, packs of bricks and blocks, etc. must be secured no matter how far the vehicle is travelling.

• Load retaining straps, ropes and sheets are all provided, please make sure these are used.

Delivering to customers

• Should a customer request that the goods be unloaded on the public highway, or if it is necessary to drive the vehicle over the public footpath in order to unload the goods onto a driveway or where unforeseen damage might occur to a surrounding property, you should ask the customer to sign a statement on the delivery note that the action will be at their request and at their risk.

Before You Start Operational issues

Page 12: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook12

On-street loading, unloading and parkingYou should not stop to load or unload:

• Where all stopping is prohibited, for example, clearways, pedestrian crossings and double white lines.

• Where there is a loading ban.

You must not stop:

• If causing unnecessary obstruction, for example opposite another vehicle or road island.

• In a dangerous position, for example, on a bend or bridge.

Loading and unloading restrictions are shown on signposts at intervals along the kerb.

Loading and unloading is allowed in ‘No Parking’ streets, but the following rules apply:

• Drivers can only stop to load or unload and for no other purpose. Drivers must be able to prove they are acting within the rules and are entitled to stop.

• Police officers and traffic wardens have the right to move on a vehicle at any time if it is causing an obstruction.

Crane operating guidelinesBefore the start of duty the crane must be checked for damage, defects and oil leaks.

Arrival on site

Lorry mounted crane operators need to be aware of risks and dangers when operating the crane at all times.

• Personal protective equipment must be worn at all times.

• Highvisibilityjacketsmustbewornatalltimes.

• When unloading near schools or play areas call upon help to keep area clear.

• Ensure truck is positioned on firm and level ground.

• Ensure that there are no overhead power lines in the vicinity, a minimum of 9 metres from a power pole and 6 metres from any cables.

• Keep clear of scaffolding, walls, and any obstructions.

• Keep clear of manhole covers.

• Keep clear of open excavations.

• Ensure that you have clear vision all-round.

• Hazard lights must be used.

• Unloading area must be coned off.

• Ensurejackextensionsarefullyextendedbothsides,andthenlowerjackstojusttouchingtheground and close shut off valves. (Lower one leg at a time) DO NOT JACK UP TRUCK.

• Ifoperatingontarmacorunmadeground,useheavytimberunderjackfeetasasupport.

• Ensure you know the exact weight of what is to be lifted.

Operational issues

Page 13: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook 13

Crane operating guidelines (continued)Operating the crane

• Carefully study and familiarise yourself with the control levers.

• Do not work with load over your head.

• Use control levers gently and progressively, particularly the slew lever. Do not lower loads too fast.

• Do not push hydraulic extension out with weights beyond safe working load. (Crane will lock out).

• Always keep loads close to the ground where possible.

Leaving the site

• Lower boom to minimum height or fold up Crane.

• Retractstabiliserjacks,andpushinjackextensions.

• Ensurejackextensionsarelockedintobeam.

• Disengage power take-off before driving off.

• Walk round truck before leaving site to ensure you are safe to travel.

Handling bulk bags

• Care must be taken when loading and unloading bulk aggregate bags. Bags should not be discharged by the driver.

• The loops of the bag must be hooked to the brick grab by the hooks provided, bags must never be lifted by the gripper rails.

• Do not drag a full bag off the platform body.

Health and safety

Operational issues Operational issues

Page 14: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook14

YoumustatalltimesusetheprotectiveclothingissuedbytheCompany,suchashighvisibilityjacketsor waistcoats, hard hats, safety boots and gloves. Any defective personal protective equipment should be reported to your Manager.

• Use the steps on the vehicle that are provided to get on and off the vehicle at all times. Jumping off the back of a vehicle is the highest cause of accidents in our industry.

JUMP FROM THE LORRY PLATFORM AND ALWAYS USE THE STEPS WHEN GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE CAB

Vehicle securitySecurity of the vehicle in your care or which you use is vital.

Please ensure you take all possible precautions to avoid the vehicle or its load being stolen or tampered with.

• Park the vehicle where it can be clearly seen.

• Lock all doors and windows (even if leaving the vehicle for a few moments in the branch).

• Use your Alarm/Immobilizer even if the vehicle is left for a few minutes.

Remember: The Company Insurance will not cover the loss of personal effects if the vehicle is broken into or stolen. Losses of this nature may be covered by your own insurance.

• Leave valuables or possessions in the cab, as this may encourage a thief to break in.

• Leave your Radio/Mobile Phone. If they are portable do not leave them in the vehicle unattended.

Operational issues

DO

DON’T

DON’T

Page 15: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook 15

Drivers’ hours and EU rest regulationsYou should be fully aware of the tachograph rules on drivers’ hours and it is your responsibility not to exceed these.

• Maximum driving before a break is 4.5 hours.

• Maximum daily driving is 9 hours, this can be extended to 10 hours twice per week.

• Daily rest of 45 minutes at or before the end of 4.5 hours continuous or cumulative driving. The 45 minute break may be split into two breaks, the first being at least 15 minutes long and the second at least 30 minutes.

Note

• Any break under 15 minutes is not a statutory break.

• Rest periods must be taken in line with legal requirements. Tachographs will be regularly checked to ensure that drivers do not exceed the regulated hours.

Tiredness, fatigue and stress (be it derived from work, domestic or social circumstances) can adversely affect safe driving ability. The Company recommends that drivers give due regard to this and do not drive if they believe they are unfit to do so.

Daily and weekly rest

In addition to drivers’ hours regulations, drivers driving under EU regulations must also observe the regulation that governs daily and weekly rest.

Daily rest

Drivers must have 11 hours rest in any period of 24 hours, this can be reduced to 9 hours not more than three times in any one week.

Weekly rest

• Rest must be taken after no more than 6 successive periods of 24 hours following the last weekly rest period of 45 hours. This can be reduced to 24 hours at base or away from base. A full regular 45 hours rest is required in any two consecutive weeks.

• Any reductions in weekly rest must be compensated en-bloc before the end of the third week following the week of the reduction. The period of compensation must be attached to another rest period of at least 9 hours long.

Note A driver no longer needs to compensate for any reduction in hours of daily rest period. The changes to drivers’ hours and rest do not affect the Working Time Directive where a driver can only work an average of 48 hours per week in a 17 week reference period.

Operational issues Drivers’ hours and tachographs

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Working Time DirectiveWho is affected?

DriverswhoaresubjecttoEUdrivers’hoursandtachographrules.Inotherwordsalldriversofvehicles with a gross vehicle weight over 3500kg.

Average working time

Drivers or other employees affected by this regulation can only work an average of 48 hours in a week. This average of 48 hours is taken over a reference period of 17 weeks. The reference period for calculating the 48 hour average working may be extended from 17 weeks to a maximum 26 weeks under a collective or workforce agreement.

Working for other companies

It is generally accepted that employees can have part time employment with other employers in evenings and at weekends.

When employed as a driver and involved in driving goods vehicles for the Company any time spent working for other employers must be taken into account. As your full time employer, the Company must be advised of any other employment you have. If driving is involved the time spent driving may well affect the total hours you are permitted to drive. If driving is not involved other work may affect drivers daily and weekly breaks. See section on daily and weekly rest. The Working Time Directive involving mobile workers which became effective from March 2005 now means that you have to advise the Company in writing if you have other employment.

TachographsIt is your responsibility to ensure the vehicle tachograph is working and used properly.

There are now 2 different types of tachographs in use. The analogue instrument in different forms has been in use for over 20 years. From May 2006 all new vehicles have been fitted with a digital tachograph.

Tachograph Charts

Drivers must be able to produce tachograph charts for the current day and the previous 28 calendar days. You may not have any more than 42 days used charts.

Analogue tachographs

The centre field of the chart must be completed properly with:

• First and second names.

• Place, start and finish of duty.

• Date, start and finish of duty.

• Vehicle registration number.

• Start and finish odometer readings.

• Total distance covered in period of duty (optional).

The mode switch must be used to record driving, other work, rest and periods of availability. Even if the tachograph is on ‘automatic’ the mode switch must be used.

Drivers’ hours and tachographs

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Driver’s Handbook 17

The introduction of the Working Time Directive for mobile workers in 2005 has meant that drivers’ tachograph charts are the source of the information required to record drivers’ working time. For this reason the correct use of the mode switch is important.

When using both analogue and digital equipment, ‘other work’ must be recorded under the crossed hammers symbol only. The packing case symbol can only be used to record periods of availability. The ‘bed’ symbol must be used to record daily rest.

On both automatic analogue and digital tachographs the driving mode is engaged as soon as the vehicle moves. The other modes must be selected by using the mode button on the tachograph.

Digital tachographs

To operate and use a digital tachograph, drivers will need to have a digital tachograph ‘driver card’:

Driver card

The driver smart card is a personal document and must never be given to anyone other than the Company for downloading the information it contains. The driver must therefore always carry his driver cardwithhimorher,justliketheirdrivinglicence.

Your driver card must be handed over to the company for downloading at regular intervals or in the following circumstances

• Every28calendardays

• Immediatelybeforeyouceasetobeemployed

• Withoutdelayuponbeingawarethatthecardhasbeendamagedorismalfunctioning,ifitispossible to download data

• Withoutdelayinanycircumstanceswhereitisreasonablyforeseeablethatdatawillbeerasedimminently

• Whereitisonlypossibletodownloadthecardviaavehicleunit(e.g.ifthecardisstuck),immediately before ceasing control of the use of the vehicle.

Drivers’ hours and tachographs Drivers’ hours and tachographs

Page 18: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook18

Driver card applications

Application forms D777B are available from the DVLA, DVLA Local Offices and VOSA Testing Stations, or they can be downloaded from the DVLA website www.dvla.gov.uk

Return the completed form with any relevant documentation (if applicable) and the fee to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1ST.

Cost of driver cards

Transaction Driver card

Card Application £38

Renewal £19

Replacement – Lost/Stolen

£19

Exchange £0

Malfunction £0

How long do cards last?

Both driver and Company cards (which are used for company admin and servicing activities) are valid for 5 years. If the driver card is lost, stolen or stops working during that period a new card will be issued for the existing validity period of the original.

What information is held on the driver card?

• Surname. • Card start date.

• First names. • Card expiry date.

• Address. • Issuing authority.

• Birth date. •Photograph.

• Signature. •Driving licence number.

What happens if a card is lost or stolen?

The loss or theft must be reported to the local card Issuing Authority. In the United Kingdom this is the DVLA.

You need to telephone DVLA to request the replacement card, paying by credit or debit card or you need to complete an application form and send it with the relevant fee to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AZ. You will need to apply within 7 calendar days for a replacement.

Drivers’ hours and tachographs

Page 19: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook 19

What happens in the meantime?

You may continue to drive without a driver card for a maximum period of 15 calendar days or for a longer period if this is necessary for the vehicle to return to its premises, provided you can prove the impossibility of producing or using the card during this period.

DVLA will issue a new card to either your nearest DVLA Local Office or VOSA Testing Station (your choice) for personal collection and signing of a declaration. You will need to produce proof of identity, such as:

• Passport.

• Driving Licence.

Driver responsibilities

• Be able to operate analogue & digital tachographs.

• Be able to produce your driver card (if you have one).

• Be able to produce tachograph charts for the current week and the previous 15 calendar days.

• If having driven a vehicle with a digital tachograph you must be able to produce print outs for the current week and the previous 15 calendar days.

• Understand the digital tachograph functionality.

• Understand the pictograms and menu scrolling.

• Manually enter data.

• Operate printer and evaluate printouts.

Production of information, downloading and storage

When driving a vehicle fitted with an analogue or digital tachograph you must be able to produce:

• Your driver card (if you hold one).

• Where you have driven a vehicle fitted with an analogue tachograph, charts for the whole of the current fixed week and for the previous 15 calendar days.

Drivers’ hours and tachographs Drivers’ hours and tachographs

Page 20: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook20

• Any manual records or legally required printouts kept in relation to the current fixed week and the previous 15 calendar days.

• Mandatory downloading from digital tachograph vehicle units and driver cards at least at the frequency stipulated by Department for Transport , or more often to ensure data is not lost.

• Downloaded digital data must be kept for at least 12 months following its recording.

• You must also carry sufficient unused charts (no less than 4) and a spare printer roll of paper.

Vehicle Unit

Youmustbeawarethatthevehicleunithastobedownloadedbythecompanyatregularintervalsorunderthefollowingcircumstances

• Every56calendardays

• Immediatelybeforeyouceasetobeemployed

• Withoutdelayuponpermanentlyremovingtheunitfromserviceinthevehicle

• Withoutdelayuponbecomingawarethattheunitismalfunctioning,ifitispossibletodownloaddata

• Withoutdelayinanycircumstanceswhereitisreasonablyforeseeablethatdatawillbeerasedimminently

The above download periods are the maximum. There is no reason why the download can not take place more often.

As a good working practice the downloading periods should be for vehicle units every 6 weeks and for driver cards every 2 weeks.

Drivers’ hours and tachographs

Page 21: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook 21

Quick use guide to digital tachographsStart of Day

Actions required of a driver at the beginning of a driving shift having done no work that requires a manual entry.

• InsertDriverCard

• View–Welcomescreen

• View–Lastcardwithdrawal

• Question–M(Manual)entryadditionScroll▲▼ to NO?

•PressOK

• Question–BegincountryUK?

•PressOK

• Defaultscreen

End of day

Actionsrequiredtobetakenbythedriverattheendofadrivingshiftwhenthedriverneedstoejecthis driver card and at the same time produce a printout.

• Press–Ejectbutton

• Question–EndCountryUK?

•PressOK

• TachographWritestoCard

• Question–24h(symbol)DayYES?

•PressOK

• Printoutstartsandcardeject

Drivers’ hours and tachographs Drivers’ hours and tachographs

Page 22: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook22

Manual entries

Actions required to be taken by the driver at the beginning of a shift when manual entries need to be made, i.e. end time of the previous shift and the start time of new shift.

• InsertDriverCard

• ViewWelcomeScreen

• ViewLastCardWithdrawal

• M(Manual)entryadditionUseScrollButton▲▼ to YES?

•PressOK

• EndofShift▲▼ (Last Card Date/time) NO?

•PressOK

• UseScrollbutton▲▼ To enter end time

•PressOK

• UseScrollButton▲▼ To select mode

•PressOK

• QuestionEndofShiftUseScrollButton▲▼ YES?

•PressOK

• QuestionEndCountryUK?

•PressOK

• QuestionBegin(Date&CardInsertionTime)

• UseScrollbutton▲▼ to enter start time (The time will not go past the time the card was inserted)

• QuestionEndCountryUK?

•PressOK

• Thetachographwillshowstarttimeyousetandonlyallowsyoutoentertimesuptothetimethecard was inserted

• SetTimebyusingscrollbutton▲▼

• SelectModebyusingmodebutton▲▼

•PressOK

• ConfirmEntryYES?

•PressOK

Note Manual entries are always made in UTC, not local time. In the UK UTC = Greenwich Mean Time. In the summer, local time is UTC -1 hour. Example In the summer, the tachograph clock will read 8.00hrs. When making a manual entry the tachograph will read (8.00hrs -1 hr. Therefore the manual entry will start at 7.00hrs).

Drivers’ hours and tachographs

Page 23: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook 23

Drivers’ hours and tachographs Drivers’ hours and tachographs

Print outs

The vehicle ignition must be switched on and the vehicle stationary.

From the main display (showing time, duty mode and vehicle mileage) Scroll down to Main Menu Display.

•PressOK

• Displaywillshow“PRINTOUT”driver1

•PressOK

• Printerwillstart

• Whenprintisfinished

•Press➝ on scroll button to return to main display

End of day

• Press–Ejectbutton

• EndCountryUK?

•PressOK

• TachographWritestoCard

• 24h(symbol)DayYES?

•PressOK

• Printoutstartsandcardejects

Menu button

Scroll up ▲

Scroll down ▼

OK OK

Return ➝

Modes

Driving and other work

Availability

Rest

Page 24: BMF Driver's Handbook

Driver’s Handbook24

Before you start

❏ Introduction and Company policy ❏ Alcohol and drug abuse

❏ Driving licences ❏ Speed limits

❏ Insurance ❏ Passengers

❏ Driving standards ❏ Accidents and incidents

❏ Seat belts ❏ Driving offences

❏ Mobile phones ❏ Legal responsibilities

❏ Medical conditions

Operational issues

❏ Care of vehicles ❏ On-street loading, unloading and parking

❏ Vehicle cleanliness ❏ Crane operating guidelines

❏ Fuel cards ❏ Health and safety

❏ Vehicle loads ❏ Vehicle security

Drivers’ hours and tachographs

❏ Drivers’ hours and EU rest regulations

❏ Working Time Directive

❏ Tachographs

❏ Quick use guide to digital tachographs

I have read and understood the Drivers’ Handbook and do not have any further questions at this time.

I understand I have a legal duty to drive responsibly and to report any vehicle faults and accidents/incidents to my Manager without delay.

Signed Date:

EMPLOYEE: Please complete and give a photocopy to your Manager for their records.

Confirmation of Understanding

Page 25: BMF Driver's Handbook

Confirmation of Understanding

1180 Elliott Court, Coventry Business ParkHerald Avenue, Coventry CV5 6UB

Tel: 02476 854980 Fax: 02476 854981Email: [email protected]

www.bmf.org.uk