• Planned maintenance is key to keeping authorised vehicles fit and serviceable.
• The operator remains ultimately responsible for safe, roadworthy vehicles regardless of who performs the work.
• Failure can result in prohibition notices, prosecution of the operator/driver and ultimately loss of the operator’s licence.

APPENDIX 1 DRIVERS’ VEHICLE DEFECT REPORT

• Daily/shift checklist includes fuel/oil leaks, lights, brakes/brake lines, battery, reflectors/markers, coupling security, tyres/wheel fixing, indicators, electrical connections, spray suppression, wipers/washers, ABS/EBS, steering, body/wings, load security, vehicle height, registration plates, mirrors/glass/visibility, excessive smoke, cab/interior/seat belts, air build-up/leaks, AdBlue where required, and warning lamps/MIL.
• Write 'NIL' when no defects are found; record defects and rectification and obtain the required signatures.

APPENDIX 2 LORRY MOUNTED CRANE DAILY SHIFT INSPECTION

Visual Checks

• Load charts and symbols.
• Hydraulic fluid level.
• Mounting bolts.
• Hydraulic-system leaks.
• Boom cracks or dents.
• Winch and wire rope, where applicable.
• Load hook for stretch/wear and safety latch.

Operational Checks

• Control levers centre with PTO disengaged.
• Remote control system, where fitted.
• Outrigger-beam latches and locks.
• Other attachments are operational and defect-free.

Work Site Pre-operational Checks

• Firm, level ground.
• Outriggers fully extended and support legs on supplemental pads.
• Wheels checked where necessary.
• Load weights and rigging checked against the crane load chart.
• Proper rigging procedures used.
• No unauthorised personnel in the operating zone.
• Boom/load kept clear of people and objects.
• Signal person assigned where necessary.
• Work area checked; problems reported to supervisor.

APPENDIX 3 SAFETY INSPECTION INTERVALS

• Lightly loaded vehicles/easy operating conditions: 13 to 6 weeks.
• General haulage/trunking: 10 to 5 weeks.
• Arduous work/constant heavy loads: 8 to 4 weeks.
• Off-road/difficult conditions: 4 weeks.
• Vehicles 12 years or older: 6 weeks.
• The material specifically states that vehicles and trailers 12 years or older should have a safety inspection every 6 weeks irrespective of distance travelled.
• The graph is based on operating conditions and average annual distance, but the inspection schedule is expressed as a time interval.