V6 Standard
Left: Daily walkaround checks now cover other vehicle-specific components
Words: Trevor Gehlcken
UPDATED FORS STANDARD - V6 HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Language is clarified and ambiguity removed, along with other important changes
T
he new FORS Standard v6 is due to come into force on 1 July – and while the changes represent evolution rather than revolution, there are nevertheless some fundamental differences which FORS operators need to be aware of. The alterations have been made to reflect recent changes in regulation and industry best practice, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. The effective date of 1 July means that your operation will be audited against version 6 if your: • Bronze audit date is on or after 1 July 2022 • Silver and Gold application submission date is on or after 1 July 2022. The new Standard only features minor changes from the current FORS Standard and has been revised to: • Recognise progress and innovation
24
|
S T A N D A R D
M A G A Z I N E
that FORS operators have led the way on • Reduce repetition and duplication across specific requirements • Clarify language and remove ambiguity where needed • Consider the impact of the pandemic on operational practices. These changes help ensure you can more easily demonstrate commitment to reducing road risk, environmental impact and operational efficiency. A full list of the changes are listed at Annex 6 of the new Standard. There are no changes to the mandatory driver and manager training requirements listed at Annexes 1 and 2 respectively. Bronze At FORS Bronze, there are changes to the requirements across all four sections of the Standard. The main revisions are:
summer 2022
• Management: there is a new table at Annex 3 to support M1 FORS Documentation. This identifies all of the policies, procedures and risk assessments required for accreditation. At M5 Communications, drivers are now required to declare that they acknowledge their individual responsibilities. M7 Regulatory licensing now recognises the emergence of regional and city vehicle permits for safety and environmental standards and FORS operators are required to report any sanctions to licences or permits that may affect their accreditation • Vehicles: the first use inspection procedures at V1 Serviceability and roadworthiness must now include any vehicles that are leased and loaned. V2 Daily walkaround checks now cover other vehicle-specific components
