Haulier NEWSLETTER
In this issue...
You said - we did
Driver qualification cards
Hard hats with chin straps
Direct Vision Standard (DVS)
Safety in the sun
Interacting with protesters
In this issue...
You said - we did
Driver qualification cards
Hard hats with chin straps
Direct Vision Standard (DVS)
Safety in the sun
Interacting with protesters
It was highlighted that the facilities at one of our Southwest plants was not to a standard that was expected with issues like:
• Not cleaned
• No toilet paper
• Rubbish everywhere.
They also highlighted the kitchen area locked so cannot make a hot drink use the microwave or nothing.
Site management have investigated and made the necessary changes and made great improvements. A Big Thank You first for highlighting issue and second for plant investigating issue and making the necessary changes.
September 2024 is the anniversary for many drivers of goods vehicles with Driver Qualification Cards (DQCs) due to expire, as it is the end of the third five-year cycle since Driver CPC was introduced in 2009 for drivers of goods vehicles.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued a reminder this week, as many drivers still requiring periodic training to renew their DQC need to complete their 35 hours of training at the same time. In August and September 2019, the end of the last five-year cycle, the volume of training required was three times higher than usual, according to DVSA data.
Any drivers who do not complete their periodic training by the expiry date of their DQC will not be able to drive in-scope of Driver CPC.
By 1st October 2024 it will be mandatory for all drivers and contractors to have safety helmets with chin straps. In the North & Scotland this has been in place since end of June.
Centurian concept roofer white vented reduced-peak slip-ratchet helmet + TA23
Centurian Nexus EN 397 four-point chin strap
Driver Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Refer to local site inductions
It is important when driving on behalf of Tarmac that you follow any PPE rules for the site.
We are having a high number of issues for PPE not being worn on Tarmac and Customer sites.
Please see below some examples:
• Boots not laced up
• Wrong type of boots
• Not wearing gloves
• Not wearing safety glasses/goggles
• Excessive dirt
Items to be carried and available
Must be worn when specified
Safety boots laced correctly
Appropriate clean PPE applicable for site:
Safety hat (with chin strap mandatory)
Safety glasses / goggles
Safety gloves
Hi-Vis jacket or long sleeve vest (must be fastened at all times)
Hi-Vis trousers
Lace up ankle safety boots
Importance of wearing laced safety boots correctly
• Supports ankle
• Reduce possibility of slip, trip or fall
• Stops any material falling into top of the boot
• Easier to remove in an emergency
Why are we doing this?
Tarmac operative fell from vehicle to ground, narrowly missing falling into live traffic lane. Hard Hat came off during fall leading to head injury.
JSP EVOLite Skyworker white vented wheel-ratchet safety helmet
We’re still seeing too many incidents resulting in head injuries within the business.
Simulation of driver falling backwards on concrete floor, IP suffered head, neck and back injury.
Driver falls three metres when climbing to enter body of vehicle, suffering several injuries including four cracked ribs, BUT he was wearing a safety helmet with strap and remained conscious to call for help.
Wearing helmets with chin straps WILL reduce the injuries to individuals.
A couple of our Contract Hauliers who work in our North and Scotland Region took trucks to Truckfest 2024 in Scotland.
We are proud to report that RJP Haulage won 2nd place with his T8 for BEST RIGID TIPPER.
Ben Forrest haulage got “Highly Commended” for his artic tractor unit (currently on the Fliegel push trailer trial).
Starting week commencing 16th September we will be holding safety stand down at the plants day and nights engaging with your drivers on various subjects.
You will be given a site induction. Make sure you have a site contact name and number in case of an emergency, and you are aware of site operating hours and restrictions.
At the end if we are happy for you to enter site, we will award your OneCard with site induction which is renewed annually.
Seatbelts MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES by all occupants whilst vehicles are moving and tippers are unloading.
Note: If you would like help in understanding the induction content, your supervisor or site sponsor will provide this.
This flowchart serves as your guiding compass to decipher the essential steps and prerequisites necessary to meet the requirements of DVS 2024
Is Vehicle New or Current Fleet?
Does Vehicle have current DVS permit?
Will Require:
• Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) (2004) This replaces existing side sensors
• Moving Off Information System (MOIS) (2024) This is a new additional requirement
Will Require:
• Nearside Blind Spot Camera into 7” Monitor
• Left Turn Warning Alert
• Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) (2024)
• Moving Off Information System (MOIS) (2024
Recommended upgrade to camera requirements:
• Tractor Unit: 3 Camera
Recording System
• Rigid: 4 Camera
Recording System
• Add Driver Facing Camera
• 4G Live View Remote Footage Download
Does Vehicle have GSR modifications? YES NO
Will Require:
• Nearside Blind Spot Camera into 7” Monitor
• Left Turn Warning Alert
• Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) (2024)
• Moving Off Information System (MOIS) (2024)
Will Require:
• Nearside Blind Spot Camera into 7” Monitor
• Left Turn Warning Alert For 3 Star Rated Vehicles, SM UK would still recommend installing:
• Left Turn Warning Alert
• A Recording Camera System
As Independent Contract Hauliers operating for Tarmac you are an essential part of our business, and your safety is really important to us. In the coming weeks our local teams will start to engage with you on safety, carrying out quick 9-point checks to confirm trucks are in a good condition to go out on the highway and allowing you to have a quality conversation around anything that is concerning you.
The items that we will be checking include:
• Daily Pre-start checks completed
• Driver wearing required PPE
• Pedestrian mirror fitted to front of windscreen
• Reverse warning alarm and camera in place, and working correctly
• Handbrake audible alarm in place and working correctly
• Side under run protection with warning sign in place
• Wheel nut indicators are all in place and indicating correctly
• Windshield is clear and no damage
• Near side blind spot (Left Hand Turn Alarm) fitted and working.
We look forward to speaking to you in the coming weeks.
1. Keep your environment cool
• Allowing a few extra minutes to open doors and windows to circulate warm air, or running your air-con will help cool your truck down and avoid immediate discomfort from the heat before setting off.
• Keep your environment cool.
• Use window shades to keep out the sun if necessary. Closing windows may help if it’s hotter outside than inside.
• Use air-conditioning if you have it in your vehicle.
• Fans can help if the temperature is below 35°C, but don’t aim them directly at the body.
• Switch off non-essential electrical equipment – it generates heat.
2. Top up your fluids
• Engines get extremely hot in warm weather, especially in standstill traffic, so ensure your coolant is always topped up.
• It is a good idea to turn off your engine during traffic. Contrary to popular belief, restarting your engine will not burn more fuel than if you had you sat with your engine in ‘idle’ for more than 10 seconds.
3. Keep hydrated
• It’s extremely important to keep hydrated when stuck in a long traffic jam under the searing sun. Take plenty of cold water with you before heading out on longer journeys.
4. Heat exhaustion
• Heat exhaustion is a sign that the body is struggling to keep cool.
• Heat exhaustion is not usually serious as long as the body is able to return to normal temperature within about 30 minutes and before the body temperature reaches 40°C. The symptoms include:
• Feeling weak/fatigued/faint
• Impaired vision from the sun is a common cause of accidents during the summer. Replace worn windscreen wipers to help keep your windscreen clean and use sunglasses and overhead sun visors to help block out the sun from your eyes.
• Windscreens also get very dirty in dry weather and marks can amplify sun glare. Plenty of windscreen washer fluid will help you maintain a clear view in the sun – especially when travelling when the sun is low in the sky, typically during your commute.
• Tyre blow-outs are a more common occurrence in hotter weather.
• According to the AA, tyres with existing damage that are under inflated will become even more aggravated in higher temperatures, which increases the likelihood of blow-outs and punctures.
• Before setting off, it is extremely important to check your tyre pressure is at the optimum level this is why tyre pressure monitors is so important.
8. Look out for more than just cars
• With warmer weather, you can expect to see more pedestrians, cyclists, and traffic on the roads in your area. People will be ready to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather and sunshine whenever they can. So, keep a lookout not only for more cars on the road but for more people walking and riding around your city or town. Observe traffic laws regarding pedestrians, cyclists, and their right of way.
9. More young people on the roads
• Headache
• Dizziness and confusion
• Cramps in the arms, legs, and stomach
• Loss of appetite and feeling sick
• Excessive sweating and clammy skin
• Fast breathing or pulse
• Temperature of 38°C or above
• Intense thirst.
5. Consider summer allergies
• According to the NHS, around 10 million people suffer from hay fever in England alone – a condition which can be very problematic when driving.
• The last place you want to be constantly sneezing is at the wheel going at 70mph, but hay fever tablets are known to have side effects such as blurred vision and drowsiness, which could impair a person’s ability to drive.
• Therefore, always check the label of your medication before taking them – especially if you’re planning on driving shortly afterwards.
• Since schools, colleges and universities take a break during the summer months, it’s important to be aware that there will most likely be more young people out and about on the roads – many of whom may have only recently passed their driving tests. The inexperience of these drivers means that they are at a higher risk of being involved in an accident, so it’s worth bearing this in mind and making sure you’re extra cautious when you’re behind the wheel.
10. An increase in drink drivers
• While it’s great to get out and enjoy the sunny days while they last, it can mean that some people overindulge before they get behind the wheel. As a result, there’s an increase in the number of drink drivers who are out on the roads.
• In the UK, there are strict alcohol limits in place when it comes to driving, and if a person is found to be in a vehicle while under the influence, they could land themselves in a fine, ban, or even time in prison
• Put simply, it’s just not worth drinking and then getting into the driving seat — it puts you and other road users in serious danger.
We are aware of various groups that may seek to protest at our sites or customer sites. Protesters are looking for a reaction so please ensure you do not provide them with a photo opportunity. Remember everyone with a mobile phone is a potential camera person who can use social media and the internet to share anything captured.
• First and foremost do not put yourself or anyone else at any risk or harm
• If you believe you are in imminent danger, call the police, otherwise call your Tarmac contact (distribution office, transport manager or plant) and wait for advice from Tarmac.
• Stop, turn your engine off and lock your cab doors and windows or divert before you are confronted, if safe to do so
• Make sure your cameras are recording
• Display the highest standards of behaviour – always be calm, polite and respectful.