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INTRODUCTION

MANUAL OF FLEET MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION

It is true to say that the automobile has a major influence on society. Annually, half of all new vehicle registrations are for fleets and the company vehicle is an established feature of our corporate operations and culture.

It must not be forgotten that with all opportunities comes the responsibility to ensure that adverse impacts are reduced, especially those relating to organisational efficiency and issues of health and safety.

The implementation of a method that defines the vehicle service requirements and then chooses a vehicle best equipped to meet those needs can deliver substantial financial returns to the organisation.

Collecting and analysing data and making the right choice of vehicle will positively affect the organisation’s bottom line. It is not a difficult process; in fact it is quite straightforward. The organisation needs to address a number of criteria to determine if its transport tasks and operations are suitably managed.

SUITABILITY

MANUAL FOR FLEET MANAGEMENT

SUITABILITY

Are you satisfied that vehicles are ‘Fit for Purpose’ for the task you require?

  • Do you investigate which vehicles are best for driving, public health and safety when purchasing new or replacement vehicles?
  • Is your fleet suitable for the job in hand? Have you thought about supplementing or replacing it with leased or short term hire vehicles?
  • Do you ensure that privately owned vehicles used for work purposes are adequately insured and maintained?

  • CONDITION

    MANUAL FOR FLEET MANAGEMENT

    CONDITION

    Are you satisfied that vehicles are maintained in a safe and fit condition?

    • Do you have adequate maintenance arrangements in place?
    • How do you ensure maintenance and repairs are carried out to an acceptable standard?
    • Is planned/preventative maintenance carried out in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations?
    • Do your drivers know how to carry out basic safety checks?
    • How do you ensure that vehicles do not exceed their maximum load weight?
    • Can goods and equipment which are carried in a vehicle be properly secured?
    • Are windscreen wipers inspected regularly and replaced as necessary?

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

MANUAL FOR FLEET MANAGEMENT

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Are you satisfied that safety equipment is properly fitted and maintained?

  • Is safety equipment appropriate and in good working order?
  • Are seatbelts and head restraints fitted correctly and do they function properly?

  • SAFETY CRITICAL INFORMATION

    MANUAL FOR FLEET MANAGEMENT

    SAFETY CRITICAL INFORMATION

    Are you satisfied that drivers have access to information that will help them reduce risks?

    • Have you thought of ways that information can be made readily available to drivers? Eg:
      • Recommended tyre pressures;
      • How to adjust headlamp beam to compensate for load weights;
      • How to adjust head restraints to minimise the likelihood of whiplash
      • What action drivers should take if they consider their vehicle is unsafe.

ERGONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

MANUAL FOR FLEET MANAGEMENT

ERGONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

Are you satisfied that drivers’ health, and possibly safety, is not being put at risk, eg from inappropriate seating position or driving posture?

  • Do you take account of ergonomic considerations before purchasing or leasing new vehicles?
  • Do you provide drivers with guidance on good posture and, where appropriate, on how to set their seat correctly?

Addressing these questions will provide a structure to ensure that you have the right vehicle for the right transport task.

See procedures:

  • Fit for Purpose
  • Whole of Live Costing
  • Routine and Preventative Maintenance

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