Ref.No: Driver handbook Written by: D.Cartlidge Agreed by: M.Harris

Transcription

1 Ref.No: Driver handbook Written by: D.Cartlidge Agreed by: M.Harris Page: 1 of 22 Issue: 1 Date: 29/09/14 Date: 29/09/14 Driver Handbook To be retained in the glovebox of works vehicles Contacts Telephone Control Room/ Duty Manager Bookings@wrixoncare.co.uk David Cartlidge (Training Manager, H&S Competent Person) davecartlidge@wrixoncare.co.uk

2 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 2 of 22 Contents 1.0 Introduction Highway Code Safety statistics Environmental and social responsibility Code of conduct Employer responsibilities Driving company vehicles License checks Fitness to drive Drink and drugs Fatigue Business/ private use Receiving your vehicle 7 POWDERY vehicle inspection Vehicle mileage sheets Driving standards Security and safety Speeding Mobile phones Other in car devices Time at the wheel Adverse weather conditions Parking Vehicle condition Daily/ weekly checks Cleaning Tyres Scratches, dents and malfunctions Damage summary 16/ Service and MOT Breakdowns Fuel Traffic fines and offences Incidents Legal obligations following an incident Dealing with third parties at the scene of an accident Insurance 22

3 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 3 of Introduction This handbook provides information about how you should use a company vehicle or any vehicle that is used in connection with the business of Wrixon Care, this includes privately owned vehicles. Whether the vehicle is owned by Wrixon care or leased/ hired to Wrixon Care, it is an expensive and important asset to the company. The company operates a strict Health and Safety Policy, which includes driving at work. It is essential that you consider the safety of yourself, your passengers and other road users at all times, in accordance with your employee responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act The Highway Code The contents of this handbook accommodate the requirements and stipulations of the Highway Code, which contains information on vehicle maintenance, safety and security, first aid on the road, breakdowns and incidents 1.2 Safety Statistics In 2012 there were 1,754 people killed on our roads and 23,039 seriously injured, that s equivalent to over 30 deaths per week. A significant proportion of these deaths and injuries are connected with work. These figures are only taken from accidents reported to Police, the actual total of serious injuries is estimated to be 80,000 per year, that s over 1,500 per week. 1.3 Environmental and social responsibility Wrixon Care is aware that the activities of the business have an impact on the environment. Emissions generated from driving release a significant amount of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and other harmful gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and pollution. To minimise and reduce these effects, you are required to undertake the following; Plan your journey, avoiding areas of heavy congestion as much as possible, Let the control room know your expected arrival time, Do not break the speed limit, Accelerate smoothly and economically as possible, Ensure all tyres are inflated to the correct pressure,

4 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 4 of 22 Do not leave the engine idling when at a standstill for long periods, Carry a basic survival kit; blanket, torch, hazard triangle, first aid kit, mobile phone, Do not keep valuable items on view within the car, Never pick up hitch hikers or carry un- authorised passengers. See section 4.3 Tyres for more information on tyre checks. 1.4 Code of conduct While driving any vehicles, staff must comply with all traffic legislation, be conscious of road safety and demonstrate safe driving and other good road safety habits. Any of the following actions will result in instant dismissal; Drinking or under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving Driving while disqualified, or not correctly licensed Reckless or dangerous driving causing death or injury Failing to stop after a crash 1.5 Employer responsibilities Wrixon Care will take all reasonable precautions to avoid anyone having to drive under conditions that are unsafe and/ or likely to create an unsafe environment, physical distress, fatigue etc. To mitigate this, Wrixon Care will implement the following; ü Give priority to safety features when selecting new vehicles ü Ensure all vehicles are well maintained and that the equipment promotes driver, operator and passenger safety ü Collect and collate statistics on incidents, collisions and their causes ü Monitor and manage work schedules to ensure they do not encourage unsafe driving practices ü Consider individual drivers needs ü Encourage safe driving behaviour ü Encourage fuel efficiency

5 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 5 of Driving company vehicles Driving of company vehicles is limited to allocated employees and any other drivers authorised by Wrixon Care. Driving tuition with regard to provisional license holders is not permitted in company vehicles. Non- Wrixon Care staff wishing to drive a company vehicle must receive written confirmation from the company before driving. All authorised drivers must; ü Hold a full license for the allocated vehicle type ü Be 21 years of age or over You must comply with the statutory regulations and our procedures regarding the recording of mileage and journeys undertaken. You must inform the licensing authorities and Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and Wrixon Care of any changes to your license immediately. You and all passengers must wear a seatbelt at all times. *You can be fined up to 500 if you don t wear a seatbelt when you are supposed to. Children must normally use a child car seat until they re 12 years old or 135cm tall. Smoking is not permitted in company vehicles at any time. This includes electronic and vapour based smoking devices. 2.1 License checks No one is permitted to drive a company vehicle unless they hold a full, valid driving license appropriate to the vehicle and have been authorised by the company to drive it. To ensure that these conditions apply, the company keeps a copy of the driving license of all employees and other authorised drivers who are likely to drive company vehicles.

6 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 6 of 22 All employees and other persons authorised to drive company cars will be required to provide a signed mandate authorising the company to check the records held by the DVLA in terms of endorsements etc. The DVLA requires such a mandate for data protection purposes. All new employees will be required to produce their driving license (if they have one) at their final interview. All employee drivers are also required to produce their driving license for inspection on demand and, in any event, not less than once each year to ensure that they remain valid. When requested, the original documents (not a photocopy or scan) should be shown to the person conducting the check. You must notify your line manager if you are under investigation or convicted of; A driving offence connected with alcohol or drugs A driving offence linked to dangerous or reckless driving Any other offence relating to speeding or driving without due care and attention If you or any authorised driver suffer from any notifiable conditions (full list available from medical- conditions) it is your responsibility to advise the following; and this may affect your entitlement to drive. The DVLA in Swansea One of the company Directors 2.2 Fitness to drive You are required to comply with all DVLA requirements and regulations relating to any medical conditions that may affect your driving. You must not drive if you; Have been advised by your doctor not to Are on any medication that may affect your ability to drive Feel you are not fit to do so 2.3 Drink and drugs The company has a zero tolerance policy in this area. Any employee found to have drink and/ or drugs in their system will be immediately dismissed for gross misconduct. A significant number of drink driving offences are the result of alcohol still being in the system the morning after. NB. For prescription drugs, check with your GP that there are no adverse side effects.

7 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 7 of Fatigue The nature of our work often leads to long shifts and long journeys. You should take all reasonable measures to avoid driving tired. If you feel drowsy take a break, swap drivers, get some rest and have a cup of coffee. 2.5 Business/ private use The private use of Wrixon Care vehicles requires authorisation from a company director or senior manager. 2.6 Receiving your vehicle As a driver you have the main responsibility for the roadworthiness of the vehicle at all times. Before driving the vehicle you must conduct a vehicle inspection using the POWDERY system and check that the following items are in the vehicle; Fuel card/s Relevant toll/ congestion tags Fire extinguisher First Aid kit Spare tyre or inflation repair kit Jack and wheel brace Other items listed on the vehicle inspection log sheet You must also complete the vehicles mileage and journey log sheet for each journey.

8 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 8 of 22 POWDERY vehicle inspection Petrol (or Diesel) Oil Have you got enough for your planned journey? Do you have money/ cards to purchase more? Check the oil level is okay, top up if required Water (and other fluids) Check engine, screen wash and brake fluid levels and top up as required Damage Electrics Rubber You! Check and record any damage to the vehicle You must also report any damage caused during your use of the vehicle Check all of the internal and external lights work including brakes, reversing, number plate and hazard lights Check the tread on all 4 tyres Look for damage and excessive wear Centre ¾ of tyre must be at least 1.6mm Are you fit and ready to drive? Think ahead, program the radio and satnav before setting off

9 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 9 of Vehicle mileage sheets All drivers are required to record the destination and mileage for all work journeys. Return completed sheets to the office. Make & Model Registration No. Date Print Name From To Start Mileage End Mileage Total Miles Make sure that you have a new blank sheet ready to replace this one

10 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 10 of Driving standards As part of the company s commitment to its staff, customers and other road users, you are expected to drive at all times in a safe, legal and responsible manner, in line with the recommendations of the Highway Code. Persistent offenders may be subject to disciplinary action. 3.1 Security and safety You should implement the following steps when driving; Always plan your journey and consider extra time for hold ups and adverse road or weather conditions Adjust your speed appropriately in bad/ adverse weather conditions Do not leave valuables on view in the vehicle Try and park in well- lit areas and when leaving the vehicle make sure all windows are closed and doors locked Avoid confrontation with other road users The horn should only be used to warn others of your presence 3.2 Speeding (see also 4.9 Traffic fines and offences) The company expects all drivers to observe all speed limits and other normal road/ traffic regulations. Remember, more and more speed cameras are of the average speed type i.e. they record your entry to and exit from a restricted section and calculate your average speed. National Speed Limit 60mph on single carriageways 70mph on dual carriages and motorways Variable Speed Limit These are becoming common on certain sections of motorway. A number surrounded by a red circle indicates a mandatory speed limit that must be adhered to. Advisory Speed Limit Not compulsory but these are usually used in adverse weather conditions or to control congestion. Advisory Speed Limit Used to advise drivers to slow below what the legal limit is in order to maintain control around an upcoming bend.

11 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 11 of Mobile phones The company expressly forbids the use of all mobile phones by the driver at all times when the vehicle is on public roads with the engine running. Hands free kits or similar devices are not acceptable; research indicates that it is the act of using and talking on the phone that causes the most distraction. Either ask a colleague to take/ make the call or, for personal calls, let them leave a message and get back to them later. 3.4 Other in car devices Any in- vehicle system or device such as satellite navigation equipment, music systems etc can cause a distraction to the driver. You must not operate or adjust any such systems if it distracts your attention whilst driving. Where possible, ask a colleague to operate them, or stop at a safe place before attempting to do so yourself. 3.5 Time at the wheel It is recommended that you should not exceed 2- hours behind the wheel at any one stretch. Regular stops will help to reduce fatigue and tiredness that could lead to a serious accident. Given the work that we do, this may not always be possible when transporting a client. However, you should make every effort to swap drivers at regular intervals and to not exceed the following; 4.5 hours at the wheel 9- hour total driving time in one day You should have a minimum rest period between driving sessions of 45- minutes, preferably 60- minutes or more, which may be time spent performing other duties and where possible should include some time out of the vehicle. This may not always be possible, but the main objective is that you spend at least 45- minutes, not driving. Driving tired is as dangerous as driving drunk, if you are tired, stop and take a break, or swap drivers. Each driver has his or her own tolerance level which can be seriously reduced by personal circumstances, road conditions, traffic, weather etc. Drivers should not commence a journey (or accept a task) if they; Feel they are not fit to do so Have been advised by their doctor not to drive Are on medication that may affect their ability to drive safely

12 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 12 of Adverse weather conditions Reduced visibility Ensure that you use your headlights when visibility is reduced, usually when you cannot see more than 100 metres. In fog you should use your fog lights remembering to turn them off when visibility improves. Wet Weather In wet weather your stopping distance is at least double what it would be in dry conditions. Keep well back from the vehicle in front of you and if the steering is unresponsive, ease off the accelerator and gradually slow down. Take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motor cyclists and horse riders. Tyre tread depth less than 3mm quadruples your stopping distance in wet weather. Wind High sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, however strong gusts can blow cars and vans off course. Always take extra care for motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders. Remember that open stretches of road are more likely to be affected by side winds. Snow and ice In the winter always check the weather forecast for snow and ice. If you do have to drive in these conditions; Ø Plan extra time for your journey Ø Take extra care matching your speed to the conditions Ø Ensure you have de- icer, scraper, torch, warm clothing, boots and take extra food and water in case your vehicle breaks down or you get stuck Ø Keep well back of the vehicle in front, stopping times are up to 10 times greater in snow and ice Ø Drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible, accelerating and braking very gently Ø Steer smoothly, braking progressively before bends and avoid sudden actions Ø Check your grip on the road surface by choosing a safe place to break gently Ø Tyres make virtually no noise when on ice! Before you set off make sure that all your windows are clear from snow and ice, ensure your lights and number plates are clear, remove any snow that may fall into the path of other road users.

13 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 13 of 22 Micro climate In poor weather conditions for example on a frosty morning, the road will become wet as the sun rises but the road will remain frosty and icy in shaded areas, under bridges etc. 3.7 Parking (see also 4.9 Traffic fines and offences) Always ensure that you are parked in an appropriate place. Do not park on yellow lines during the relevant times of operation, do not park at any time on double yellow lines, carriageways or hard shoulders, pedestrian crossings, clearways, urban clearways, tram or cycle lanes. When parking remember; Whenever possible, do not park facing against the flow of traffic Stop as close to the side as possible When bay parking always reverse park whenever possible If parked on a road or lay- by with a speed in excess of 30mph display your parking lights Turn your wheels away from the kerb if facing up hill and towards the kerb if facing downhill Park your vehicle in a well- lit area especially if you intend returning to it after dark If this is not possible, carry a small torch with you

14 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 14 of Vehicle condition As the driver you have the main responsibility for the roadworthiness of the vehicle at all times. Your vehicle represents a considerable investment by the company and you are expected to treat it accordingly. Privately owned vehicles are expected to be treated with the same considerations. 4.1 Daily/ weekly checks Due to the mileage that our vehicles do each day/ week and the sensitive and secure nature of our work, it is important that vehicles are checked before each task using the POWDERY system. Any minor new damage or faults should be recorded on your job sheets, any major new damage or faults should also be reported to the control room. If the car is not deemed road worthy you should consult with the control room/ duty manager about using an alternative vehicle. 4.2 Cleaning Our vehicles are a representation of our company. As far as reasonably possible, they should be kept clean and well presented. Arrangements for cleaning vehicles vary for our bases throughout the country. Make yourself aware of the correct vehicle cleaning processes for your base. At the end of each task staff must ensure that all rubbish is removed from the vehicle and items kept in the vehicle are stored away neatly and safely ready for the next task. If the vehicle is excessively dirty, you should report it to the control room and seek authority to use a local car wash. 4.3 Tyres Tyre tread and general condition should be checked each day as part of the POWDERY vehicle inspection. The current legal limit for tread depth is 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre and all the way around Once tread depth falls below 3mm it can take up to four times longer to stop in the wet If wear indicators are present on the tyres, these are set at 1.6mm, although some have an additional indicator set at 3mm Tyre tread measuring devices are available at each vehicle base and kept in vehicles not part of a base Any tyres with less than 3mm tread depth should be reported to control or the relevant Regional Team Leader who will arrange for them to be replaced

15 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 15 of 22 If you think that a tyre may be close to the legal minimum, or is showing excessive wear or damage in a certain location, report it to the control room, duty manager or your Regional Team Leader For leased vehicles, replacement tyres are organised through the lease company. 4.4 Scratches, dents and malfunctions You must keep the vehicle in good and proper repair and condition at all times. Fair wear and tear is accepted, but does not include; Bodywork scratches and dents Deep scratches on glass Stains, burns or tears on seats, head linings or carpets Any such damage must be reported to the control room at the earliest possible opportunity. It is also advisable in cases of more serious damage to take a picture, using a camera phone, and it to bookings@wrixoncare.co.uk. This creates a visual record of the damage being reported. Damage must also be recorded on the vehicles damage summary sheet, including the date and your initials.

16 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 16 of Damage Summary use the version of this page most appropriate to your vehicle Make & Model Registration No. Use arrows/ circles to highlight all vehicle damage and record a brief description; large dent, scratch 10cm, crack - 6cm etc along with the date they occurred/ were first recorded and your initials. Passenger Side Driver Side

17 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 17 of Damage Summary use the version of this page most appropriate to your vehicle Make & Model Registration No. Use arrows/ circles to highlight all vehicle damage and record a brief description; large dent, scratch 10cm, crack - 6cm etc along with the date they occurred/ were first recorded and your initials. Drivers Side

18 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 18 of Service and MOT The majority of our vehicles are leased and under 3 years old, so do not require an MOT. Ford Toomey (Galaxy, S- Max, Mondeo) Most of the Ford vehicles are leased through Ford Toomey. For replacement tyres and servicing, call their Driver Line on and quote the vehicle registration number. Northgate Vehicles For vehicles hired through Northgate, to book a service, call , quoting reference number C and the vehicle registration number. For replacement tyres, take the vehicle into your nearest Northgate depot. Other Vehicles (Seat, Peugeot etc) There are a few vehicles that we own. These are to be serviced by a local dealer or garage. Contact the control room to arrange payment over the phone. 4.7 Breakdowns Ford Toomey (Galaxy, S- Max, Mondeo) Call and quote the vehicle registration number. Northgate Vehicles If the vehicle is still safe and legal to drive, it should be taken to your nearest Northgate depot, where a replacement should be made available. Otherwise, call , quoting reference number C and the vehicle registration number. Other Vehicles (Seat, Peugeot etc) Call RAC breakdown on , quoting agreement number General breakdowns Get the vehicle off the road if possible Warn other traffic by switching on your hazard warning lights Put on a fluorescent jacket if one is available so other road users can see you Put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your vehicle on the same side of the road Keep your sidelights on if it is dark or in poor visibility Do not let anyone stand between the vehicle and oncoming traffic Report the breakdown to the control room or duty manager Only attempt to replace tyres or perform repairs if it is safe to do so

19 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 19 of 22 Motorway breakdowns The hard shoulder is where most motorway fatalities take place. Please adhere to the following; Try and stop near an emergency telephone marker posts indicate the closest one and are 100m apart, these are situated at approximately 1 mile intervals along the hard shoulder Pull on the hard shoulder and stop as far to the left as possible with your wheels turned to the left If a client is on- board, take appropriate security measures and inform them of what you are about to do for clients on secure orders, this situation is likely to justify the need for handcuffs and extra vigilance as it presents both a danger to the client and an opportunity to escape/ abscond, Leave your sidelights on if it is dark Evacuate everyone from the vehicle by the left hand door, DO NOT attempt to place warning triangles on the motorway DO NOT put yourself in danger by attempting even simple repairs Ensure that passengers keep away from the carriageway and hard shoulder Report the breakdown to the control room or duty manager If you can t get the vehicle onto the hard shoulder, stay in the vehicle, switch on your hazard warning lights, ring the emergency services and give them your location 4.8 Fuel All company vehicles should carry fuel cards. These can be used at the relevant authorised filling stations using the pin number provided. Staff should plan their journeys where possible to make use of these filling stations. If this is not possible, fuel may be purchased at alternative filling stations, although service stations should be avoided as they are typically much higher priced, and the money claimed back if a receipt is submitted along with an expenses form. Personal mileage Occasionally staff will be asked to use their own vehicles in order to attend training or meet up with staff on a task. Any mileage other than that covered in traveling to and from your allocated base or meeting point/s may be claimed at a rate of 35p per mile (As of 1 June 2014).

20 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 20 of 22 Driving for economy Fuel costs are a major expense for the company and you are expected to drive in a manner that promotes good fuel consumption. In addition to the obvious commercial advantages, driving more economically makes a substantial improvement to the emissions profile of all vehicles. Extensive tests have shown that driving less aggressively reduces fuel used, road accidents and stress before affecting journey times adversely. It is company policy to promote these benefits. Tips for economical driving (Taken from the AA); ü Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid unnecessary breaking ü Decelerate smoothly by releasing the accelerator in time, leaving the car in gear ü Rolling if you can keep the car moving all the time so much the better, stopping then starting again uses more fuel than rolling ü Change up earlier try changing up at 2,000rpm in a diesel car or 2,500 in a petrol car most of our vehicles have gear shift indicators on the dash to remind you of this ü Turn it off electrical loads increase fuel consumption, switch off rear heated windows, head lights etc when they are no longer needed ü Stick to speed limits cruising at 80mph can use up to 25% more fuel than at 70mph ü Don t be idle if you are in stationary traffic and it looks like you will be stationary for more than 3 minutes, turn the engine off 4.9 Traffic fines and offences The driver is personally responsible for any fines and associated costs should you be prosecuted for traffic offenses, parking offences, congestion charges, speeding, a fixed penalty and other driving offences whilst driving company vehicles. Fixed penalty notices will be sent to the person who was recorded as driving at the time the offence occurred. Congestion charges will be covered by the company for all company vehicles, but will need to be covered privately for all over vehicles.

21 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 21 of Incidents If you are involved in an accident or the vehicle is damaged you should; Ensure your own and your passengers safety Ensure security of the client if they are present at the time Not leave the scene of an accident Deal with the danger of further collisions Switch off all engines and stop people from smoking Provide first aid treatment in accordance with training and only if it is safe for you to do so Do not move casualties unless they are in imminent danger Contact the control room or duty manager to report the incident and request support as required this may be another team to complete the transport of the client Incident forms will need to be completed from all staff members present at the time, these should be submitted to the control room within 24 hours You will need to obtain contact and insurance details of any other drivers involved, including their registration number. 5.1 Legal obligations following an accident If the vehicle you are driving is involved in an accident, you are required by law to take the following actions; STOP In a damage only incident, accident law requires you to exchange names and addresses with other drivers involved, and to note registration numbers of other vehicles. Details of their insurance company should be obtained if possible If for any reason, names and addresses are not exchanged at the scene, you must report the accident to the police as soon as possible but in any event within 24 hours of the accident occurring This obligation also applies to accidents involving damage to property, e.g. fences, walls and gates If there is injury to any person, no matter how slight, the incident MUST be reported to the police as soon as possible, and in any case within 24 hours. This is in addition to the other requirements described above

22 Wrixon Care Driver Handbook Issue 1 Page 22 of Dealing with third parties at the scene of an accident Keep calm Obtain the names and addresses of independent witnesses Obtain details of the third party name address, contact telephone number, vehicle type and registration number, insurance company and policy number if available Do NOT admit liability, either orally or in writing The details that you provide to a third party should be your name, but DO NOT give any personal contact details, give them the company name and the company contact details 5.3 Insurance All Wrixon Care drivers are insured under the company policy to drive company vehicles. Any insurance claims will be made through our insurance company. Current Insurance details for Wrixon Security Services Ltd Company: Liberty Syndicate Management Limited Telephone: Certificate No: FV Valid from/to: 01/12/13 to 01/12/14 UK Accident trends by road type Motorw ay, 5% Rural, 35% Urban, 60%