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HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) play a pivotal role in keeping the country moving, delivering thousands of goods the length and breadth of the UK every single day. But because these vehicles are so large, with so many different parts working tirelessly to keep the wheels turning despite the heavy load, regular inspections need to be carried out to ensure they’re always road-worthy.
These inspections need to encompass examining various parts and elements of the heavy goods vehicle, to make sure everything looks safe and is in good working order. To assist with this process, a HGV inspection manual can be an invaluable tool. In this blog, we’re going to discuss HGV inspections and HGV inspection manuals, so you have all the information you require should you need to carry out an HGV inspection as part of your HGV training, or on your travels.
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HGV testers manual
The HGV inspection manual (also known as the HGV testers manual) is a comprehensive document that goes into fine detail about the elements of an HGV that must be inspected and approved before it should head out on the open road. This is different from PSV inspection manuals, which cover vehicles built to carry the public, such as buses, rather than goods. So be sure not to get the two confused.
Created by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, responsible for the rules and regulations of driving all vehicles on UK roads, the impressive 188-page document (at the time of writing) serves as the ultimate reference point for anyone seeking to learn precisely how to inspect an HGV, what they should be looking for, and whether or not they’ve missed any important steps during the inspection process. This includes both a pre-inspection checklist as well as a more detailed checklist for every component of the vehicle.
By fully utilising the HGV inspection manual, operators and inspectors can give themselves the best chance of avoiding disaster and upholding safety standards to the highest degree, thus protecting the cargo, the vehicle, the driver and other road users.
Following the manual closely (or using it as a guide, if you are already an experienced driver familiar with the inspection process) helps drivers and companies save time during inspections and boost the efficiency of their fleet(s) while also respecting all relevant safety standards and legal requirements.
HGV inspections
Speaking of legal requirements, regular HGV inspections (also known as walkarounds) are not just a courtesy to other vehicles and road users, they’re mandated by law. Meaning if an HGV has not been inspected for a considerable time, or an inspection has revealed even the most minute flaw, it should not be driven until the inspection has been completed and the issues fully fixed.
As a rule of thumb, in-depth HGV inspections (covering the elements highlighted in the inspection manual) should be completed once every six weeks as a minimum, while walkarounds (a less in-depth review, but still an essential one) should be completed before every drive in the morning. For daily inspections, companies often rely on checklists to guarantee everything that should be reviewed has been reviewed before the HGV leaves for the day’s work.
What should be inspected during an HGV inspection?
Of course, a full HGV inspection should be a rigorous examination of all HGV elements, as mentioned above. But here are just some of the areas you will need to inspect before heading out on a driving job:
- Exterior inspection – checking for any visible damage to the body of the vehicle, including confirming the mirrors provide proper visibility
- Interior inspection – ensuring the seatbelt, display and all controls are in full working order
- Mechanical inspection – the nitty-gritty stuff, where all elements of the vehicle should be inspected with the appropriate safety equipment. Refer to the official HGV inspection manual during this part.
- Brakes and tyre inspection – making sure the brakes are responsive and the tyre pressure is correct, amongst other essential checks. Again, refer to the manual if you’re unsure.
As a driver, if you find inspection failures, the HGV is classed as an unsafe vehicle and it is your responsibility to report them to the relevant parties, so the issue can be rectified. This is often your manager or another member of the team who acts as your port-of-call if you’re an independent contractor.
Learn more about HGV inspections and begin your training with HGV Training Network
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career development and want to take advantage of all the lucrative benefits HGV driving has to offer, HGV Training Network is here for you.
With our team of qualified, professional HGV driving instructors, we can have you enjoying a new career as an HGV driver in a matter of weeks, earning your licence the proper way.Speak to a member of the HGVTN team today to learn more, and be sure to ask about our attractive HGV training finance packages.
