Firstly part of your daily duties when driving an HGV Lorry is to fill in a vehicle check sheet, this list of checks is normally in a defect book situated in the Trucks Cab.
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What is a Vehicle Check Sheet?
A vehicle check sheet is a list of specific items that you need to check each day before taking your vehicle out onto the road, this is commonly known as your daily vehicle checks.
Vehicle Check Defect Books
- Fuel / Oil leaks
- Battery Secure (condition)
- Tyres and wheel fixing
- Spray suppression
- Steering
- Security of load
- Mirrors
- Lights
- Reflectors
- Indicators
- Wipers
- Washers
- Horn
- Excessive engine exhaust smoke
- Brake lines
- Coupling security
- Electrical connections
- Brakes
- Security of body/wings
- Markers
- Glass
The above list shows all the areas of your vehicle that will need to be checked on a vehicle check sheet, these items are required to be checked on a daily basis. It is a legal requirement to complete these daily vehicle checks before setting out on your journey.
- 50 Pages.
- Duplicate daily check sheets which have perforated edge to remove sheet and hand in, carbon copy lef
- Nice handy size booklet which is easy to store away in glove boxes.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Daily Vehicle Check Sheet – Procedure of your HGV walk around
The daily walk around checks comprise of a series of observations on your vehicle.
It is designed to find any potential problems before you drive on the road, ensuring you are driving a safe and secure vehicle on a public highway.
1. Mirrors and glass
Check that your mirrors are not cracked or obscured, that you can see them properly and they’re not steamed up. Check also that the mirrors are positioned correctly for you to give the best visibility.
2. Brakes
Check that the brakes and brake lines work and that the air pressure is in the safe zone on your dash gauges.
3. Front view
Check your windscreen is clear and not obscured by anything within your cab, check for cracks or stone chips.
4. Steering
Check your steering wheel moves properly and doesn’t jam.
5. Horn
Check your horn works properly, sometimes this is difficult if you are in a built up area very early in a morning if you can’t check it then do so later in the day maybe as you start your first rest period.
6. Engine exhaust
Check that your exhaust isn’t emitting an excessive amount of smoke.
7. Windscreen wipers and washers
Check that your windscreen wipers work properly and the rubbers are in good condition also check you have enough washer fluid.
8. Warning lamp
If you have a beacon or hazard warning lamp Check that it is working.
9. Lights and indicators
Check that all your lights and indicators are working properly, this includes brake lights! if possible get a colleague to help you with this if not try to use something behind you to see the lights reflecting when you press the pedal such as a wall.
10. Fuel/oil
Check you don’t have any fuel or oil leaks you can usually see a wet patch on the ground if you have hydraulics such as a Hi-Ab check the level is correct.
11. Coupling security
Check that your vehicle is coupled securely to your load if you drive an articulated truck make sure the fifth wheel safety chain is securely in place.
12. Battery
Check that your battery is secure and is in good condition.
13. Body/wings
Check that your vehicle’s body and wing mirrors are secure and that there’s nothing that could fall off or come loose in transit including the bumper and grill.
14. Spray suppression
Check that your spray suppression measures are properly attached and functioning if mudflaps are clogged clean them before starting your journey.
15. Tyres and wheels
Check that tyres and wheels are securely fixed, all nuts are tight enough, and that tyre treads and pressures are within the legal limit, also check for splits in the sidewall of the tyres as this could cause a blow out on your journey.
16. Reflectors
Check that reflectors are clean and securely fitted.
17. Markers
Check that marker lights are securely attached, clean and visible.
18. Number plate
Check that number plate is attached securely and visible.
19. Doors
Check that all of your doors are secure and in a good roadworthy condition.
20. Load
Check that the load is secure and evenly distributed, check your load sheet to make sure the weight does not exceed your legal gross weight.
21. Electrical connections
Check that all electrical parts of the vehicle are working properly, if you have suzies check the connections are secure.
Your daily vehicle check sheet will help you to keep safe, If you don’t check your vehicle as required, you could face points on your licence, or possibly be taken off the road completely.
If you drive your vehicle knowing there is a problem and you don’t take steps to report it right away, you could be involved in a serious accident that could have been prevented.
Always complete your Daily vehicle check sheet it really is worth it!
Thank you for reading this Article “Truck Vehicle check sheet doing your daily checks” I hope you found it useful.
