There are a number of items that truck drivers should have in their HGV truck cab when driving in the UK. While not an exhaustive list, this article will provide an overview of 20 key items that we recommend drivers carry with them at all times. Many of these items are mandatory by law, while others improve driver safety and comfort while on the road. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones below!
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Truck Drivers 20 Item Checklist for Truck Cabs
Defect Book
A defect book is required by law for all HGV vehicles in the UK. Drivers must use this book to record any defects that they find on their vehicle before starting their journey. This helps to ensure that vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition at all times. If a driver is stopped by the police or the driver and standards vehicle agency it is essential to show that relevant checks were carried out on the vehicle you are driving prior to your journey.
Any driver knows that it is crucial to perform regular maintenance checks on their vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. This is especially true for commercial truck drivers, who are responsible for operating large and potentially dangerous vehicles. To help truckers keep their vehicles in good condition, many companies produce HGV truck defect books. These books contain a list of common defects that can occur on trucks, as well as instructions on how to fix them. By regularly consulting these books, truckers can help to ensure that their vehicles are safe to drive. In addition, companies that use HGV trucks can use the defect book to perform their own safety checks and ensure that the trucks they are using are up to standard.
Spare Tachograph Rolls
Tachographs are used to record a driver’s hours, speed and distance traveled. Drivers must ensure that they have enough spare tachograph rolls with them to last the entire duration of their journey. This is important as running out of tachograph rolls can result in being unable to comply with the law.
This information is essential for both the driver and the company that owns the truck. Without tachograph rolls, it would be difficult to know if a driver is following the speed limit or if they are making illegal maneuvers. For these reasons, it is important to regularly check that spare tachograph rolls are stored in the truck cab. This will ensure that there is always a record of the truck’s movements and that the driver can be held accountable for their actions, plus give a driver a printable copy of any variations that might occur during their journey that needs highlighting to either the transport manager or DVSA.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is always useful to have in any vehicle, but it is especially important for HGV drivers who are often traveling long distances. If a driver is involved in an accident or suffers an injury, a first aid kit can be used to provide essential medical care until help arrives. It is also a good idea to keep a list of emergency numbers in the kit in case of an accident.
In the United Kingdom, it is a requirement for all HGV trucks to have a first aid kit on board. However, having a first aid kit is not just good practice, it is essential.
First aid kits are designed to provide basic medical care in the event of an accident or injury and can be the difference between life and death. HGV truck drivers are at a higher risk of accidents and injuries due to the nature of their job, so it is essential that they have access to a first aid kit.
A well-stocked first aid kit can help to treat minor cuts and scrapes, as well as more serious injuries such as broken bones. In the event of a major accident, a first aid kit can also be used to administer first aid whilst waiting for emergency services to arrive.
It is always god practice to check the contents of a first aid kit regularly to ensure that all the necessary items are complete.
Fire Extinguisher
All HGV vehicles must have a fire extinguisher on board. This is essential in case of a fire, which can be caused by a number of things such as electrical faults, engine problems, or an accident. A fire extinguisher can help to extinguish a fire and prevent it from spreading, giving the driver time to get to safety.
Fires can happen anywhere at any time, but they are especially dangerous in large vehicles such as HGVs. The combination of flammable materials and high speeds means that a fire in an HGV can quickly spread out of control, putting the driver and other motorists at risk. A fire extinguisher is the best way to put out a fire before it has a chance to take hold, and all HGV drivers should have one within easy reach. Fire extinguishers are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, so there is no excuse for not having one on board.
Glass Hammer
A glass hammer is an important item for a truck driver to have within the cab, in the event of an accident it may be necessary to break the glass of the vehicle to escape danger.
Any driver knows that safety is paramount when behind the wheel of a large truck. Not only are there potential dangers on the road, but there are also hazards associated with the materials being transported.
In order to protect both the driver and the cargo, it is essential to have a safety glass hammer on board. In the event of an accident, the hammer can be used to quickly break through the windshield and escape the vehicle. Additionally, the hammer can be used to break through the windows of other vehicles in order to render assistance.
For these reasons, every HGV truck should be equipped with a safety glass hammer.
Vehicle Height Indicator
A vehicle height indicator is required for HGV drivers as it helps to avoid low bridges and overhead obstacles. This is especially important when driving in unfamiliar areas where the driver may not be aware of the height restrictions. It is essential that this height is adjusted to the correct height, especially when changing trailer types carrying different loads.
As a truck driver, you are responsible for ensuring that your vehicle is safe to operate on the roads. One of the most important aspects of safety is knowing the height of your truck.
The height indicator is a simple tool that can help you to ensure that your truck will clear underpasses, bridges, and other overhead structures.
Without this knowledge, you could be putting yourself and other motorists at risk. In addition, many areas have height restrictions on sites and roadways.
By checking the height indicator before every journey and adjusting it if necessary, you can be sure that you are complying with the law and keeping everyone safe.
So next time you get behind the wheel, be sure to take a moment to check the height indicator. It could save your life.
Gloves
Gloves are an essential item for truck drivers to protect their hands when handling parts of their load or tie-down straps, also gloves provide protection from oil or dirt ensuring that a driver’s hands do not come into contact with these substances.
Truck drivers are responsible for a lot more than just driving. They also have to handle the loading and unloading of their vehicles, often without the help of anyone else.
This means that their hands are constantly exposed to potential injury. Wearing trucking gloves can help protect against cuts, scrapes, and other hand injuries.
The gloves also provide a layer of cushioning that can prevent bruising and other impact injuries. In addition, trucking gloves can help keep hands warm in cold weather and improve grip when handling heavy or slippery objects.
For all these reasons, it is always a good idea for truck drivers to wear their trucking gloves while working.
Hard Hat
A hard hat is required by law for drivers who are delivering to various sites, for unloading and loading of a vehicle.
Truck drivers play a vital role in our economy, transporting goods across the country. However, their job is also extremely dangerous, and accidents are all too common.
One of the most serious risks truck drivers face is head injuries, which can occur when loading or unloading a vehicle. That’s why it’s so important for truck drivers to always wear a hard hat.
Hard hats are designed to protect your head from blows and can help prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident.
A hard hat is crucial for protecting a truck driver’s head while loading and unloading a vehicle. The heavy, awkward loads that truck drivers handle can easily shift and fall, striking a driver on the head and causing serious injury.
A hard hat can help to protect against these accidents by absorbing the impact of a falling load. In addition, a hard hat can also protect against flying debris and other hazards that are common in loading, unloading, or even when walking around a construction site or transport yard.
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses are another important item to keep in the truck cab, many tasks on sites require safety glasses to be worn, they will protect your eyes from dust, dirt, and other flying objects, and they can also provide protection from chemicals when cleaning a vehicle with detergents.
There are many types of truck driving jobs in that safety glasses provide a vital safety role, such as delivering concrete where splashes of concrete can seriously burn the retina of the eye, tipper truck driving where sand or grit can become lodged in the eye causing pain and discomfort.
Hi Vis Clothing
Truck drivers play a vital role in the economy, transporting goods across the country to businesses and consumers. However, they also face a unique set of risks while on the job.
One of the most important safety precautions truck drivers can take is to wear hi-vis clothing while making deliveries.
Hi-vis clothing helps to make truck drivers more visible to other motorists, especially in low-light conditions.
This can reduce the risk of accidents, as other drivers are more likely to see a truck driver who is wearing hi-vis clothing. In addition, hi-vis clothing can also help to protect truck drivers from weather conditions such as cold or rain.
By wearing hi-vis clothing, truck drivers can help to keep themselves safe and increase their chances of making it through their working day safely.
Safety Boots
Safety boots are another essential item of PPE for HGV drivers. They must be worn at all times when driving and carrying out any task on or around the vehicle. Safety boots protect the feet from falling objects, slipping, and other risks associated with driving an HGV.
While most truck drivers take their safety seriously, there are still some who choose to operate without proper footwear. This can be extremely dangerous, especially when driving on wet or icy roads.
Wearing safety boots helps to improve traction and prevent slips and falls. It also provides additional support for the feet, which is essential for long hours of driving.
In short, safety boots are essential for any truck driver who wants to stay safe on the job.
Sunglasses
Driving in bright sunshine can be hazardous for a truck driver, as the glare from the sun can make it difficult to see. Wearing sunglasses can help to reduce this glare and improve visibility.
In the UK, truck drivers who transport goods from one location to another often wear sunglasses to improve visibility.
The sunglasses help to reduce the glare from the sun and make it easier to see the road ahead.
Wearing sunglasses also helps to reduce eye fatigue, which can be a problem for long-distance truckers. In addition, sunglasses can help to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays.
Although wearing sunglasses is not required by law in the UK, many truck drivers find that they improve their safety and comfort while on the job.
Food and Drink
When driving an HGV, it is important to keep yourself hydrated and fed. This is especially important in hot weather or on long journeys. It is a good idea to keep some snacks and drinks in the truck cab so that you can have something to eat or drink when you need it.
Most modern trucks have a built-in fridge for storing food and drinks, but there are many additional items such as a drinks flask, cool bag, and sandwich box that make food or drink easier to store in the cab.
Clipboard
A clipboard is a very useful item for a truck driver to have. It can be used to store paperwork, maps, or other documents that the driver needs to refer to while on the road.
It is also a good way to keep track of receipts or invoices for goods that are being transported.
Having a waterproof clipboard is also a good choice for UK truck driving as the weather can be unpredictable.
Pens
A truck driver’s day always turns out to be a bad one if he or she forgets a pen! always keep a few pens in your truck cab so that relevant paperwork can be completed when necessary.
Check that any pens kept within the cab work properly before setting out on your journey and always store your pens out of direct sunlight so that the ink does not dry up.
Basic Tool Kit
A basic tool kit is another essential item for a truck driver to have. This should include a screwdriver, hammer, pliers, wrench, and other items relevant to your vehicle. These tools can be used for various tasks such as changing a light bulb, and basic repairs to keep you moving.
Basic tool kits provide useful tools for most tasks – and can prevent the necessity of calling for roadside assistance which can save valuable time on a truck driving journey.
Spare Bulbs and Fuses
It is always useful to have a few spare bulbs and replacement fuses in your truck cab. This is because they are often needed should a light fail or a fuse blow when on a long journey.
Having spare bulbs and fuses can save you many hours in time and reduce costs because there would be no requirement for any breakdown service.
Always ensure that the bulbs and fuses kept in the truck correspond with the vehicle you are driving, as many trucks have different types and sizes of bulbs and fuses.
Map Books
Map books are essential for any HGV driver, as they provide detailed information on routes, roads, and motorways. They can also be used to plan journeys and find alternative routes if necessary.
It is always good practice to keep a full road atlas of Britain in the cab as well as more localized maps that provide street names.
A map book can help you to choose different routes should you encounter diversions when out on the roads of Britain.
Truck Sat Nav
A truck sat nav although not an essential tool is a recommended device for any truck driver. A truck sat nav is designed specifically for HGVs and can provide information on routes, roads, and motorways. It can also be used to find alternative routes if necessary.
Truck drivers in the UK have to contend with a number of challenges that regular motorists don’t have to worry about. From narrow roads and low bridges to tight turns and steep inclines, there are plenty of obstacles that can impede a delivery. That’s where a truck sat nav comes in handy.
These specialized navigation systems take into account the size and weight of a truck when planning a route, ensuring that the driver can avoid any potential hazards. Additionally, truck sat navs often come with features such as live traffic updates and hands-free operation, making them an essential tool for any professional driver.
Dash Camera
Modern truck driving is very complex and a dash camera is becoming an essential device for truck drivers.
A Dash Cam is a type of video camera that is typically mounted on the dashboard or windscreen of a vehicle.
The purpose of a Dash Cam is to record footage of the view out of the front of the vehicle, providing an unbiased account of events in the case of an accident or incident.
In the UK,Dash Cams are becoming increasingly popular with truck drivers as a way to protect themselves from false claims and insurance fraud.
With a Dash Cam installed, a truck driver can provide evidence to support their version of events in the event of an accident, which can be crucial in disproving false claims. In addition, Dash Cams can also help to discourage dangerous driving by other road users, as they will be aware that their actions are being recorded.
Conclusion
The 20 items truck drivers should have above cover the main tools, devices, and equipment that truck drivers would require in their cabs every day. Many different types of truck driving jobs will require other items depending on the specific needs of individual drivers.
Most of the items listed above will either be provided by the company you work for or you may already have within your truck cab.
We hope you found this article useful and informative and find the checklist useful for checking all the kit you have in your truck cab.
