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Drivers' defect reports
Page 79
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The question raised on your Question and Answer page (CM October 11) in regard to the necessity of a signature on a driver's defect report, raises an interesting point of procedure.
Firstly, I think it is very desirable that a driver should raise a "nil" report, presumably at the conclusion of each journey, which at least demonstrates that he is taking an interest in the condition of his lorry, and it can be of value to the engineer as a measure of the effectiveness of the regular maintenance periods.
Secondly, the answer in Q and A advises that a defect report, nil or otherwise, should be signed by the operator; presumably this is intended to be that of the fleet engineer, unless the operator himself is technically responsible for the vehicle.
A further point arises, which would provide information to be considered by a vehicle examiner, should he examine a vehicle which has suffered a defect on the previous journey. If the defect has been rectified, all well and good, but there could be defects arising which need not necessarily be rectified before undertaking the next journey. I suggest that the driver is provided with a certificate, issued by the fleet engineer, to certify that the defect has been considered, with a statement when it is likely to be rectified, eg the next standard maintenance period, and also declare any operational limitation arising from the defect.
An example of this procedure would arise when an electrical failure prevented a road light from being used; the limitation would indicate that the vehicle would not be operated during the hours of darkness.
A procedure on these lines would enable many vehicles to continue to operate with a calculated risk and would also demonstrate that the operator was using the vehicle responsibly under the terms of his operator's licence.
H. J. WEBB BSc(Eng), Cleyedon.