Tachodisc In The News
LEGISLATION TRAINING
FREIGHT INDUSTRY TIMES – SUMMER 2010
May 2010
OPERATORS CAN NOW BE REFRESHED WITH TACHODISC
With all the focus on Driver CPC training, Tachodisc is reinforcing the importance of operator training by launching a new 2-day refresher course for CPC holders. The course will concentrate on key transport legislative areas, compliance issues and day-to-day business management procedures.
Karen Crispe, Director at Tachodisc says: “We have created the new 2-day refresher course specifically for Operator CPC holders who have obtained their qualification a number of years ago or who had an operator CPC through acquired rights, and therefore may not be fully conversant in all the legislative changes that have occurred over the last 5 years.”
Since 2005 the industry has seen so many legislative changes, from the introduction of Working Time Regulations in 2005, the implementation of Digital Tachographs in 2006, OCRS Scoring and new Drivers’ Hours Law in 2007, to Corporate Manslaughter in 2008 and Driver CPC and Graduated Fixed Penalties in 2009. Tachodisc’s new Operator Refresher course will cover all of these areas in addition to updates on all the latest business compliance issues and procedures. Subjects will cover DHL, WTD Legislation, Defect Reporting, Accident Management, Maintenance Procedures, Road Safety, Operator and Driver Employment Law, Licensing, Insurance, Contract of Carriage and Enforcement.
“Furthermore, in addition to the obvious reasons why operators need to keep themselves informed about legislation, the introduction of Driver CPC is serving to enforce the importance further,” says Karen. “With drivers themselves now attending these types of legislative courses through Driver CPC training, they are becoming much more educated about the law and their responsibilities. So yes, it is essential for operators to be fully informed about the law from a compliance point of view, but also now in case their actions are questioned by drivers.”
TAKE A ‘SAFE’ LOAD OFF WITH TACHODISC
To ensure drivers understand their legal obligations in relation to the safe loading of vehicles, Tachodisc has also created a new Driver CPC course entitled “Safe and secure loading principles and vehicle defect checks”. This announcement also coincides with the HSE stating that its officers, together with VOSA will now be undertaking spot checks on vehicles to ensure that loads are being transported securely.
Launched in May 2010, the new 7-hour JAUPT approved course will update drivers on how to effectively secure loads and demonstrate the different types of packaging and securing equipment available. Drivers will also be given instruction on what is required in respect of daily walk round vehicle safety checks and defect reporting procedures.
“With the announcement that VOSA and the HSE are going to be conducting vehicle spot checks over the coming weeks due to the fact that loading and unloading accounts for one in five workplace transport incidents - many resulting from loads not being properly restrained - operators together with drivers need to become more vigilant and responsible.” confirms Karen.
“Drivers and/or businesses that are found to have unsafe loads face fines or even risk having the vehicle ordered off the road by the issuing of a prohibition notice. For operators, it’s also not just about the fines any more, but the potential adverse effect upon their operator compliance risk score (OCRS).”
Tachodisc has designed the new Driver CPC course so that drivers have an understanding of how to manage their loads safely and securely. This, in turn, should result in a safer working environment with fewer accidents and fewer penalties. “Implementing more effective ‘best practice’ vehicle maintenance systems will lead to greater protection of both the driver’s vocational licence and the status of the operator licence,” concluded Karen.
Tachodisc offers a range of approved open training courses from its Warrington training school or from operators’ premises. For course dates and further information on the full range of Operator and Driver CPC courses, please visit the Tachodisc Training page or telephone 01925 283328.
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