The safe operation of a waste collection vehicle requires a skilled and alert driver who is equipped with a properly functioning vehicle. To ensure a vehicle is safe to operate, drivers are required to conduct a thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections of their vehicles prior to a truck leaving the yard.
By Will Flower
The Federal Motor Vehicle Carrier Safety Act requires a commercial driver to inspect his or her vehicle at the beginning and end of each day. The driver must also complete a written report on the condition of the vehicle. Both the pre-trip and post-trip inspections are intended to make sure the truck is safe to operate and prevent accidents that are the result of faulty or broken equipment.
Drivers, mechanics, fleet managers, operations managers and supervisors should all be familiar with the laws requiring pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
- 49 CFR 396.7 states that if a motor vehicle is in poor condition and likely to break down or cause an accident, a driver is forbidden to operate it.
- 49 CFR 396.9 mandates that if a vehicle has been placed out of service a driver must not drive it until all of the needed repairs are completed.
- 49 CFR 396.11 covers the requirements for post-trip inspections. The law states that every motor carrier shall require all drivers of commercial motor vehicles to inspect their vehicle at the beginning and end of each day, and report any defects.
- 49 CFR 396.13 requires the next driver of the vehicle to review the prior driver’s post-trip inspection report, and if the report shows any defect of the vehicle, the driver must sign the report indicating that the problems were fixed. At the end of each day the driver is required to sign a written vehicle inspection report on each vehicle they operated and document their inspection of tires, brakes, steering mechanism, lights, safety devices, windshield and windshield wipers, mirrors, wheels and rims, emergency equipment, etc.
The Inspection Process
A pre-trip inspection of the vehicle will take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Importantly, the driver or equipment operator should be properly trained and instructed on the pre-trip and post-trip inspection process, including the requirements for paperwork to document and certify the condition of the vehicle. A checklist will aid the driver in performing his or her pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
The driver should start the inspection process by selecting a good location to conduct the inspection. He or she should seek out an area that has adequate lighting, is on level ground, and that allows a full view of the truck from all angles. Following good safety procedures, the driver should place the key to the vehicle in his or her pocket to ensure the truck is not started or moved
during the inspection process. The driver should also wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including high visibility safety vest, hardhat, gloves, and eye protection. The wheels of the truck should be chocked before crawling under or climbing on a vehicle.
Following is a checklist of what to look for:
1. Look at the overall truck. Step back and examine it. Make sure it is not leaning to one side. Also, check all the lights,
including turn signals, brake lights, headlights, warning lights, clearance lights, and safety lights.
2. Look under the vehicle. Look for fluids on the ground, which may indicate a leak.
3. Look around the vehicle. Check the fire extinguisher, safety triangles, tires, windshield, mirrors, etc. Also, make sure that the license plate is secure.
4. Check tools. Make sure brooms, shovels, fire extinguishers, and other tools are properly secured to the truck.
5. Examine the Truck. Check tires, wheels, rims, and lug nuts. Examine the chassis, springs, brakes, steering, fluid levels, belts, and hoses. Look at cables, chains, hooks, or forks on the vehicle.
6. Climb into the cab. Check the door, latch, interior lights, and condition of the seat. Also, give a second look at the windshield, side and rear windows, and mirrors for cracks. If equipped, check cameras and monitors. Make sure the lenses of the cameras are clean. Check the fuel level. Make sure the registration and insurance certificates are in the vehicle and up-to-date.
7. Start the engine. Listen to the engine for excessive or unusual noise and look for excessive smoke. Make sure gauges and warning devices are working. Check the horn, windshield wipers, perform a brake test, and test the parking brake. Place the vehicle in reverse to make sure the back up alarm is functioning.
8. Check the operating systems. Cycle the compactor and make sure safety devices and warning devices are properly functioning. Check to make sure there are no hydraulic oil leaks.
9. Overall cleanliness of the truck. Look for an accumulation of dirt or grease on the engine, transmission, or undercarriage.
Different companies may have different processes for conducting a pre-trip and post-trip inspection. However, in all
cases, the driver must be familiar with the mechanical components and operation of the vehicle. Again, a checklist is a useful tool to aid the driver in conducting an inspection without forgetting anything. Skipping any items during the inspection process will only increase the chances of an accident or breakdown.
Training and Cost Savings
Ideally, drivers and mechanics will work together as a team to keep trucks safe and operational. Ongoing training and refreshers will help drivers and mechanics understand the importance of their respective rolls to keep safe trucks on the route. Additionally, pre-trip and post-trip inspections will save an organization money as towing fees and costly roadside repairs will be reduced. And, the cost of out-of-service vehicles and fines from roadside inspections should be reduced when vehicle repairs are made before the trucks leave the yard.
Drivers need to be completely confident that their vehicle is in safe operating condition prior to pulling out of the truck yard. Done correctly, pre-trip and post-trip inspections will comply with the law and give the driver the assurance that the truck is safe for the work ahead. | WA
Will Flower is the Senior Vice President of Corporate and Public Affairs at Winters Bros. Waste Systems.
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