Vehicle Maintenance & Roadworthiness Standards
All vehicles used for BHA operations must be maintained in a safe, roadworthy, and legally compliant condition at all times. Drivers and operators share responsibility for ensuring vehicles are fit for use.
Maintenance is not limited to servicing. It includes inspections, defect repairs, documentation, and ongoing monitoring of vehicle condition.
Driver Responsibility
- Complete daily vehicle checks before use
- Report defects immediately
- Do not operate unsafe vehicles
- Monitor vehicle condition during use
Drivers must treat the vehicle as their own and ensure it remains safe throughout the working day.
Operator / Owner Responsibility
- Ensure regular servicing is carried out
- Maintain valid insurance and vehicle tax
- Keep maintenance records up to date
- Ensure defects are repaired promptly
Vehicles must not be placed into service unless they meet all safety and legal requirements.
Servicing Requirements
Vehicles must be serviced in line with manufacturer guidelines or more frequently if required by usage.
- Follow recommended service intervals (mileage or time-based)
- Use qualified service providers
- Record all servicing activity
Best practice: Maintain a forward service schedule to prevent missed servicing.
Planned Maintenance System
A structured maintenance plan must be in place for each vehicle.
- Service schedule (dates and mileage)
- Record of completed services
- Tracking of upcoming maintenance
- Evidence of repairs carried out
This ensures that maintenance is proactive rather than reactive.
Daily vs Periodic Checks
Maintenance is supported by two levels of inspection:
Daily Checks
- Completed by the driver before use
- Focus on safety-critical items
Periodic Maintenance
- Completed by qualified personnel
- Includes mechanical inspection and servicing
Both levels must work together to maintain vehicle safety.
Roadworthiness Requirements
A vehicle is considered roadworthy if:
- All safety systems are functioning
- No defects are present that affect operation
- Tyres, brakes, and lights meet legal standards
- The vehicle can be operated safely under normal conditions
If a vehicle is not roadworthy, it must not be used.
Documentation & Evidence (Critical)
The following records must be maintained:
- Service history
- Repair records
- Inspection reports
- Proof of insurance
- Vehicle tax status
Records must be available for inspection when required.
Defect Repair Process
When a defect is identified:
- The issue must be recorded immediately
- Vehicle must be taken out of service if unsafe
- Repairs must be completed by a qualified provider
- Repair must be documented
Vehicles must not return to service until repairs are completed and verified.
Vehicle Tax & Insurance
- Vehicles must have valid road tax
- Insurance must be active and appropriate for use
- Drivers must report any changes to insurance status
Operating without valid tax or insurance is illegal and will result in immediate removal from work.
Safety Recalls
Drivers and operators must be aware of manufacturer recalls.
- Check for recall notices regularly
- Act on recalls immediately
- Do not operate affected vehicles until resolved
Breakdowns & Mechanical Failure
If a vehicle breaks down:
- Stop safely and secure the vehicle
- Notify operations
- Arrange recovery if required
Drivers must not attempt to continue operating a vehicle with mechanical faults.
Compliance & Enforcement
- Vehicles not maintained to standard will be removed from use
- Failure to report defects may result in suspension
- Repeated maintenance failures may result in removal from the driver network
Driver Declaration
By completing the daily driver check, the driver confirms:
- The vehicle is roadworthy
- All required checks have been completed
- No known defects are present unless reported
