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Place of Work

Due to the Public Highway being classified as a "place of work" under the terms of the Health & Safety Executive legislation, many employers are leaving themselves open to expensive litigation under corporate responsibility laws, as some are unaware that they have a duty to report all accidents that result in injury, to, or by an employee to the HSE. Whilst many, who employ people as drivers are unaware of the problem and are taking steps to prove "due diligence" in respect of their responsibilities, - there is a growing problem among those employers who consider driving as only a minor part of the duties of their employees, and therefore fail to realise that they are actually employing people to drive. Because of this, many overlook their "duty of care" in identifying, and minimising the risk to their employees whilst they are engaged in, what is arguably, the most dangerous element of their work. Solent Training is able to provide an auditable, cost effective training program that protects both the company and the driver.

For further information about this "SAFETY NET" for employers please contact us.

Tachograph Rules Changes 11 April 2007

Driving for 4.5 hours, including accumulated hours, require a break of 45 mins or one of 15 and one of 30

Daily rest reduction from 11 hours to 9 hours 3 times per week can be taken between any two weekly rest periods and do not require compensation

Split rest total of 12 hours can be taken in 2 periods first to be 3 hours the second to be at least 9 hours

Weekly rest can be reduced to 24 hours BUT two weekly rest's of 45 hours must be taken in any two consecutive weeks (a full weekly rest of 45 hours can be followed by a reduced weekly rest of 24 hours but must be followed by another full weekly rest of 45 hours), any reduction in rest must be made up "on bloc" before the end of the third week following the week in question by attaching it to a daily rest of at least 9 hours.

Digital Tachographs

Are now fitted in the UK to all "new build" vehicles over 3.5 tonne.

"White Van Man"

ADR regulations no longer refer to the weight of vehicles ALL drivers of "in scope" vehicles will be required to carry a vocational training certificate (ADR license).

Seat Belts

It is now law that Seatbelts must be worn unless the distance to be travelled is less 50 metres.

Security

All involved with the carriage of Dangerous Goods must have security training.

Drivers CPC

The European Union published a Directive in July 2003 that will require all category C and D license holders (lorry and bus drivers) to take part in 35 hours training every five years. This will start in September 2008 for Bus Drivers and September 2009 for Truck drivers. We will be able to offer this training.