Generally, employees should not be expected to carry any potentially hazardous equipment or substances in their own vehicles. Where carried in Council vehicles, a risk assessment must be carried out and controls put in place. Consideration for other road users Always drive considerately and be courteous to other road users. Allowing yourself to become angry will add to the risks you face on the road, both in terms of incidents and the possibility that others will become angry with you. If you are stationary in traffic and are confronted by someone outside your car, lock your doors and wind your window down slightly if you need to speak to them. Stay calm and don’t do anything to aggravate the situation. Fire Vehicle fires tend to start in the engine compartment or behind the dashboard. Never attempt to tackle a vehicle fire unless you have specific training in the required technique. If travelling, stop at the side of the road, switch the engine off, leave the vehicle without waiting to collect belongings or work items and stand well away from the vehicle. Only when you are at a safe distance should you call for the Emergency Services for assistance. There are a number of ways fires can start, all are preventable: never use electrical jump leads unless you are competent to do so. Connecting the leads incorrectly can cause sparks and potentially an explosion never top up oil when the engine is hot always keep the vehicle properly maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. For your safety do not try to lift the bonnet if the engine is on fire! – Safer vehicles - before setting off It is the driver’s (who is not necessarily the owner) responsibility to inspect the vehicle thoroughly before setting off, to ensure it is roadworthy. This pre-use check should include items such as tyres, lights, windscreen washer fluid, spare wheel and jack. Loose objects that could be potential projectiles, if the vehicle has to stop suddenly, should be secured. In wintry conditions items such as a coat, blanket and shovel may be useful. The basic items to consider in a pre-use check follow the simple mnemonic POWER. P = petrol, or fuel enough for the journey? – O = oil topped up? – W = water, including washer bottles topped up and with correct anti-freeze levels? – E = electrics do all lights and indicators work? – R = rubber; tyres including the spare, wiper blades all in good condition? – For vehicles - daily and weekly checks
Generally, employees should not be expected to carry any potentially hazardous equipment or substances in their own vehicles. Where carried in Council vehicles, a risk assessment must be carried out and controls put in place. Consideration for other road users Always drive considerately and be courteous to other road users. Allowing yourself to become angry will add to the risks you face on the road, both in terms of incidents and the possibility that others will become angry with you. If you are stationary in traffic and are confronted by someone outside your car, lock your doors and wind your window down slightly if you need to speak to them. Stay calm and don’t do anything to aggravate the situation. Fire Vehicle fires tend to start in the engine compartment or behind the dashboard. Never attempt to tackle a vehicle fire unless you have specific training in the required technique. If travelling, stop at the side of the road, switch the engine off, leave the vehicle without waiting to collect belongings or work items and stand well away from the vehicle. Only when you are at a safe distance should you call for the Emergency Services for assistance. There are a number of ways fires can start, all are preventable: never use electrical jump leads unless you are competent to do so. Connecting the leads incorrectly can cause sparks and potentially an explosion never top up oil when the engine is hot always keep the vehicle properly maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. For your safety – do not try to lift the bonnet if the engine is on fire! Safer vehicles - before setting off It is the driver’s (who is not necessarily the owner) responsibility to inspect the vehicle thoroughly before setting off, to ensure it is roadworthy. This pre-use check should include items such as tyres, lights, windscreen washer fluid, spare wheel and jack. Loose objects that could be potential projectiles, if the vehicle has to stop suddenly, should be secured. In wintry conditions items such as a coat, blanket and shovel may be useful. The basic items to consider in a pre-use check follow the simple mnemonic POWER. P = petrol, or fuel – enough for the journey? O = oil – topped up? W = water, including washer bottles – topped up and with correct anti-freeze levels? E = electrics – do all lights and indicators work? R = rubber; tyres including the spare, wiper blades – all in good condition? For vehicles - daily and weekly checks
Travelling-for-work-guidance.docx