Essential industry guide targeted at improving wheel security

According to analysis by Transport Research Laboratory, there were approximately 400 cases of wheel loss during HGV driving in the year 2006. Wheel Security: a best practice guide is available from the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and this will guide drivers as to the signs of a poorly fitted wheel.

The guide also offers the industry with best practise associated to wheel maintenance. The guide has been circulated by a working group including ATS Euromaster, FTA, SITA UK Ltd and IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers), which is a professional sector of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers).

Fleet Compliance and Auditing Manager for SITA UK Ltd, Mark Forster said that it is essential that organisations have a clearly defined wheel safety practice ready. It is also important that all relevant employees play their part in severely adhering to that method. As the advice from the guide goes to the spirit of road safety standards, it greatly helps to protect the O-licence of the company.

ATS Euromaster’s Technical Service Advisor, Martyn Edwards said that successful wheel loss administration needs strong processes varying from daily checks of drivers to all inclusive service provider training plans. Also, the maintenance staff should be trained appropriately to recognise the signs of component damage and wear.