Prepare the concrete mixer for operation
Overview
What is this standard about?
This standard is about preparing the concrete mixer for operation and checking it before driving on public roads. It covers the physical checks that a driver must make on the concrete mixer and the documentation they are required to complete to comply with legal and organisational requirements before the start of each driving duty.
It also covers the use of the vehicle controls to maximise safety and fuel efficiency, and knowledge of the factors that affect fuel efficiency and the safety of other road users.
Who is this standard for?
This standard is relevant to drivers of concrete mixers and those who are responsible for concrete mixers within logistics organisations.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- comply with the organisational procedures and all relevant legal, environmental, health and safety and operating requirements relating to concrete mixer operations
- prepare the concrete mixer for driving by carrying out checks to maintain the safety of the vehicle
- undertake vehicle pre-start checks in line with manufacturers instructions and record in line with relevant legal and organisational requirements
- check that all vehicle systems, controls, and instruments are working, and that the vehicle is roadworthy
- inspect the ancillary equipment
- undertake vehicle post start checks in line with manufacturer’s instructions and record in line with relevant legal and organisational requirements
- check that all required legal documents are in place for the driver and concrete mixer
- adjust the concrete mixer steering wheel, mirrors and seat for maximum control, observation, and comfort
- confirm that all required signage is in place and visible for the load being carried
- take the required action when any defects with the concrete mixer are identified, whether new or previously reported, following organisational procedures
- identify the person responsible for officially releasing the concrete mixer for driving, following organisational procedures
- complete all organisational documentation relating to preparing the concrete mixer for driving
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the organisational procedures and all relevant legal, environmental, health and safety, and operating requirements relating to driving the vehicle on public roads
- the hazards associated with handling ready mixed concrete
- the risk assessments and safe operating procedures for the task
- how the product can be affected by time, weather and temperature
- the responsibilities of the driver for the concrete mixer and load, including vehicle security
- the pre start checks that drivers are required to carry out
- how to check vehicle systems, controls, and instruments to ensure the vehicle is road worthy
- the post start checks that drivers are required to carry out
- how to inspect the ancillary equipment
- where to find information on the operation of the concrete mixer systems, controls and instruments
- the relevant legal documents that must be in place before the concrete mixer is driven
- the importance of adjusting the steering wheel, mirrors and seat to suit the driver and maximise control, observation and comfort
- the importance of minimising blind spots by adjusting the visual aids
- how to find information on the concrete mix being carried
- the indicators of any potential electrical or mechanical problems with the concrete mixer
- the organisational procedures for reporting defects and how to obtain information on previously reported problems
- the legal documents your organisation requires you to complete during the preparation process and to carry with you in the concrete mixer
- how to safely start and shut down the vehicle
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Controls: accelerator, clutch, footbrake, handbrake, steering wheel, gears, indicators, lights, windscreen wipers, demisters, heating and ventilation, Power Take Off (PTO), differential lock
Instruments: gauges, warning lights, displays, audible alerts, tachograph, telematics, slump gauge tyre-pressure indicators, coolant levels, oil levels, air pressure
Legal documents: insurance, road tax, vehicle plate, trailer plate, vehicle MOT test certificate, trailer MOT test certificate, transport operator's licence, goods vehicle driver's licence, permits
Legal, safety and operating requirements: Highway Code, transport regulations, safety regulations, codes of practice, load restrictions, drivers' hours, licences/permits, Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) requirements, Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) requirements, Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS), alcohol and drug restrictions, organisational requirements
Load: Screed, Fresh concrete mix
Systems: ignition, electrical, lights, brakes, transmission, engine, fuel, tyres, coupling, information technology, digital, communications and telemetry systems, ancillary equipment, loading, unloading, temperature control
Concrete mixer: the concrete mixer you normally drive, ancillary equipment, reversing cameras, all round visibility cameras, blind spot cameras