Roadcheck and Heat Safety
Roadcheck 2013. This year the annual 72 hour blitz of inspections known as Roadcheck 2013 will be conducted 4-6 June. During this time, FMCSA in conjunction with the various state law enforcement agencies will conduct thousands of roadside inspections nationwide in North America. According to several historical reports, there were 14 trucks or buses inspected every minute during the 72 hours. The Roadcheck campaign is the largest target enforcement program on commercial vehicles in the world. Typically, the campaign places about 24% of the equipment and 5% of the drivers out of service for safety violations. M.C. Tank has historically performed well during the previous campaigns. Often times we had clean sheet inspections and no OOS write-ups.
Preparation for the inspection includes:
- Learn the inspection process. Know what to expect and be professional - first impressions are lasting impressions.
- Know and follow the hours of service rules.
- Stay within the speed limit and always drive safely.
- Stay off the road if your license isn’t valid.
- Have your paperwork ready. This includes:
v Current CDL and Medical Card
v Logs (current to the last change in duty status and the previous 7 days)
v Annual Inspection
v HAZMAT Paperwork
v Permit Credentials
v Shipping Documents
- Wear your seatbelt!
- Keep your equipment clean and well maintained.
- Be thorough in your own pre-trip, walk-around, and post-trip inspections. Catch violations before the inspector.
- Pay particular attention to brake linings, pushrod travel, brake system leaks & air pressure, lights, tires, load securement, and vehicle weight.
- Investigate/correct problems when they arise.
According to the FMCSA, the top five vehicle violations in the past two years were:
- Lights/reflectors
- Tire tread depth
- General repair/maintenance
- Brakes out of adjustment
- Oil/grease leaks
According to the FMCSA, the top five driver violations in the past two years were:
- Log violations
- No medical card
- Non-English speaking drivers.
- Speeding
- Seatbelt not properly warn
HOS. As of this date, the new Hours of Service rules are scheduled to go into effect in July. The new rules are a teaching point at this quarter’s safety meetings, be sure to be in attendance.
Heat Injuries. Heat injuries can be serious and sometimes fatal. Those who survive a heat injury are usually susceptible to heat injuries for the rest of their life. Heat stress is the first level of a heat injury. Symptoms for heat stress include: Hot dry skin, and/or profuse sweating, hallucinations, throbbing headache, high body temperature, confusion or dizziness, slurred speech, and chills. It is possible that a heat stress injury to evolve into heat stroke which is the most severe and often fatal. Symptoms for Heat Stroke include some or all of the Heat Stress and the body looses its ability to cool itself internally.
Prevention is the key to heat injuries. Increase your fluid intake water is best (followed by sports drinks)—avoid caffeinated beverages since they have a diuretic affect. Additional salt is a wife’s tale and could have a reverse affect.