Preventing workshop pit falls
With no basic requirements set out in law on how a vehicle maintenance and repair workshop should specify an inspection pit, Kevin Swallow looks at cost-effective options, as well as health and safety best practice
Professional standard
As the transport industry increasingly wakes up to the importance of competence and compliance at every level, including vehicle inspection and maintenance, irtec is trending upwards. Brian Tinham reports
Next generation engines
Just when you thought it might be safe to forget heavy-duty engine emissions regulations, Brussels starts getting serious about ‘Euro 7’ – and not just for CO2 reduction. Brian Tinham reports
Safe not sorry
Operators, workshops and even technicians themselves are still falling foul of safety inspection issues. Brian Tinham talks to the FTA’s Andy Mair about what’s going wrong
Safer lorries
With the truly horrific consequences of accidents involving heavy trucks still fresh in our minds, Brian Tinham looks at technologies set to make a difference
Safety culture
As it routinely deals with hazardous materials and dangerous processes, the civil nuclear power industry has developed an excellent safety culture, perhaps world leading.
In praise of diesel
Last month I attended Volvo’s interesting Smart Cities event, which looked at future urban infrastructure and transport requirements. At the end of the first session, panellists were asked what they would like to see, if a single wish could be granted. Terri Wills of the World Green Building Council said she wished that fossil fuel-powered engines could be considered in future like the cigarette is today.
Innovative trucks
As vulnerable road users and local residents rise up the agenda for operators in urban centres, truck specifications need to evolve. Brian Weatherley reports on two novel adaptations
irtec accreditation: the penny finally drops
Welcome to 2016: the year in which irtec (the IRTE’s technician licensing scheme) looks set to lead training agendas. It may have been a long time coming, but, with fleets the size of Sainsbury’s now routinely requiring irtec accredited technicians at all contracted R&M suppliers, the penny is finally dropping.
Joined up thinking
In the wake of this year’s Microlise Transport conference, Brian Tinham reviews issues and solutions for operators, and the future as perceived by OEMs