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Establishing an Effective Maintenance Program. The Mechanics Need Your Help. Maintenance is Your Responsibility Too. You may not turn the wrenches, but you are a big part of the maintenance program Your “part” is to make sure things get done as required by the Federal regulations
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Establishing an Effective Maintenance Program The Mechanics Need Your Help
Maintenance is Your Responsibility Too • You may not turn the wrenches, but you are a big part of the maintenance program • Your “part” is to make sure things get done as required by the Federal regulations • Your organizational skills and attention to detail will help get this done
Federal Regulations Require • Qualified annual inspectors – see form • Qualified brake inspectors – see form • Periodic (annual) inspections at least every 12 months • Pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections by drivers • Systematic inspection and repair of equipment
Systematic inspection/Repair • Different makes of trucks have different maintenance schedules – find out what yours is • How does the shop track what service is due on a vehicle? e.g. oil changes, lube, brake inspection, annuals, etc… • How are drivers notified that a service is due?
Reporting Problems • What is the system for drivers to report vehicle problems to maintenance? • Is this working? • Are you having too many on-road breakdowns or vehicle out of services? • The national average for vehicle out of service is 22.90% - what is yours? • Can the system be improved in any way?
Annual Inspections • How are annual inspection due dates tracked? • They can be tracked on an equipment list kept on a computer or on a board in the garage, or many other ways • Mechanics should check a list of services due for each vehicle when it is brought into the shop
Driver Inspections • Have your drivers been trained on how to inspect a vehicle? • Not just to take the CDL exam either! • They should be trained on how to inspect and how to write up a defect for repair • Sources of training: Motor carrier inspectors, mechanics, videos, written materials, etc.
Tracking Repairs • Every repair that is made needs documented – even changing a light bulb needs a paper trail • This is used to demonstrate that repairs were made for defects on roadside inspections, and to a jury if vehicle defects contribute to an accident • This includes owner operator equipment
Record Keeping • Each unit should have it’s own file • Must contain the following: • Company number, if so marked • Make • Serial number • Year • Tire size • Name of owner, if not owned by the motor carrier
Record Retention • Must retain records of all inspections, repairs, etc. for: • 1 year • And for 6 months after the unit leaves the motor carrier’s control • Annual inspections must be retained for 14 months • Roadside inspection reports must be retained for 12 months • DVIR must be retained for 90 days
Track Roadside Data • Should track all roadside inspection data so mechanics can be notified of trends • This information can be used to improve the maintenance program