DAILY VEHICLE INSPECTION
Whether or not it is required by your company or by the local transportation authority, WreckMaster strongly recommends a detailed and thorough daily circle check of both your truck and your equipment. Missed issues with equipment or forgotten items will impact both how efficiently a tow, transport or recovery can be handled as well as how long the job will take.
This check should be properly documented and filed for every vehicle used. If an operator switches to another vehicle within the same work day, it is highly recommended to conduct a thorough check even if the vehicle has been inspected that day.
CONDUCTION AN INSPECTION
The following graphic is a good outline of the items that should be inspected during a routine circle check. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the local transportation authority’s guidelines for what must be inspected daily on your vehicle.
PERSONAL ITEMS
A daily truck and equipment inspection is not just limited to equipment found on the truck. When preparing for the day, an operator should also carefully inspect their uniform or outfit as well as their Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to ensure that it is functional and able to keep you safe. Worn out or broken PPE items can lead to injury, so make sure your gloves, boots, headwear, eyewear and vest are all in working order. This includes faded reflective striping and damaged boots, eyewear or gloves.
Be aware of any local or federal regulations for PPE when operating on different types of roadways and be sure you are equipped with the appropriate items before leaving the lot.
STOWED ITEMS
During the inspection, be sure to also make a full examination of your stowed items, including items required for towing such as straps and hooks, as well as service and incident management items such as Traffic cones or chains. Check the volume or inventory or your service items and replenish anything that is missing.
Your circle check should include the inspection of the following stowed items:
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
When inspecting the engine, check the following items:
Most importantly when conducting a daily truck and equipment inspection is ensuring the truck itself is in appropriate condition to be performing towing operations. A full inspection of the truck’s engine, body, wheels and towing equipment is required.
When inspecting the vehicle, inspect the following items:
ENGINE
Check the condition carefully of the following items:
BODY & WHEELS
In addition to the items listed above, WreckMaster recommends carrying the following items in your truck during daily operations. If these are included, be sure to inspect them prior to leaving the yard.