Over the just been given a weeks work starting minfay multi dropping medical kit from Manchester through an agency. 
Nervous as hell but can’t wait to get stuck in.
So what exactly do I do with the tacho card ? Feel like I am going in blindfolded and utterly confused with regards to wtd and tachograph rules.
What kit so I need to take git sat nav, boots, high viz vest and gloves.
What else ?
Thanks
Relax and enjoy the drive.
I’m crap with manual entries,it’s a no and go for me.
Just make sure you have a break after 4.30 drive time,either a 15 minute + a 30 min one within that 4.30 drive time.
Take the kit you’ve mentioned,plus some food and drink.
Best wishes.
Ramon123:
Relax and enjoy the drive.I’m crap with manual entries,it’s a no and go for me.
Just make sure you have a break after 4.30 drive time,either a 15 minute + a 30 min one within that 4.30 drive time.
Take the kit you’ve mentioned,plus some food and drink.
Best wishes.
Cheers mate I intend to be safe and slow
Technically it’s your employers job to provide PPE, which in this case I assume would be the agency.
However for the basics it’s probably not worth the hassle as the stuff they will give you will be crap.
What you’ve listed is fine pal, and anything else like specialist PPE I’d let the firm worry about…
As this is your first card use I wouldn’t do a manual entry mate, but manual entries are easy when you get your head around them.
Basically the tacho wants to know what you did since you last ejected your card, which in your case is your whole life, hence ignore it this time.
For more info mate, I suggest you have a look on YouTube, or google Tacho simulators to have a play.
Best of luck and as already said, relax (don’t rush!) and enjoy it knowing you WILL make mistakes.
As the more you rush, the worse those mistakes will probably be…
Evil8Beezle:
Technically it’s your employers job to provide PPE, which in this case I assume would be the agency.
However for the basics it’s probably not worth the hassle as the stuff they will give you will be crap.
What you’ve listed is fine pal, and anything else like specialist PPE I’d let the firm worry about…As this is your first card use I wouldn’t do a manual entry mate, but manual entries are easy when you get your head around them.
Basically the tacho wants to know what you did since you last ejected your card, which in your case is your whole life, hence ignore it this time.For more info mate, I suggest you have a look on YouTube, or google Tacho simulators to have a play.
Best of luck and as already said, relax (don’t rush!) and enjoy it knowing you WILL make mistakes.
As the more you rush, the worse those mistakes will probably be…
Thanks mate and as per usual your advice is top notch and appreciated.
As for the ppe if rather use my own as have a ready supply and it’s all as you said probably well vetter than their gear.
May seem a stupid question but seeing as no uniform for the job what should I wear ? It is for bunzl healthcare so guess I should be relatively smart.
Thanks again
Dazza1shot:
May seem a stupid question but seeing as no uniform for the job what should I wear ? It is for bunzl healthcare so guess I should be relatively smart.
No question is stupid mate, only the failure to ask it! 
And you’re right, don’t look scruffy as people will judge you by it…
Look clean and presentable, but in gear that you accept CAN get dirty and knackered.
I wear basic work trousers with big pockets for paperwork, along with a plain tee shirt and sweatshirt.
Just try not to get it covered in egg or ketchup!
Wet wipes are wonderful things and if you search in this forum, you’ll find plenty of threads discussing the sort of gear a limper should carry…
Again try and relax and remember there are no prizes for speed, just booby prizes for mistakes…
Good luck! Take it easy and hope it goes smoothly for you. 
slowlane:
Good luck! Take it easy and hope it goes smoothly for you.
Thanks my friend
Have you started your practical training ?
Evil8Beezle:
Wet wipes are wonderful things and if you search in this forum, you’ll find plenty of threads discussing the sort of gear a limper should carry…Again try and relax and remember there are no prizes for speed, just booby prizes for mistakes…
Do you take stuff to clean your mirrors and stuff
Good luck pal
Dazza1shot:
Do you take stuff to clean your mirrors and stuff
I have a designated truck so yes I have glass cleaner and cloths. If I was agency I would take a cloth and make do with spit.
The cleaner your mirrors and window glass is the easier your day will be.
F-reds:
Dazza1shot:
Do you take stuff to clean your mirrors and stuffI have a designated truck so yes I have glass cleaner and cloths. If I was agency I would take a cloth and make do with spit.
The cleaner your mirrors and window glass is the easier your day will be.
Thanks mate was thinking this evening when driving the car perhaps this should be a consideration
Dazza1shot:
Over the just been given a weeks work starting minfay multi dropping medical kit from Manchester through an agency.Nervous as hell but can’t wait to get stuck in.
So what exactly do I do with the tacho card ? Feel like I am going in blindfolded and utterly confused with regards to wtd and tachograph rules.
What kit so I need to take git sat nav, boots, high viz vest and gloves.
What else ?Thanks
very important to get your manual entries correct…or you’ll soon be collecting infringements like they’re going out of fashion!
carryfast-yeti:
very important to get your manual entries correct…or you’ll soon be collecting infringements like they’re going out of fashion!
I will not lie mate can not get my head around it.
Will I need to do a manual entry on my brand new tach card on it’s first use ? it’s my first ever tacho card
Dazza1shot:
carryfast-yeti:
very important to get your manual entries correct…or you’ll soon be collecting infringements like they’re going out of fashion!I will not lie mate can not get my head around it.
Will I need to do a manual entry on my brand new tach card on it’s first use ? it’s my first ever tacho card
Ask another driver if they wouldn’t mind helping you out.
The only manual entry you need to make is to cover the time between starting your shift and getting to the lorry to start your work. You might start your shift at 0900 say, report to the office, having briefing on procedures, be assigned a run, and given some keys, and be told to go find your steed for the day, meaning you don’t get to put your card in till 0930 because of all the faffing around you’ve done.
Alternatively when you put your card in and it asks you if you want to make a manual entry you can just say no and go about your day like nothing ever happened. The world won’t end, but I would recommend getting to grips with your tachograph as soon as possible, it is your friend, a tool, to help you, not a ghastly demon there trying to trip you up everyday!
Dazza1shot:
carryfast-yeti:
very important to get your manual entries correct…or you’ll soon be collecting infringements like they’re going out of fashion!I will not lie mate can not get my head around it.
Will I need to do a manual entry on my brand new tach card on it’s first use ? it’s my first ever tacho card
I thought I’d already answered that! 
First time I wouldn’t bother, but after that then yes!
The only exception to yes would be if you are only doing the odd day here and there around another job, and in that case it may be easier to keep a diary of your other jobs work. DVSA will be fine with that as long as you have records and can produce them asked, just don’t try and blag them as DVSA are just doing their job and are not stupid.
But you must learn how to do a manual entry and understand how a Tacho works, along with Drivers Hours and WTD.
All of these things are likely to come up on an assessment…
F-reds:
not a ghastly demon there trying to trip you up everyday!
It just feels like that at 4am while you’re trying to rub the sleep out your eyes! 
Evil8Beezle:
F-reds:
not a ghastly demon there trying to trip you up everyday!It just feels like that at 4am while you’re trying to rub the sleep out your eyes!
Lucky me I got a six am start