Well folks, I’m just writing policies for an Operator and wondering if anyone would insert a tourqe policy into the driver’s handbook or leave it to the operations team and service provider?
Ta in advance
Based c check if wheel nuts, be aware of the torque procedure- they don’t need to do it it just adds complexity
Checking the torque on wheel nuts ?
Too many drivers wont even change sidelight/number plate lights, so good luck with that.
(I draw the line at Actros headlight bulbs, just too much faff when I need to get going)
If you’re going to insist drivers do it…
Make it a mix of words and a diagram to show the correct sequence; make sure YOU supply the setting for each type of asset: trailer, artic unit, rigid and make sure they are axle-manufacturer specific, not vehicle/trailer manufacturer specific.
Deliver a TBT and get signatures from all attendees
Alternatively, have retorquings done by the people doing the monthly tyre-inspections, and tell drivers to wait for a 30 minute retorque by the fitter when they have had a wheel removed.
You’ll find examples of retorque policies by searching online.
Some drivers would (a) not know how to use a torque wrench (b) Would not know which way a wheel nut tightens …
Also if you are constantly torquing the wheels to say 700nm ,since for some odd reason people like to go a little bit more for good luck ,all you are doing is slowly stretching the threads …
Most manufacturers will have an inspection torque …So as an example during an inspection if the wheel is removed torque to 700nm .if the wheel is not removed an inspection torque of 595 nm is used .obviously if the nut moves then you have issues
Also you will have to have the torque wrench calibrated min of twice a year ,It would need to be wound back to zero after every use so as not to damage the spring and knacker it ,Also if you have multiple vehicles leaving at the same time and only 1 torque wrench
Best to stick to what the driver is required to do
Drivers normally have trouble counting the wheel nuts, really wouldn’t bother with a drivers torque policy. A visual check is all the driver needs, provide them with some pictures of what a missing/loose wheel nut looks like, possibly get a bikini clad woman to point at the wheel nuts so they will actually look at the picture.
Could also make it into a dot-to-dot picture, give the driver something to do when he’s done 8 minutes on a walk around but company policy states 30 minutes.