Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Basic-Mvs Policy-December 2014
Basic-Mvs Policy-December 2014
Driving a motor vehicle on public streets and highways is a privilege. In order to enjoy the privilege
of driving, it is necessary that we know what laws, rules and regulations exist. In order to facilitate
this concern and operating our different projects without any incidence BASIC has developed its own
Motor Vehicle Safety Policy & Procedures Manual which shall comply with the industry standard
practices.
This policy is prepared to acquaint the users with safety rules and regulations that directly or
indirectly affect us as the operator or user or beneficiary of motor vehicle. Leaders and supervisors at
all levels are the Safety Officers for their respective wor k pl a ce and are directly responsible for
the health and welfare of the employees entrusted to their care. Accident prevention is a leadership
responsibility.
We should remember that a good driving personality is related to our attitude. We must respect the
law, our own rights and the rights of others.
Driving is a complex task that requires driver’s full attention. No one knows when an emergency
situation will arise. How quickly the driver reacts to the situation depends on his alertness. The
stopping of the vehicle will depend on vehicle speed, highway conditions, vehicle condition and the
driver’s condition.
No one wants to become involved in an automobile crash, yet every day our print media and
electronic media as well occupy a considerable amount of space and time to cover incidents due to the
motor vehicles. Sometimes, motor vehicle accidents become top news with red letter head on front
pages of the news papers. The safest drivers are those who are always alert and attentive to their
driving. The majority of the crashes occur as the result of errors in driver’s judgment, not defective
equipment or poor road conditions.
Preventable accidents are unacceptable in our organization. We shall not be reluctant to risk, but
must ensure that t h e benefits comp ensate the risk and implement every available control
measure to mitigate it. By this means, we will preserve our most precious resource - our people.
In support of the safety and accident prevention initiatives and programs B AS I C will implement
the measures identified in this document in order to ensure a safe and healthful environment at or
outside of the workplace.
Leadership will promptly evaluate and correct hazards. Leaders will not initiate, nor support,
reprisal action against personnel who identify hazards, raise safety concerns, or engage in
authorized safety and occupational health activities. Any known or suspected reprisals will
immediately be reported to the BASIC office.
The elements outlined in this manual are to be considered the minimum standard. Organization i s
encouraged to move beyond a n d d e v el op m o r e f o r compliance, and actively seek "Best Safety
Practices".
1.0 POLICY 4
4.0 DEFINITIONS 4
1.0 POLICY
BASIC Engineering Ltd. (BASIC) is committed to maintaining a workplace in which safety
is part of everything we do and is as important as anything we do. One expression of our
commitment to safety is this BASIC Motor Vehicle Safety Policy. It is a BASIC policy that
the unsafe operation of any motor vehicle or the operation of any unsafe motor vehicle, while
performing any job, assignment or task on behalf of BASIC is prohibited.
2.2 Scope
The provisions of this policy apply to all fleet vehicle operators. It applies universally without
regard to license type/classification, vehicle type, driving duration/frequency or purpose for
fleet vehicle operation.
4.0 DEFINITIONS
Company – BASIC Engineering Ltd.
BASIC – BASIC Engineering Ltd.
Unsafe motor vehicle - A motor vehicle is unsafe when any defect exists which, in the
judgment of the responsible vehicle operator, and/or supervisor, in consultation with a
qualified and competent service technician, could contribute to an accident.
Motor vehicle - Means a goods-truck, dump truck, long trailer, van, all-terrain vehicle, or
other similar self-propelled vehicle used primarily for transporting personnel and/or material
on and off public roadways.
Heavy Vehicle - Any road vehicle or combination of road vehicles with a gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) of 4,500 kg or more is considered as heavy vehicle.
Heavy Equipment – Refers to motorized self propelled heavy equipment travelling on public
roads (graders, boom trucks etc.).
Heavy Vehicle Driver - Heavy vehicle drivers are those who have been licensed to
drive/operate heavy vehicles on the road.
Incident - An unexpected occurrence that did or could have resulted in injury or property
damage.
Preventable Accident - An accident (1) that involved a commercial motor vehicle, and (2)
that could have been averted but for an act, or failure to act, by the motor carrier or the driver.
Before purchasing/hiring, the equipment shall have to be inspected by the concerned and
experienced person, where inspection findings shall be reported in the equipment specific
6.1.2 Post incident/violation review - Following the report of a vehicle accident or violation
charge BASIC will check the driver’s Motor Vehicle Record and license status.
7.3 Seatbelt
All occupants (drivers & passengers) of the vehicle must use seatbelt at all times while the
vehicle is being operated.
7.4 Passengers
Only BASIC employees and authorized company representatives may be transported in fleet
vehicles. No other passengers are permitted without written authorization from BASIC
executive management.
7.7 Parking
Never park any vehicle – company or personal – in areas where it could be exposed to
damage, block emergency responder access or block motorist view of a work area.
Cell phone use can also cause driver distraction. BASIC’s policy on cell phone use is as
follows:
No personal calls during work hours – no matter if the driver has a business or
personal cell phone. Only work-related calls may be made or entertained during
working hours.
If driving, let voice mail take incoming calls. When the vehicle is safely parked, calls
may be returned or made.
BASIC MVS Policy Page 10/31
If job responsibilities absolutely require accepting work-related calls while driving, a
hands-free device shall be used. However, no one is to endanger themselves or others
for the sake of making or taking a work-related phone call. If in heavy traffic,
merging with traffic, passing a vehicle, at an intersection, near pedestrians, etc. cell
phone shall not be used.
Employees, who are charged with traffic violations resulting from cell phone use
while driving, shall be solely responsible for all liabilities resulting from the incident.
At the completion of each work day, the driver shall submit and return the Pre-trip Inspection
Checklist to the respective department. Before each use of a vehicle, the last driver’s vehicle
inspection report will be reviewed by the concerned supervisor. If deficiencies were noted,
7.15 Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in BASIC vehicles. Where smoking is permitted, employees shall
take care not to smoke within 50’ of areas where flammable or combustible substances are
stored, handled, transferred or used.
7.16 Fines
Driver is responsible for all fines & fees which are a result of his violation of GOB or local
law.
Prior to operating a commercial motor vehicle, cargo must be properly/evenly distributed and
adequately secured. The tailgate, tailboard, doors, tarpaulins, spare tire and other equipment
used in its operation, and the means of fastening the cargo must be secured. Loose loads such
as sand, gravel and rubbish should be covered with sheets or tarpaulins.
Also, cargo or any other object may not obscure the driver's view ahead or to the right or left
sides, interfere with the free movement of his arms or legs, hinder his free and ready access to
accessories required for emergencies, or hinder the free and ready exit of any person from the
vehicle's cab or driver's compartment.
In addition, drivers of trucks and long trailers must inspect the cargo and the devices used to
secure the cargo within the first 50 km after beginning a trip. Adjustments are to be made to
the cargo or load securing devices as necessary, including adding more securing devices, to
ensure that cargo cannot shift on or within, or fall from the commercial motor vehicle. Re-
examine the commercial motor vehicle's cargo and its load securing devices during the course
of transportation and make any necessary adjustments whenever:
7.18 Speed Limit - Following speed limit shall apply to all BASIC heavy vehicles
Highway (two way lane) - 60 km/hr (Maxm) - if weather and condition permits
Local LGED road - 25 km/hr (Maxm) - if weather and condition permits
Village road - 20 km/hr (Maxm) - if weather and condition permits
Tea garden road - 20 km/hr (Maxm) - if weather and condition permits
Inside CHEVRON facility - 10 km/hr (Maxm) - if weather and condition permits
The In-Vehicle Monitoring (IVM) system serves the following benefits to its owners/users:
Lessens potential collisions
Reduce unauthorized / unscheduled vehicle use
Increases productivity
BASIC MVS Policy Page 13/31
Greater foresight
Improves driver’s driving habits
Efficient management of fuel and time
8.6.2 Training
Any training enriches knowledge level both by theoretically & practically. Training builds
confidence to perform jobs, operate tools & equipments in safe manner complying with all
regulations. BASIC will provide Defensive Driving training to all its motor vehicle operators
periodically.
Inspection 2: Interior
License & others important documents - Check that Valid Driving license,
registration certificate, tax-token, insurance certificate, fitness certificate & route
permit etc. are available in the glove compartment.
Brakes - Brakes should be checked by putting the vehicle in gear and applying brakes
without acceleration.
Steering - Steering wheel should both have a full range of motion and effectively turn
the front wheels.
Gauges and Indicators - All gauges and indicators should be visually inspected to
make sure that they are operational.
Transmission Selector - Vehicle should be capable of being shifted into any gear.
Radio - If the vehicle is equipped with a radio, a radio check should be conducted
with dispatch.
Cleanliness - The interior of the vehicle should be free of any litter, food, loose
bottle/objects or excessive dirt.
Horn – Horn must be checked properly. Also careful about the clear sound found
which will be beneficial for pedestrians.
All journeys, except journeys within towns, within 20km of a work site must have Journey
Management Plan which is a system for planning, authorizing and closing out journeys.
9.5 Parking
Parking is important part of safe operation of vehicle. Vehicle has to park in different
situations, i.e. during break, maintenance, repairing of mechanical fault during driving &
after end of operation. Careless parking may introduce accidents, damages to human &
property. So, driver should follow the safe parking procedure mentioned below:
Park vehicle at a convenient place
Keep safe distance from moving vehicles & people
Never park in front of emergency exit
Never park at Highway road side
During parking, doors & windows of vehicles must be locked
If a vehicle having any kind of fault, must put warning tag and then park
Never park near bends or blind corners and also place where moving vehicle & people
are not able to clearly see the parked vehicle
BASIC Management proposes the recognition/ award program to energize/ motivate the
drivers to perform their duties properly & without any incident. The following are
incorporated in recognition program:
Monthly incentive: BASIC’s specific project management has the full discretion to set
the interval and value (but not less than Tk. 500.00/person) of the award in its own
capacity. Project management can increase/decrease the number of awards according
to the project’s dynamics. The awards shall be given in the morning tool-box meeting
in the form of cash.
Driver of the quarter: BASIC’s specific project management has the full discretion to
set the value of the award in its own capacity. One person can be selected for each
quarter. The selected person should be an example of safety leadership. The award
shall be given in the morning tool-box meeting in the form of cash.
Driver of the Year: Each year, BASIC management will award one person with the
title of ‘Driver of the year’. With other factors, the selection criteria shall include at
least 6 month of continuous satisfactory performance with zero incidence. BASIC
project (s) management shall send the proposed names of the drivers to head office
with appropriate justification for review and approval process. The entitlement shall
include a certificate of recognition with financial benefit equivalent to one month
basic salary.
Consequences:
Part of the handbook for drivers included a formal general service rules, standard work site
practices, work place discipline, which clearly spells out what disciplinary actions will be
taken regarding a driver’s involvement in preventable accidents, incurring moving violations,
or violating the Company’s safety rules. The policy may stipulate immediate termination of
employment for serious violations such as driver under the influence, while calling for
progressive discipline (verbal warning, written warning, suspension and termination) in
response to less serious rule violations, preventable accidents and moving violations.
We ensure that all BASIC employees, who drive vehicles on its behalf, have a driver’s
license that is in good standing and driving record that reflects the safety standards of the
company. For this reason, company reviews the Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) of each
person with driving privileges at least on an annual basis.
Driver Supervision
While site-based employees can be observed by a supervisor at any point during the workday,
it is far more difficult to monitor and supervise those who are driving vehicles. A key element
to an effective fleet safety program is to be able to identify and correct poor driving habits
and violations of safety rules by drivers while they are out on the road. This can be
accomplished by:
Periodic Supervisor Ride-Along – A program where a supervisor will ride with each
employee driver several times a year to observe and document what the driver is
doing well from a safety standpoint and what needs correcting. It should be noted that
most drivers will be on their best behavior while being directly observed by a
supervisor.
Clandestine Observations – A program where a supervisor will follow and observe a
driver without his knowledge. The supervisor will document the findings of the
observation, and will review the findings and take corrective action with the driver at
the end of the shift.
Satellite Monitoring – This program uses GPS/ IVMS technology to allow supervisors
to monitor the location and speed of vehicles in their fleet. While not a substitute for
actual observations of drivers, this technology can be particularly helpful in
identifying drivers who speed or take the vehicle to unauthorized locations.
11.3 Inspection
All BASIC vehicles shall be inspected annually in accordance with GOB law. In addition,
BASIC will conduct Annual Roadworthiness Inspection to its each vehicle. Heavy vehicle
roadworthiness will be ensured by the following practices:
Heavy vehicle road safety compliance assessment prior to hire
Pre-use inspection on the day-to-day basis
Safety devices are installed and function properly
Cargo securing devices/accessories are available and in good condition
Preventive Maintenance for the vehicle is being completed as per schedule
Tires are being regularly checked and are within the following limits
- Minimum 3 mm (4/32”) for steer tires
- Minimum 1.5 mm (2/32”) for other tires
11.5 Maintenance
Non-commercial vehicles – Servicing shall be conducted at every 3,000 km interval and
otherwise in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. It is the responsibility of the
driver to arrange for servicing. Service records for non-commercial vehicles are to be
maintained by the concerned Supervisor-in-charge for recordkeeping.
Commercial vehicles – Servicing shall be conducted in accordance with the Preventive
Maintenance Program or as per manufacturer’s recommendations. All maintenance schedules
will be tracked and documented by the concerned Supervisor-in-charge.
11.7 Modifications
BASIC vehicles may not be modified unless such modification is approved by BASIC
management or its client and it has been determined that the modification will not effect
vehicle stability, safety and/or safety devices. This includes, but is not limited to:
Stereo/radio/communications equipment
Window tinting
Security systems
Accessibility aids
Cargo containment means or racks
Material handling means
Change of tire or rim size
Change of body configuration
Increase in carrying/hauling capacity of vehicle or trailer
Where modifications are permitted, they shall be within the limits specified by the vehicle
manufacturer.
JMP process:
Taking into account the risks involved with any journey, BASIC will plan the journeys with
following procedure and be maintained in 3 phases:
Preparation
Implementation
Follow up
Preparation:
It is the planning stage of the journey and most important stage of the JMP. Actually, most
accidents & injuries are avoidable, and if an accident/injury does occur, proper planning will
Routine Trip: It involves travel within pre-determined /familiar /usual trips around work
area or nearer city. Typically a routine trip will not involve the use of maps or GPS.
Non-routine Trip: Non-routine trips involve travel outside of a pre-determined locale and
pose a significantly higher risk. Trips are identified as non-routine in the pre-trip meeting and
can involve any number of escalating factors. Some examples of escalating factors are:
Weather conditions
Fog or smoke
Mud, snow and ice
Cross winds/ blowing snow
Night driving
Forestry roads /one way traffic
Low angle sun
Deterioration of road surface
Wild life
Fatigue
Windshield condition/visibility
Road closures or accidents
Follow Up:
The follow up procedure is the final step in the Journey Management Plan. If all of above
steps goes well then there should be little follow up to be ensured. Notes can also be made in
regards to any near misses or potential hazards and how they were avoided.
In the case that an accident/injury does occur, a thorough follow up investigation is to be
ensured. The purpose of this is to address where things went wrong and how this
accident/injury could be avoided in the future.
13.1 Reporting
Drivers shall, within 24 hours of occurrence, report all motor vehicle incidents to the BASIC
office, regardless of how minor they may seem or whether or not there were any immediate
injuries or property damage. The driver shall also complete a Motor Vehicle Incident Report.
All serious incidents (injuries, significant property damage) shall be immediately reported to
and reviewed by BASIC executive management.