Vehicle Daily Inspection
A VDI is conducted at the start of each shift, or every time a different vehicle is driven
Once practiced it should take no longer than 10 minutes.
Any defects found should be noted and reported for remedial action to be taken
A vehicle should not be driven with a dangerous or illegal defect
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency have put together a useful poster to remind you of the checks in your vehicle daily inspection regime.
These posters are displayed in vehicle and crew areas
Driving a van: daily walkaround check: A guide about the daily checks that van drivers should carry out to make sure that they're roadworthy. This guide shows you the daily checks that you carry out inside and outside your van to make sure it’s roadworthy.
What to do
As you approach the vehicle check that is sits correctly on the ground and is not learning to one side or back/front
Look under the vehicle for any obvious fluid leaks
While conducting the other checks described, check for body work damage
Why
If the vehicle is leaning it may have a suspension issue
Signs of fluid on the floor underneath the vehicle could indicate a water or oil leak, and may require further examination
Damage to the body work can be dangerous to other road users, particularly sharp edges
All body panels, lights and bumpers should be securely attached to ensure they will not fall off when moving
What to do
Make sure all wheel nuts are present and secure
Check that wheel rims are in good condition and free from cracks to the metal work
Check tyres for correct legal tread (1.6m across the centre three quarters of the tyre, correct pressure and overall conditions
WE LOOK TO CHANGE TYRES AT 3mm
Why
Due to the arduous working conditions and ambulance is subject to wheel damage
When a tyre is replaced, a missing or incorrectly tightened wheel nut could cause the wheel to work free, causing a collision
Tyres are vitally important to correct handling, stopping and acceleration
What to do
With the engine cold (or stopped for at least 10 mins), parked on a level surface, check
Oil
Coolant
Brake and hydraulic fluid
All levels should be between the minimum and maximum –ideally above half
Check the windscreen washer fluid is topped up
Why
Inaccurate results may be found if checks are completed if the vehicle is warm or on a slope
A lack of oil or coolant could result in serious engine damage or failure
A lack of brake or hydraulic fluid could mean that brakes or power steering do not work correctly
Having the washer bottle topped up will ensure that you can clean the windscreen as required
What to do
Ensure that all lights function; this should include:
Sidelights, headlights, taillight, fog lights
High beam
Brake lights
Indicators and hazard warning lights
Daytime running lights (if fitted)
Interior and map reading lights
Why
In most cases it is a legal requirement for the lights to be fully functioning.
It is also important as they enable you to see, be seen or give indication to others of your intentions
What to do
Ensure the windscreen is free from cracks and chips, and is clean and clear
Ensure that all other windows are free from cracks and chips, and are clean and clear
Ensure that windscreen wipes function correctly (ensure windscreen is wet)
Why
It is vitally important that you can see clearly out of the windows
Checking for cracks and chips is important as they may make the vehicle un-roadworthy and require a replacement to be fitted
What to do
Check that the horn and sirens, where fitted, work correctly.
Why
It is important to check that the sirens and horn work before they are required
What to do
Check the presence, security and function of any safety or ambulance specific equipment
Why
This is your opportunity to check things such as first aid kit and medical equipment, as fitted to the grade of vehicle you are driving.
Outside the crew office we have made provisions of towel roll, type pressure and tread measuring tools and gloves to support the VDI process
Inside the crew office - you will find a jump pack if needed
Equipment can be restocked from the Stores.
Kit bags - such as Breathing, Airway, Sports, Burns etc should be replaced as a whole kit once the seal is broken.
Opened kit bags should be placed in the restock boxes under the island, a sealed kit bag should be taken to replace it.
Consumable items, should be taken direct from the stores on a like for like basis of those used.
To aid stock control, you must record items taken using the 'Shop' function on TeamApp
Minor Faults (vehicle still road worthy and operational)
The fault must be logged on VDI sheet and “ready for road-minor faults” signed should be displayed.
Major Faults (vehicle not road worthy or non-operational)
The fault must be logged on VDI sheet
Call the On Call Manager/Shared Services – 0333 339 4620
The vehicle shall be taken off the road, a “vehicle out of service” sign displayed in the windscreen until the defect is rectified
The management of medications will follow the same process as kit bags, however they must be signed in and out using the log sheet in the stores.
Medications Bags that have enough medications for the next shift
Sign the medications bag back in
Place it back in the medications storage area
Medications Bags that do not have enough medications or have out of date medications in them
Sign the medications back in - note in the comment box the reasons for not placing back in use
Place it in the restock boxes under the island in the storeroom