Ask the MAC

Don't be nosey

Q: We have recently carried out a check on our light trailers, part of that being to ensure that the nose was not overloaded. We have purchased a nose weight gauge but have seen conflicting information as to whether the handbrake should be on or off during this test. What should it be in order to get the most meaningful results?

A: The manufacturers guidelines will provide the methodology to get the most meaningful results, however the application of the brakes shouldn’t make any difference on a single axle trailer. On a multi axle trailer it potentially could have an impact if the brake was on and the coupling was lifted or lowered a considerable distance, which may potentially explain the contradictions you were experiencing.

The impact could be eliminated by adjusting to the correct travelling height, then releasing and reapplying the park brake. A risk assessment should be completed before this was undertaken and it would be advisable to do this only with the wheels chocked to ensure the safety of those involved in the process or who are in the vicinity while the check is carried out.

Stars of CCTV

Q: One of our drivers was recorded on site CCTV cleaning their vehicle, and when compared to the tachograph data it was found that they were on break while doing this. Vehicles are audited randomly for cleanliness, but they were not instructed to clean the vehicle at this time, can it still be classed as a break?

A: A break is defined with Retained Eu Regulation 561/2006 (as amended) as ‘any period during which a driver may not carry out any driving or any other work and is used exclusively for recuperation’. If the driver is not under any obligation or instruction to clean their cab and chooses to do so of their own volition, the time spent doing this could be recorded as a break.

Published On: 02/05/2024 14:00:00