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Perform HGV Driver Walk Around Check using eAuditor

HGV Driver Walk Around Check is a pre-use inspection carried out by Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers to ensure the vehicle is safe, roadworthy, and compliant with legal requirements before starting a journey. This check involves a visual and functional inspection of key vehicle components to identify any defects that could affect safety, performance, or compliance.

Performing HGV Driver Walk Around Check using eAuditor ensures a thorough and consistent pre-use inspection of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to verify their roadworthiness, safety, and legal compliance before each journey. This check helps identify potential defects that could compromise driver safety, vehicle performance, or public road safety.

eAuditor simplifies the HGV Walk Around Check by offering digital checklists, photo evidence collection, defect reporting, and real-time data sharing, making the inspection process more accurate, standardized, and efficient.

Step-by-Step Process for Performing HGV Driver Walk Around Check using eAuditor

1. Preparation Before the Inspection

Purpose:
Ensure the driver is equipped with the required tools and documents before starting the inspection.

Actions:

• Log into the eAuditor app on a mobile device or tablet.
• Select or create the HGV Walk Around Checklist Template.
• Ensure the vehicle’s registration details are entered.
• Prepare tools such as a torch for low-light checks and a tire pressure gauge (if applicable).
• Inform the relevant supervisor if any previous defects were reported.

2. External Visual Inspection

Purpose:
Check the vehicle’s external components for visible damage or defects.

Key Areas to Inspect:

• Bodywork Condition
• Lights and Indicators
• Mirrors
• Windscreen and Windows
• Registration Plates
• Reflectors and Markings

Actions in eAuditor:

• Walk around the vehicle, checking each component.
• Mark each item as Pass, Fail, or Needs Attention.
• Attach photos of any damages or defects.
• Add comments on any visible cracks, damage, or missing parts.

3. Tires and Wheels Inspection

Purpose:
To verify tire safety, tread depth, and wheel condition.

Key Areas to Inspect:

• Tyre Tread Depth (Minimum 1.6mm or as per regulations)
•  Pressure of Tyre
• Tyre Sidewall Condition (Cuts, Bulges, or Cracks)
• Wheel Nuts and Wheel Rims

Actions in eAuditor:

• Check each tire with a gauge (if available).
• Mark tires as Pass or Fail.
• Attach photos of worn or damaged tires.
• Add comments on missing wheel nut indicators or loose wheel nuts.

4. Lights and Electrical Systems Check

Purpose:
Ensure all lights and electrical components are functioning properly.

Key Areas to Inspect:

• Headlights (Main and Dipped Beam)
• Indicators and Hazard Lights
• Brake Lights
• Reverse Lights
• Number Plate Lights
• Dashboard Warning Lights

Actions in eAuditor:

• Switch on all lights and verify functionality.
• Mark each light as Working or Not Working.
• Attach photos of defective lights.
• Add comments on dashboard warning lights or faulty bulbs.

5. Fluid Levels Inspection

Purpose:
To verify that essential vehicle fluids are at the correct levels.

Key Fluids to Check:

• Engine Oil
• Coolant
• Brake Fluid
• Screen Wash
• Fuel Level

Actions in eAuditor:

• Open the bonnet and check each fluid level against the minimum and maximum markers.
• Mark each fluid as Adequate or Low.
• Attach photos of fluid reservoirs if low levels are detected.
• Add comments if any fluids require topping up or if leaks are found.

6. Brakes and Steering System Check

Purpose:
To ensure that the vehicle’s brakes and steering systems are in safe working order.

Key Areas to Inspect:

• Foot Brake Function
• Parking Brake (Handbrake)
• Brake Pedal Pressure
• Steering Wheel Free Play
• Power Steering Fluid Level

Actions in eAuditor:

• Test the brakes by applying pressure to the pedals.
• Check for any unusual noises or excessive pedal travel.
• Mark components as Working or Faulty.
• Attach photos or videos of any issues.
• Add comments on steering stiffness or brake performance concerns.

7. Load Security and Body Condition

Purpose:
To verify that the vehicle’s load is properly secured and the bodywork is in good condition.

Key Areas to Inspect:

• Load Straps and Fastenings
• Trailer Couplings
• Tail Lift Condition (if applicable)
• Curtain Sides or Box Body Panels
• Rear Door Locks

Actions in eAuditor:

• Check all load restraints and fastenings.
• Mark whether the load is Secured or Not Secured.
• Attach photos of loose loads or damaged panels.
• Add comments on any missing or defective fastenings.

8. Safety Equipment Check

Purpose:
To confirm that mandatory safety equipment is present and functional.

Key Safety Equipment to Inspect:

• Fire Extinguisher
• First Aid Kit
• Warning Triangle
• High-Visibility Jackets
• Tachograph Card and Calibration

Actions in eAuditor:

• Physically check each safety item.
• Mark equipment as Present or Missing.
• Attach photos of missing or expired equipment.
• Add comments on replacement needs.

9. Interior and Driver Controls Inspection

Purpose:
To verify that the driver’s controls and comfort systems are working properly.

Key Areas to Inspect:

• Horn
• Wipers and Washers
• Seatbelts
• Heating and Ventilation
• Tachograph Functionality

Actions in eAuditor:

• Test each control inside the cab.
• Mark each component as Working or Faulty.
• Attach photos of dashboard controls or seats if issues are found.
• Add comments on non-functional controls.

10. Final Review and Defect Reporting

Purpose:
To summarize all findings and ensure any defects are reported for corrective action.

Actions in eAuditor:

• Review all inspection points.
• Assign an overall Vehicle Status: Roadworthy, Needs Repair, or Not Roadworthy.
• Add the Driver’s Digital Signature.
• Automatically generate the HGV Walk Around Inspection Report (PDF).
• Share the report with the fleet manager or maintenance team via email.
• Store the report securely in the eAuditor cloud system.

Conclusion

Performing HGV Driver Walk Around Check using eAuditor helps drivers ensure their vehicles are safe, compliant, and roadworthy before starting their journey. The digital platform improves inspection accuracy, speeds up defect reporting, and provides real-time reports to support fleet operators in meeting legal obligations and safety standards.

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