Brakes defeat truck fitters
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• Many workshop fitters are so seriously under-trained that they are unable to maintain complex modern braking systems: 90% of trucks over a year old have faulty brakes and accidents are bound to result, from dangerously inadequate repairs, concluded a safety meeting hosted by Renault Truck Industries last week.
Large fleet operators, brake manufacturers, the Vehicle Inspectorate and the police all expressed concern that the training received by maintenance staff is woefully inadequate for sophisticated modern commercial vehicles.
Speakers warned that re-sale values of high technology vehicles could slump unless drastic action is taken. This includes a big investment in training and servicing equipment, and better pay and conditions foi—fitters to stop talented workers being attracted to other trades.
Steve Oates from test equipment manufacturer Oakrange Engineering told the meeting: "We estimate that 90% of all trucks over one year old have faults in their brakes. Loadsensing valves can fail after just one winter."
All participants agreed that investment in training and in modern servicing equipment must be drastically increased to avert the problem.
The pay and conditions of fitters should also be improved if the industry is to compete for staff against other more attractive trades.