What could be simpler than washing a truck? Nothing—as long
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as you know your environmental and training responsibilities. But as the results of our exclusive CM/Deb Truck Wash Survey show, all too many operators simply haven't got a clue...
Are you aware of the latest environmental regulations, and how they relate to commercial vehicle cleaning? If you've just answered yes, then congratulations—but how does it feel to be in a minority? When Commercial Motor asked that question in our washing survey last November, nearly 6o% of respondents admitted to being blissfully ignorant about how to dispose of waste water when washing their trucks. Equally disturbing, more than 40% of operators admitted that they didn't have an interceptor trap fitted to the drain into which vehicle washing water ran.
Yet under current environmental legislation, operators are required to prevent polluted water from vehicle washing entering local sewers or water courses. In most cases this means fitting an interceptor trap to the drain—or facing the consequences.
The picture is the same with training. When we asked you whether those people who clean HGVs have received proper training, a frightening 68% said "no". IF cleaner concentration levels are applied haphazardly, it's small wonder that so many operators complain about their vehicle liveries fading prematurely or decals detaching.
Add to that the response from more than 23% of hauliers, that they use "any cleaner to hand", and it's clear there's an awful lot of ignorance out there.
Fortunately, operators seem to want to change that situation: 86% said they'd like to know more about truck washing products and the law. And there's more good news—CM is planning to address that information gap pretty soon.
The CM/Deb survey turned up some other interesting facts. More than 76% of operators clean their trucks at least once a week, with
more than 32% washing them even more frequently. That commitment to cleanliness is borne out by the fact that more than 70% see their vehicles and livery as a way of promoting their businesses, while 84% also clean them before submitting them for their annual test.
Given the make-up of the industry, where three-quarters ci all 0-licence holders have five trucks or fewer, it's hardly surprising that most drivers clean their own wagons. More than 72% of respondents listed drivers as responsible for vehicle cleaning, while some 24% have a "designated staff member".
The rest relied on "whoever has nothing else to do". So if you don't want to end up washing a wagon, look busy! On a more serious note, anyone using a steam cleaner without proper training or protective clothing could end up injuring themselves or a bystander. If it's serious, a haulier becomes liable for failing to exercise a proper "duty of care". Are you exercising yours?
At least truck cleaning appears to have moved a bit closer to the zist century: more than 72% of respondents now use a pressure washer rather than a mop and bucket. But like so many pieces of workshop kit it's likely to be neglected—more than 18% of operators only serviced their washing gear when it broke down!
• by Brian Weatherley