INTAIN YOUR DEFENCE
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THE LOST—WHEEL SYNDROME
CONCLUSION
Is it possible to give the operator definitive advice on the optimum frequency of wheel security maintenance?
• The draft standard seems to appreciate that loose wheel fixings are not simply caused by inadequate maintenance: design must be considered too. More and more onerous procedures are placed on the operator, but wheels are still coming loose. Therefore it should not be assumed that there "is no mystery". Research should continue so that this degree of maintenance is no longer necessary.
After all, car owners are not expected to check their wheelnuts every day or within 50km of their replacement, so why should it be necessary to ensure the safety of commercial vehicles in this way?
Wheel loss can happen very quickly and the results can be devastating. there appears to be conflicting advice to operators and drivers relating to maintenance procedures involving wheel fixings. The manufacturers' recommendations may differ, and failing to adhere to manufacturers' recommendations might cause warranty problems.
What can the operator do? The operator must include procedures in his preventive maintenance system which adopt the recommendations made by British Standards and summarised by the various trade associations and the Department of Transport.
The operator can prove compliance by keeping comprehensive records. These could help the operator protect himself against prosecution, or at least serve to mitigate the penally. But the system must not fall into disuse or the records will provide evidence of neglect.