Royal Mail Fleet Wheel Security Policy (V5 Oct 16):

Royal Mail Fleet Wheel Security Policy (V5 Oct 16):

Introduction

Royal Mail’s new Fleet Vehicles Wheel Security Policy Version 5 covers all vehicles and trailers used within Royal Mail Group.
Vehicle wheel studs and nuts are subjected to very high levels of stresses as axle loads and engine power outputs have increased in recent times. This makes it essential that wheel nuts are tightened and kept to the recommended torque settings, if the risk of loose nuts or at worst a wheel detachment is to be avoided.
This revised policy provides guidance to Royal Mail Fleet Maintenance and repair workshop staff and drivers on Royal Mail Group’s Wheel Security Policy and how to achieve it. The safety of wheel fixings can only be ensured by carefully following recommended wheel fitting and wheel nut tightening procedures as covered in the new policy.
Policy 

The Policy applies to all vehicles and trailers on the RMG Fleet. Irrespective of vehicle weight, the correct wheel nut torque will be applied to all wheels as part of every statutory inspection routine and following wheel changes.
New Vehicles and Trailers 

New vehicles and trailers must have all wheel nuts checked to the correct torque setting prior to entering into service and, vehicles exceeding 3.5T GVW and trailers must also have a full set of Yellow Wheel Nut Indicators fitted.
Hired Vehicles 

Hired vehicles should arrive with the Wheel Nut Indicators fitted, in which case a check for indicator alignment is necessary. If a hired vehicle arrives without the wheel nut indicators fitted then the receiving RMG Workshop must carry out the wheel nut torque procedure and fit indicators prior to handing the vehicle over to the operator.
Records

Confirmation that wheel nut torque has been checked and reset will be recorded on individual vehicle inspection records and the Vehicle Condition & Mileage Logbook (P1061E) stamped, endorsed and signed accordingly, indicating the relevant wheel position/s.
Vehicles Under And Including 3.5T Tonnes
Wheel Changed By A Driver

Vehicles that have had wheels changed by a driver (under 3.5T GVW), must be returned with a completed PMT1 to an RMG Workshop. The re-torque of the wheel nuts must be completed after its duty or as soon as practical but not exceeding 60 miles.
Wheel Changed By A Contractor

On vehicles where the wheels have been changed by contractor, there is no need for the wheels to be re-torqued.
The Re-Torque Task

The re-torque task can be completed on site by a MSV technician or taken to the local contractor near the owning office as agreed with the local RM Workshop.
Vehicle Condition & Mileage Logbooks (P1061E) & PMT1 

Vehicle Condition & Mileage Logbooks (P1061E) and PMT1 form must be stamped and endorsed with the relevant wheel position/s by the RM workshop or contractor whenever they are checked and the re-torque process is completed.
Vehicles and Trailers over 3.5 Tonnes or 9 Seats (8 Passengers) (Including Hired) 

Following all road wheel changes/fitments, wheel nuts must be properly torqued and then re-torqued; adhering to the process outlined below.
The RM Workshop must apply the following procedure:
Torque wheel nuts to manufacturer’s recommended torque setting.

Allow the vehicle to stand for 30 minutes and re-torque to complete the process.

Mercedes vehicles only, the re-torque must be carried out only after being driven between 50-100km.

Refit all Yellow wheel nut indicators.

Policy Contents

Scope, 2. Introduction, 3. Policy, 4. Responsibilities, 5. Consequences, 6. Change control, 7. Glossary, 8. References, 9. Summary of changes to previous policy.
Appendixes
Appendix 1 – Do’s and Don’ts of wheel fixing

Appendix 2 – Example of Re-torque Stamps

Appendix 3 – Best practice guide to wheel security

Appendix 4 – Different wheel nut types

Appendix 5 – Vehicle wheel nut torques by make & model
Summary of Changes to Previous Version of the Policy 

Essentially this is an updated policy. Section 3.2 has been revised to clarify the re-torque requirements, which basically states that if a driver has changed the wheel it must have the nuts re-torqued by a workshop or contractor. If the contractor has changed the wheel, there is no requirement to re-torque the wheel nuts. Section 2 has a revised item 7 referring to the new tool in the workshops to check studs and hole elongation. (TSB attached). The updated policy follows advice from the guide to Wheel Security from the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE).
Royal Mail is following ‘Best Practice’ set out by two of the UK’s professional Transport and Road Transport Engineering bodies. The Drivers Responsibilities on Page 8 align with the RMG Vehicle Log Book, Drivers’ Checks and PMT1 Procedure.
A copy of the New Royal Mail Fleet Wheel Security Policy Version 5.0 Dated 1st October 2016 is attached. A copy of TSB 35/16 Referring to The New Wheel and Stud Checking Tool (referred to in Section 2 of the new policy) is attached.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB104/17 Royal Mail Fleet Wheel Security Policy (V5 Oct 16):

Attachment 2 – TSB 35 16 Buff TSB DAF Wheel Stud Check

Attachment 3 – RMG Wheel Security Policy – 2016 v5 draft