horseboxes
Tyres, trailers, transport and tachographs
BHS Scotland educates about the important T’s
BHS Volunteers. Members, Safety Representatives and keen horse owners gathered at a somewhat wet and windy Knockhill Race Circuit in early June, to learn about Transporting horses, the law and best practice in terms of vehicle maintenance.
Sheila Hardy, Senior Executive of Safety with the BHS started the day with a thought provoking session on tyre safety covering second hand tyres, legal tread limits and new legislation coming into force in the EU in November 2012. The delegates were informed about the dangers of exposed tyre cords, aquaplaning and flat patches created over the winter months through lack of turning. It was clear to all that the small area of the tyre, about the size of the palm of your hand, which connects your vehicle to the road, plays a crucial role in the safety of your beloved horses and ponies when travelling.
Delegates then heard from Nicki Whittaker, of NFU Mutual, who covered insurance, vehicle breakdown and recovery. Nicki shared some common problems that often cause breakdowns
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or accidents with equine transport, sometimes fatal accidents; rotten floors, dodgy brake cables, worn tyres and overloading all came up worryingly often. He reminded everyone, “As horse owners, if we are going to transport them on public roads, we have to take responsibility for their safety; ignorance is not an excuse.”
Graham Baxter, an ex VOSA inspector and transport safety consultant then led a practical walk round inspections of 3 vehicles; a 4x4 and trailer, an HGV horse lorry and a 3.5 tonne van which had been converted to a two horse transporter. Graham put across some striking points about being over weight limits, drivers’ hours and the use of tachographs. He made it clear that two friends going to a show together sharing fuel costs is certainly not considered ‘commercial’ but larger yards and professionals, who take horses in to produce and compete are ‘commercial’ and must adhere to all the relevant legislation.
Interestingly, Graham drew delegates’ attention to the Load Plate on the 4x4, which details maximum towing capacity
of the vehicle. Delegates calculated that that specific vehicle, with a 2 horse trailer on the back, loaded with all the water and kit for a competition, would struggle to tow two large-ish horses (16.2hh ID x TB for example) as it would be over weight. A Load Plate will be on all towing vehicles and you should be sure to discuss maximum towing capacity with any seller before purchasing a 4x4 to tow your trailer. On the HGV, delegates examined lights, indicators, side reflectors and the battery housing – all of which are vitally important. Then looking around the 3.5 tonne horsebox, Graham discussed appropriate flooring, side ramps ‘versus’ back ramps and once again, over loading….a recurring theme for the day!
Everyone who attended commented on how useful the day had been and that the content was imperative knowledge for all horse owners who travel their horses in lorries or trailers. Fierce, revving superbike engines whizzing round the race circuit in the background added a certain something to the atmosphere of a transport safety day – delegates combined to say “thank you Knockhill, it was a perfect venue!”
www.farmnequine.co.uk
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