DESCRIPTION
CEMEX operate over 350 own fleet vehicles carrying aggregates, asphalt and cementitious powders. It is imperative that these vehicles are fitted with the latest safety features and technology to ensure UK road space is shared safely.
A number of enhancements were included in the bulk-powder tanker specification/design following the active involvement and consultation with drivers in workshop and field trials. These included:-
- Raising the product discharge pipe by 18 inches, eliminating the need to stoop down whilst supporting the weight of the pipe/unicone end and securing the clamp.
- Adding a gas strut-assisted low level electric suzi/air jump hose connector. This eliminated the need to climb onto the chassis catwalk a minimum of four times per day.
- LED lighting throughout including the addition of high level rear lighting (including strobes for on-site visibility),
- LED repeater marker lights to the sides enabling greater awareness of vehicle movements to vulnerable road users
- LED adjustable working lights that also serve as a vastly improved reversing aid
- The entire bulk tanker fleet (100 vehicles) was fitted with industry leading tyre pressure sensors. The driver has real time visibility of the tyre pressure and temperature with pre-set alarms.
- Fitting camera systems to provide additional visibility of vulnerable road users - reducing blind spots.
- Implementation of a fleet wide vehicle telematics program to measure the driving style and performance of the drivers.
BENEFITS
- Reduction in risk of manual handling injuries when clamping pipe
- Reduced risk of slips, trips and falls from introduction of jump hose connector
- Improved the vehicles visibility to other road users
- Enhanced drivers visibility of vulnerable road users and other hazards
- Safer for vulnerable road users in close proximity to CEMEX vehicles
- Tyre monitoring
- Blowouts reduced from 12 to zero
- Early detection of punctures – before leaving depot
- Reduction in roadside breakdowns
- Safer for driver and other road users
- Savings in costs of breakdowns and lost time
- Positive reaction from drivers to system
- Being rolled out to tipper fleet
- Cameras
- Footage used to provide evidence of drivers actions after incident
- Helps protect drivers from mistaken or fraudulent claims about their actions
- Footage used as a coaching aid
- London has seen a 50% reduction in incidents during the camera trials
- Telematics
- Reduction in harsh braking
- Enhanced fuel performance from 7 to 7.25mpg – annual saving of £150K
- Weekly reports used to support driver coaching.