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ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT
Portable Sanitation Association International News
BIWEEKLY EDITION MARCH 4, 2020
Driver Inspection Reports…continued from page 3
Continued on page 15
this method. You don't want "fat fingers" to create a bogus report that isn't caught and corrected.
• Step 2: Report Defects. The driver must record any failings or deficiencies that will impact the safe operation of
the vehicle or could lead to a breakdown. If the issue
is mechanical and/or a potential threat to safety, it
MUST be reported. Period. If it isn't, responsibility
can fall back on the driver if there is a breakdown,
injury or accident. This should be stressed with
drivers.
Each company can set their own expectations
regarding the reporting of minor, non-safety
impacting defects. Some companies want to know
immediately if there's a slight tear in the seat cover
or if there's a minor scratch on the fender. Others are
less concerned. Whatever your company's preference
is on these things, be sure your drivers know so they
can meet your expectations.
• Step 3: Sign Off. Once the inspection is complete,
the driver must sign off on the report. It must then be submitted to the company immediately.
• Step 4: Corrective Action and Certification of Repairs. Companies are responsible to immediately repair and
certify any defects listed on the DVIR that would affect the safe operation of the vehicle. The Commercial Safety
Vehicle Alliance publishes an extensive list of out of service criteria in April of each year. In 2019, additions and
alterations to the out of service criteria included (among others):
◊ Cracks in rotors (discs);
◊ Cargo tiedown defects;
◊ Broken bearing straps;
◊ Missing permanent driver's seat;
◊ Hole worn in the drag link of a steering mechanism;
◊ Missing/unreadable placards or placards misrepresenting materials in the vehicle;
◊ Skill performance evaluation noncompliance; and
◊ Expired decals from the Commercial Vehicle Safety
Alliance (CVSA).
Return to Service: Repairs and Documentation
According to law and best practice, a company must repair all
DVIR-reported failings or deficiencies that will impact the safe
operation of the vehicle or could lead to a breakdown identified
before returning the vehicle to service. The repair must be
documented in writing by the company or by the repair shop
conducting the fix. If a repair or correction was unnecessary, that
must also be documented. This documentation-of-repair must be
signed by either the person conducting the repair or by the driver
of the vehicle.
Failure to do this can have expensive consequences. Of course,
no one wants to be responsible for an accident.
