Use of Company Vehicles

1. Purpose
This SOP is intended to clearly and concisely identify the steps required by employees to complete any given operation in a manner that is consistent with FDC standards. It will document progressive steps required in sequence that are to be followed.

2. Scope
ALL EMPLOYEES

3. Prerequisites
Personnel are required to wear proper personal protective equipment, follow job safety rules, and have the appropriate experience and certifications to carry out their job functions satisfactorily.

4. Responsibilities
Designated employees are required to use Company-owned vehicles to carry out their duties. When the vehicles are not being used for business, they will be kept on Company premises, unless temporarily located elsewhere for repairs. Under certain circumstances and manger discretion, employees may be allowed to take Company vehicles home. Personal use of Company vehicles is prohibited without management approval. This policy applies to all FDC employees

5. Procedure
a.The employee must possess a valid operator’s license for the class of vehicle being driven.
b.The employee is responsible for the safe and proper parking and securing of all equipment.
c.The employee is responsible for checking the vehicle at the beginning of each work day for safety and maintenance features, and completing proper inspection logs.
d.Drivers will abide by all state and federal road laws. These are to be obeyed at all times.
e.All accidents must be reported immediately to your supervisor and local police. Completed all relevant paperwork in your ‘Accident kit pack’. If you don’t have one please inform HR. See the FDC online page for more details.

The improper, careless, negligent, destructive, or unsafe use or operation of company vehicles can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

6. Cell Phones
Cell phones are not to be used whilst driving, unless a handsfree mode is activated. You must not text whilst the vehicle is in motion.

7. Tracking
Each company vehicle is fitted with a tracking device for location and speed. This is motioned by the authorized FDC employees. By using a company vehicle, you are willing to be tracked.

8. Alcohol / drugs / prescription drugs
Under no circumstances shall a vehicle be used or driven by a person who would be in breach of legal and company standards. This includes being under the influence of prescription drugs, where driving ability impairment has been indicated by a medical practitioner or drug use guideline.

The driver will accept responsibility for all damage, liabilities or any loss arising from a driver convicted, or otherwise of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol in charge of a vehicle.

9. Fuel Cards
Fuel cards are intended for fuel only. When purchasing the fuel, you must write down the odometer reading. Pin numbers should not be attached to the actual fuel card or the vehicle’s key ring. The card must be left in the vehicle at all times. Each card is assigned to a certain vehicle in the fleet. If a card is lost or stolen it must be immediately reported to your supervisor. Misuse of cards will be treated as serious misconduct in terms of the disciplinary provisions of employment contract and may lead to a criminal conviction.

10.Parking Fees
Where drivers are required to park a vehicle in an area controlled by parking meters or in a parking building, the driver is responsible for paying for the parking. Where the driver has paid for the parking with personal money, they should be refunded the amount of the fees paid on production of a receipt. This will be arranged via Head Office

11.Passengers
Vehicles are intended for official business only and are not to be used for the transport of non-FDC people unless they are engaged in official business with the company (sub-contractors), or in the case of an accident or emergency.

12.Condition
Vehicles are to be kept clean and tidy at all times. Before starting and ending each shift you are to make sure all trash and waste has been removed. If you smoke make sure your window is down and use air fresher after to help stop the smell getting into the fibers.
Once every 2 weeks you are required to wash/wipe down the exterior of your work vehicle.

13.References
FDC Employee Handbook and company website for more details