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Session ObjectivesUnderstand the inspection, repair, and maintenance requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Understand the importance of pre- and postoperation inspections and reviewing inspection reports
Identify periodic inspection requirements
Comprehend inspector qualifications and recordkeeping requirements
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Why CMV Inspections Are Important• Many thousands of CMV-
related accidents• 5,000 fatalities
annually• More than
100,000 injuries• Truckers have more
fatalities and injuries than many other occupations
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Federal Motor Carrier Inspection Requirements• Inspect, repair, and maintain• Drivers prepare report• Defects repaired immediately• Operate only if all parts pass inspection• Document inspections
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Driver Preoperation Inspection• Ensure CMV is
in safe operating condition
• Review last vehicle inspection report
• Sign report if defects identified
• Certify corrective action
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Driver Postoperation Inspections• Brakes• Parking brake• Steering and horn• Lights, mirrors, and
wipers• Tires, wheels, and rim• Coupling devices• Emergency equipment
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•Identify vehicle and list any defects
•Sign reports•Prepare report
for each vehicle driven
Postoperation Inspection Reports
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• Motor carriers review reports and take necessary corrective action
• Repairs certified
• Reports retained for 3 months
• Repairs made en route certified by driver or repair facility
• Motor carriers review reports and take necessary corrective action
• Repairs certified
• Reports retained for 3 months
• Repairs made en route certified by driver or repair facility
Corrective Action Based On Inspection Reports
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Roadside Vehicle Inspections• FMCSA or state
personnel conducts• Drivers deliver
inspection reports to motor carrier
• Carrier reviews reports• Carrier signs and returns
reports certifying that violations corrected
• Copies of reports retained for 1 year
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‘Out of Service’ Notices• FMCSA inspectors
can declare CMVs “out of service”
• Stickers are usedto mark vehicles
• Out of service CMVscannot be used untilrepairs made
• Sticker cannot be removed until repairs completed
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Routine Inspections: True or False
Drivers must review the last inspection report before operating a CMV.
After a postoperation inspection the driver must only write a report if safety problems are identified.
Motor carrier employees conduct roadside inspections.
You can continue to drive an out of service vehicle for up to 7 days before repairs are made.
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Routine InspectionsDo you understand:• Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Regulations?• Driver vehicle
inspections?• Driver inspection reports?• Roadside inspections?• Out of service
determinations?• Required corrective
action?
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Periodic CMV Inspections• Conduct at least
every year• Cover all components
in Appendix G• Identify vehicle, date,
inspector, and certification• Retain report for
14 months• Perform by carrier or
qualified commercial enterprise
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Appendix G Components• Brake systems
• Coupling devices
• Exhaust system
• Fuel system
• Lighting devices
• Steering mechanism
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Appendix G Components (cont.)
• Safe loading• Suspension• Frame• Tires• Wheels and rims• Windshield and wipers
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Qualifications of Periodic Inspectors• Understand regulatory
inspection criteria
• Mastery of methods, procedures, tools, and equipment
• Specific training and/or experience
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Qualifications of Brake Inspectors• Apprenticeship or
training program
• Experience performing brake maintenance or inspection
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CMV Inspection RecordkeepingRecords must:• Identify vehicles• Include inspection and maintenance
schedules and reports• Identify date and nature of repairs• Be retained for 1 year, and 6 months after
vehicle leaves carrier’s control
Periodic Inspections Q& A
How often must periodic inspections be performed?
Every 12 monthsWho is qualified to perform a periodic inspection?
Only those with 1 year of training or experienceWhich part of the regulations contains a list of periodic inspection components?
Appendix G of Section 396
Q.A.Q.A.Q.A.
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Periodic Inspections And RecordkeepingDo you understand:• Periodic inspection
requirements?• Appendix G
components?• Inspector qualifications?• CMV inspection
recordkeeping requirements?
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Key Points to RememberAppropriate inspections must be performed on all CMVs according to the requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety RegulationsInspection reports must be written and reviewedDefects and deficiencies identified by inspections must be repaired before a CMV can be operated`