All Mobile Patrol Security vehicles should comply with therecommendations in BS 7499:2007 Static Site Guarding andMobile Patrol Service.
Unless they are involved in covert operations or otherwise excepted under contract, operational vehicles will clearly display theorganisation’s name, badge or logo and telephone number.
OPERATIONAL VEHICLES NEED TO BE:
1. Appropriate for intended use; if there is a requirement for specified or particular vehicles e.g. 4 wheel drive.
THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
a) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vehicles use a fuel whichis both cheaper and cleaner than petrol and some manufacturers.The LPG-converted Smart car is one of the leaders in thisparticular class and certainly a vehicle to be considered.
b) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is another alternative fueland even cleaner than LPG, Volvo offer most of their range withthis option, however there are fewer than 50 filling stationsaround the country, therefore it is unlikely to be a serious contenderat the moment.
c) Electric cars have been available for some time. However,their short range still dictates that they remain largely restrictedto the role of internal perimeter run-around, but with zero directemissions at street level, they make a significant contribution to reducing pollution. However, the electricity they use demandsthem to be regularly plugged into the grid to recharge – so theycannot be regarded as entirely “green” as they are sometimesseen. Never-the-less, the electric G-Wiz – is probably the “greenestcar available” – with its 40mph top speed and a range of 40miles, is well worth considering.
HYBRIDS
Although there are not many types of hybrid car currently on salein the UK, they are probably the most practical option available– combining a small conventional petrol or diesel engine with anelectric generator/motor unit. This replaces both the traditionalstarter motor and the alternator, allowing the engine to generateelectricity to power the motor. When the motor is not being driven– when the car is going downhill or when braking heavily, forinstance – the electricity generated is diverted to top up the batterypack instead. Most of today’s production models have boththe engine and the motor connected to the car’s transmissionsystem, allowing the vehicle to run as much as possible just onelectric power and only using its internal combustion engine togive extra power when needed. Generally hybrids carry a 10 –20 per cent higher price tag than similar conventional vehicles,but they do benefit from low road tax and they do have significantlylower CO2 level emissions. Vehicles such as the HondaCivic IMA, the Lexus 400h SUV and the Toyota Prius are certainlyworth considering about.
2. Carrying a two way communications device, mobilephone or radio.
3. Inspected by the organisation Operations Managerat least once per month, and daily by the driver, toensure that they are roadworthy; checking:
• Fuel.• Engine Oil.• Coolant.• Lights, head, side, reverse, fog, instrument panel, indicators,and 4 way hazard indicators.• Windscreen Wipers and Washers.• Brakes.• Tyres including spare wheel, condition and inflation.• Jack and wheel-brace.• Tax disc.• Serviced regularly; in accordance with manufacturer’sinstructions; service history is to be kept in control room,copies of servicing, repairs, insurance and MOT documentsheld in vehicle.• Repaired as soon as possible, when damage is found;• Kept clean and tidy, by the driver.
VEHICLES CARRYING KEYS
Where required an appropriate safe should be installed as perBS 7499.OTHER EQUIPMENT
The equipment listed below will be considered in line with theuse, manning and deployment of the vehicle and where requiredwill be provided.
• An appropriately stocked First aid kit.
• Tow rope 2500kg, 4.27m in length manufactured to BSAU 187.
• Warning Triangle – heavy-duty folding reflective triangle toEuropean specification.
• Tyre pressure gauge.
• Tyre tread depth gauge.
• High Visibility Vest – conforming to EN 471.
• Safety Hammer – Cuts through seat belts and shatters car windows.
• Shovel; small or folding.
• Light sticks – Snap-light Safety Light sticks.
• Disposable Camera - 24 exposures with built in flash.
• Notebook with pencil.
• Survival Blanket – compact emergency foil thermal blanket CE marked.
• Whistle – Plastic orange emergency whistle; CE marked.
• Work gloves – general purpose work gloves.
• LED Wind-up torch or torch and spare batteries.
• Ice Scraper - with rubber handle.
• Fire Extinguisher – BC powder extinguisher for liquid andelectric fires.
• Holdall, for equipment.
• Large thermos flask, for tea, coffee or soup.
• Maps for the operational area.
Also consider for winter operations:
• Full size fleece blanket.
• De-mister pad.
• Self-heating meal with spoon.
• De-icer spray for your windscreen.
• Winter screen wash for your car.
• Emergency glow stick for 12 hours of light.
• 25kg bag of rock salt.
EQUIPMENT RECORDS
Records should be kept of all equipment issued. Employeesshould be required to sign for equipment and uniforms received,and to give an undertaking to return equipment on terminationof their employment.
Records of equipment calibrated and/or repaired are kept andmaintained in the office for at least 12 months.Records of vehicle maintenance and repair will be kept in theoffice for the period of ownership of the vehicle.
Impact Security 2011