FORS Standard Version 5 Is Coming – Are You Ready?

ProVision were delighted to attend a meeting in Birmingham to learn about the changes FORS are bringing with version 5 of the FORS Standard.

The FORS Standard defines the requirements that fleet operators must meet in order to attain and maintain FORS accreditation. Organisations with audit dates on and after the 14th of January 2019 will be audited against version 5 and must therefore prepare their Bronze, Silver or Gold audit(s) against the revised requirements. The FORS Standard version 5 is now available to download.

A Step In The Right Direction

With this latest version, we’re delighted that FORS are pushing for more safety technology to be implemented in order to achieve Silver compliance.

We advocate this technology push because there is a plethora of evidence showing the massive improvements that can be made with fleet safety technology. One of our customers, Dynes Motor Group, experienced a 23% reduction in accident claims after installing CameraMatics. Another customer, McCulla Ireland ltd, experienced insurance reductions, reduced claims, improved safety and higher fuel efficiency – adding up to £200,000 in total savings per annum. Therefore, it is crucial that fleets, recognition schemes, insurance companies etc. recognise and promote the power of fleet safety technology.

While there is certainly a long way to go, we’re hopeful that future versions of the FORS Standard will further push for more safety technology. FORS have implied that what’s not mandatory at the moment, and just recommended, will more than likely become mandatory somewhere down the line. So, this gives great incentive for fleets to invest now and be ready for the future.

Summary

The majority of technology changes are to Bronze and Silver level, here is a summary of these changes:

BRONZE

Bronze is the foundation level of FORS safety compliance. It includes the absolutely necessary elements of compliance for a safe fleet. It’s disappointing that safety technology isn’t required to achieve Bronze level yet but we’re sure FORS will make this mandatory in future versions. For now, here are the main changes to the Bronze level:

• A requirement is that operators need to have all information about their fleet – this includes registration details, location of vehicles, total number of vehicles & trailers, and if owned, leased, rented or loaned.
• Operators must have a procedure for tracking complaints against the company and drivers.
• Requirement to record traffic infringements (moving, fixed penalty, driver hours…).
• Company must have a procedure to ensure roadworthiness and serviceability (including 15 months history and 6 months forward planner).
• Companies must implement daily walkaround checks at least once daily per vehicle.
• To fit larger vehicles (over 3.5 tonnes) with safety signage to protect vulnerable road users.
• Must have a policy and procedure for maintaining and monitoring tyre roadworthiness – includes tyre selection, condition and monitoring tyre pressures and tread depth – must be checked by a trained tyre fitter.
• Driver’s license checks must be completed within every 6 months – expiry date, categories, points and restrictions must be checked.
• Driver Induction program must be in place, including a checklist.

SILVER

FORS Silver Standard is when safety technologies such as cameras, DVRs, warning sensors become necessary, as this level aims to protect VRU’s (Vulnerable Road Users). Recently, one of our customers, Cheetah Couriers, achieved FORS Silver by investing in CameraMatics. Here’s a summary of the changes to the Silver level:

All Vehicles

• Companies must show evidence of managing road risk.
• Vehicle Safety Equipment must be fitted.
• Left Turn alert (preferably fitted with a manual switch to mute during night time use and supplemented with visual warning).
• Reversing audible alert (white noise or spoken message).
• Side-scan system on near side.
• Near side camera to be fitted to cover the blind spot.
• Monitor to show blindspot areas (with at least 2 inputs for switching view) of at least 7” but preferably 9”.
• Noise pollution monitoring for driver and worker hearing protection
• Cameras should be at least 120 degrees (preferably 130) and at least IP67 (preferably IP69K) and infrared to at least 8M

For 7.5 Tonnes and above

• Rear camera must be fitted.
• Front and off-side cameras be fitted – recommended but not mandatory.
• Recording equipment (DVRs) be fitted for training and development – recommended but not mandatory.

(Note: V4 didn’t require cameras.)

More Information

Overall, we’re very happy that FORS are taking a step in the right direction and looking forward to future developments. We’re happy the industry is listening to us and taking the necessary steps towards making safety technologies, such as video recording systems, mandatory.

If you’re interested in becoming FORS compliant, we can help in many of the new requirements set out by FORS:

• Any camera or recording needs can be provided via our CameraMatics solution – whether it be cameras, DVRs or monitors.
• Safety Checklists can be completed with ProVision Go – our app for driver and fleet manager use.

Ask our sales team for more information on how CameraMatics can help you achieve the FORS Standard you want.