Gaining the HS2 earned recognition module will enable you to compete for HS2 contracts and bring huge benefits to your business, in our latest blog we look at the details of the module and the requirements.

 

What exactly is the HS2 module?

AM01 – HS2 is an optional module to the Earned Recognition (ER) accreditation, it is therefore acceptable for operators to choose to apply these additional requirements to an individual operator licence, which is part of the ER accreditation. This would include all the associated operating centres and specified vehicles on the selected licence(s) applying for AM01 – HS2, rather than all the entities and licences in the ER accreditation.

 

Contracts for the High Speed 2 (HS2) project require additional audit requirements over and above the mandatory earned recognition standards. DVSA earned recognition (ER) can be used to gain acceptance to HS2 contacts but you must satisfy all the applicable standards in sections 1 to 9 of the HGV or PSV earned recognition standards. Only then you may additionally choose to meet the standards in this optional module (AM01 - HS2).

 

As this is an optional module it is therefore acceptable for operators to choose to apply these additional requirements to an individual operator licence, which is part of the ER accreditation. This would include all the associated operating centres and specified vehicles on the selected licences applying for this module, rather than all the entities and licences in the ER accreditation.

What are the requirements?

 

HS.1 Additional vehicle safety equipment requirements

Requirements

Operators shall ensure vehicles are fitted with the following safety equipment to help protect and warn vulnerable road users. When carrying out safety inspections, operators check that these requirements are met and include the result of the checks in maintenance KPI reports.

HS.1.1 - Back and side pictorial warning sticker

HS.1.2 - Side under-run protection of both sides of the vehicle

HS.1.3 - An audible left turn alert

HS.1.4 - Blind spot elimination to the front, side and rear of the vehicle

HS.1.5 - Digital recording of activities outside the vehicle, where specified by the employer for vehicles regularly being used on HS2 project

 

HS.2 Site rules

Requirements

The operator should have policies and procedures in place to ensure adherence with any specific site rules implemented by any nominated undertaker.

This may include additional equipment fitted to vehicles, access routes, access times and specific driver training.

 

HS.3 Additional driver training requirements

Requirements

The operator must ensure that drivers have additional training exceeding the requirements in section 7 of the HGV standard or section 7 of the PSV standard where it is a requirement of the HS2 contract.

Part of this requirement may be included in the driver Certificate of Professional Competence training.

 

HS.4 Vehicle emissions and clean air

Requirements

In addition to the requirements in section 3.12 of the HGV standards or section 3.12 of the PSV standards, where required operators must adhere to the most current clean air rules specified by the HS2 contract. Operators should have a policy of replacing the vehicles that do not meet the lowest emission level, Euro 6. Operators should when carrying out safety inspections, so that this requirement is included in maintenance KPI reports. When carrying out safety inspections, operators should check that emissions control systems are in working order and include the result of this check in maintenance KPI reports.

 

HS.5 Health and safety

Requirements

The operator must have policies and procedures in place to reduce the risk of work-related accidents, injuries and cases of ill health and promote health and safety best practice throughout the workplace.

 

HS.6 Complaints

Requirements

The operator must demonstrate a process that deals effectively with all reported complaints providing documentary evidence to show each has been robustly investigated within a 10-day period and appropriate action taken to prevent a recurrence.

 

HS.7 Routing

Requirements

The operator must route vehicles in the most efficient way considering weight restrictions, low bridges and the environmental impact. Where possible routes should be planned that minimise the distance travelled, and fuel used.

Where specific routes are required for contracts, procedures must be in place to ensure those routes are adhered to.

 

HS.8 Incidents on the road

Requirements

The operators must record and investigate any incidents including road traffic collisions and near misses. Procedures must be in place to determine the reasons and prevent reoccurrence.

Operators should complete the report a collision or incident if you’re a DVSA earned recognition operator form where required.

 

 

How can we help?

Our award-winning team can guide you through the HS2 audit process, provide advice, guidance and be on hand to answer your queries.

To chat with us, simply contact us HERE.