Page 38 - CTB N18 - 2017-02

TYRE SAFETY
Tyre Safety for Emergency Services Vehicles
in particular, drivers often need to transport patients from the scene to a hospital, meaning that they need to be aware of any tyre damage as soon as possible.
Emergency service vehicles often travel much faster than other road users and in close proximity of other vehicles and
pedestrians. If one of these vehicles suffered a blowout, the effects could be catastrophic. Vehicles are a precious and limited resource — every time one is out of service, another must respond, which means that less emergencies can be attended to.
In 1937, the world’s first emergency telephone number was introduced in London. Before a centralised control system, callers had to ring emergency services direct, which led to avoidable tragedies across the UK. Following the introduction of 999, similar dedicated numbers became common worldwide, as the importance of emergency services being contactable was
before an incident occurs. Direct TPMS systems use sensors on each tyre to measure tyre pressure, which allows readings to be taken while the vehicle is stationary. Indirect TPMS, which have no sensors, must approximate tyre pressure based on wheel speed. This means direct TPMS can reduce manual inspection times, ensuring vehicles are ready for immediate dispatch.
TyrePal Remote Monitoring System Accredited by FORS
TyrePal has been awarded accredited supplier status by the Fleet Operative Recognition Scheme (FORS). Monitoring tyre condition can increase fuel economy, tyre lifespan, and driver behaviour in addition to reducing accidents and breakdowns — the TeleTPMS system virtually eliminates the chance of blowout. TyrePal is offering a month’s discount for FORS accredited operators wishing to purchase TeleTPMS subscriptions.
FORS is a voluntary accreditation scheme for commercial vehicle operators, who focus on safety, efficiency, and environmental protection. It offers three levels of accredited membership, encouraging operators to work towards best practice. TyrePal's TeleTPMS remotely monitors the tyre pressures of a fleet of commercial vehicles, removing reliance on individual drivers. Each tyre pressure is measured when stationary and mobile, and transmitted via GPS to a remote database, where it can later be retrieved for analysis.
Data can be viewed by the fleet manager and the driver. The system not only provides continuous monitoring, but also gives alerts for high pressure, low pressure, fast leakage of air or high temperature. These alerts can be delivered to the fleet manager by text or email. This type of monitoring helps improve driver behaviour and compliance with safety procedures.
“FORS accreditation means we have been recognised for the increases in safety and efficiency we provide. With proper monitoring of the tyre, failures including blowouts could be predicted and avoided.” says Peter Tillotson, Business Development Manager for TyrePal.
A free month of TeleTPMS is available for accredited FORS operators on up to 30 vehicles, a possible saving of £300. The system is suitable for HGVs, buses, coaches and trailers. It boosts safety, improves fuel economy and allows for both driver and fleet operator to view the tyre’s status.
realised. Nowadays, the services are easy to contact, but challenges remain.
Emergency service vehicles must be maintained in good condition to safely and quickly carry personnel and life-saving equipment to the scene of the accident without delays.
Since 2014, all new passenger vehicles sold in the EU must have tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) fitted as standard. However, there are no specific laws or regulations for tyre pressure monitoring systems in emergency service vehicles, including fire engines and ambulances, despite the importance of safe operation and driving.
A lack of legislation means that it is the responsibility of each emergency service to ensure its vehicles’ tyres are properly maintained. One way of doing this is by using TPMS to constantly monitor tyre pressure to recognise tyre problems early. The system's in-cab monitor can alert the driver to any potential problems, such as underinflation or overheating,
Larger vehicles that carry heavy apparatus, including fire engines, often have a tyre arrangement that includes four wheels on an axle. Unlike a standard car, it is very difficult for the driver to feel a flat tyre when operating a vehicle with this arrangement. Without TPMS, the driver would not know there was a problem until a likely preventable incident, such as a blowout, occurred. Emergency service vehicles are driven under different conditions, putting extra strain on the tyres. Since their call outs are time-critical, vehicles are driven faster to reach the emergency as quickly as possible. Emergency service operators cannot afford for their vehicles to break down when attending an emergency, therefore they need to be equipped with as much technology as possible to prevent breakdowns. Emergency service vehicles can also suffer tyre problems at the scene of an accident, as there is often debris present that can damage or puncture tyres. For ambulances
38 Commercial Tyre Business