Tanker drivers set to receive new training standards.

Fuel distribution hauliers are moving closer towards adopting an industry-wide health and safety training standard for tanker drivers.

As part of the agreement reached between union Unite and fuel hauliers following their high-profile dispute in April and May, it was proposed that a body was created to develop and oversee the roll-out and enforcement of a new safety code of practice for the sector.

To kick off the process, the UK Downstream Oil Distribution Forum (UKDODF) was revived last week, after a five-year absence, as a platform for stakeholders to meet, including haulage and energy firms, Skills for Logistics (SfL), the Department for Transport and unions Unite and URTU.

Speaking to CM, independent chairman of UKDODF, Brian Worrall, says the forum’s working group will seek to establish a set of training standards that will be dependent on the nature of drivers’ deliveries, for example aviation tanker drivers will perform a different function to those delivering to retail sites. “Any new standards must be well-documented, accredited and enforceable,” he adds.

However, Worrall stresses that this does not mean it negates any haulage firm’s existing training, but simply that any training must be accredited to meet the new industry standard.

Two subgroups will now be created – one will comprise a panel of subject matter experts to devise the content of any new training, while the other will be in charge of establishing how accreditation and enforcement will be handled, and could include government bodies such as the DfT and Vosa.

The subgroups will aim to present their findings by the end of the year.