WHAT SHOULD BE IN YOUR CAB?

There is a particular kind of misery involved in discovering that something you need is missing after you've left the yard.

No hi-vis.

No phone charger.

No gloves.

No tacho paper.

It's lashing rain and your waterproof jacket is hanging beautifully on the back of your kitchen chair.

Or you've arrived at a site requiring safety boots, hi-vis and a hard hat — and the hard hat is 150 km away.

Some things are required. Some are good practice. Some depend entirely on the work you're doing.

And some are simply things you'll only forget once.

So, before you leave:

CHECK THE CAB.

FIRST: NOT EVERYTHING ON THIS LIST IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT

This distinction matters.

You will sometimes see enormous online lists entitled:

“Things every HGV driver MUST carry.”

That can be misleading.

What you legally need can depend upon:

• the vehicle;

• the work being carried out;

• the load;

• workplace risk assessments;

• the countries you're travelling through;

• company procedures; and

• specific regulations applying to the operation.

  
  

For example, ADR work has its own specific equipment requirements. International work can introduce requirements that don't apply to an ordinary domestic Irish journey.

So throughout this guide we'll distinguish between:

REQUIRED — where a legal or work requirement applies.

GOOD PRACTICE — strongly sensible equipment to have available.

JOB-SPECIFIC — required because of the particular work, load or site.

DRIVER KIT — things that make life considerably easier when your working day doesn't go according to plan.

1. HIGH-VISIBILITY CLOTHING

GOOD PRACTICE — AND MAY BE REQUIRED FOR YOUR WORKPLACE/ACTIVITY

Have a suitable hi-vis vest or jacket readily accessible.

And by readily accessible, we don't mean:

buried underneath your overnight bag behind the passenger seat.

If you break down and need to leave the cab, you want to be able to put it on before stepping out.

HSA workplace guidance specifically identifies appropriate PPE such as high-visibility clothing, safety boots and gloves as equipment employers should provide where appropriate.

A sensible place for your hi-vis is somewhere you can reach it from the driver's seat.

If there are regular passengers/crew members, consider hi-vis for them too; RSA/HSA driving-for-work guidance recommends a high-visibility jacket for each occupant.

2. WARNING TRIANGLE

REQUIRED FOR HGVs

At least one red advance-warning triangle is required for HGVs in Ireland.

Check that:

• it is actually present;

• it isn't broken;

• you know where it is; and

• you can get to it.

  
  

But remember something extremely important:

HAVING A WARNING TRIANGLE DOES NOT MEAN YOU SHOULD RISK YOUR LIFE TO PUT IT OUT.

On a high-speed road, walking along a live carriageway to position equipment can expose you to considerably more danger.

DO NOT place a warning triangle on a motorway.

Your own safety comes first.

3. FIRST-AID KIT

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED / WORKPLACE PROVISION DEPENDS ON CIRCUMSTANCES

Carry a sensible vehicle first-aid kit.

Check it occasionally rather than assuming that because there is a green box somewhere in the cab, everything inside it is usable.

Look for:

• missing items;

• opened packaging;

• damaged contents; and

• expired items where applicable.

  
  

RSA/HSA driving-for-work guidance includes a first-aid kit among recommended emergency equipment.

You don't need to become a mobile A&E department.

You do need a usable basic kit.

4. TORCH

GOOD PRACTICE

A torch is one of those things that seems unnecessary at 11am.

At 3am beside a trailer in the rain, it suddenly becomes the greatest invention in human history.

Carry one.

Better still:

• make sure it works;

• keep batteries charged/replaced;

• consider a rechargeable torch;

• and keep it somewhere accessible.

  
  

A head torch can be particularly useful because it leaves both hands free.

Your phone torch is useful.

Your phone with 4% battery remaining is less useful.

5. GLOVES

GOOD PRACTICE / PPE WHERE REQUIRED

A decent pair of work gloves is invaluable.

Depending on the job, you may need different gloves for different tasks.

Think about:

• coupling and uncoupling;

• load securing;

• straps;

• chains;

• dirty equipment;

• trailer doors;

• handling equipment;

• cold weather; and

• minor roadside tasks.

  
  

The correct PPE should reflect the actual risks of the job.

6. SAFETY FOOTWEAR

PPE WHERE REQUIRED

Your footwear matters.

Professional driving isn't only sitting behind a steering wheel.

You may be:

• climbing in and out of a cab;

• walking around yards;

• coupling trailers;

• handling loads;

• opening doors;

• using tail lifts;

• walking over uneven surfaces;

• working around livestock;

• or entering industrial sites.

  
  

Appropriate safety footwear may therefore be required for the work.

It should also actually fit.

Trying to operate pedals safely in enormous, loose or unsuitable footwear isn't clever either.

7. OTHER PPE

Your particular work may require:

• hard hat;

• safety glasses;

• hearing protection;

• waterproof PPE;

• protective overalls;

• respiratory protection;

• specialist gloves;

• safety footwear;

• or other equipment.

  
  

Don't assume every site has spare PPE available for visiting drivers.

If the job requires it, establish before departure what you need.

8. WEATHER GEAR & SPARE CLOTHING

DRIVER KIT

Ireland.

That concludes the explanation. 😂

Carry clothing appropriate for the conditions.

Depending on your work and season, that might mean:

• waterproof jacket;

• warm layer;

• spare socks;

• spare top;

• waterproof trousers;

• hat;

• gloves; and

• a complete change of clothes if the job is particularly dirty.

  
  

Professional drivers can spend a lot more time outside the cab than people imagine.

And weather can change dramatically over a long working day.

9. PHONE

Your phone has become an extremely useful piece of working equipment.

It may provide:

• contact with the office;

• customer/site contact;

• navigation support;

• emergency communication;

• photographs of defects or incidents;

• company apps;

• delivery information;

• electronic paperwork;

• parking information; and

• traffic/weather information.

  
  

But remember:

DO NOT USE A HANDHELD PHONE WHILE DRIVING.

Pull over safely where necessary.

10. PHONE CHARGER

DRIVER KIT — BORDERLINE ESSENTIAL IN MODERN HAULAGE

Carry the correct charging cable.

Check that the vehicle's USB/12V/24V supply actually works.

A cable with the wrong connector is merely a small piece of decorative wire.

11. POWER BANK

VERY USEFUL DRIVER KIT

Particularly useful for:

• long days;

• breakdowns;

• waiting time;

• overnight work;

• ferry journeys;

• unexpected delays; and

• a vehicle charging socket that suddenly decides it has retired.

  
  

Keep it charged.

An empty power bank and an empty phone make a lovely matching set, but achieve very little.

12. DRINKING WATER

DRIVER ESSENTIAL

Carry water.

Even if you're expecting to stop somewhere.

Even if it's only a short job.

Even if the customer has facilities.

Jobs overrun.

Traffic happens.

Breakdowns happen.

Loading takes longer than expected.

Sites close.

Services aren't always where you need them.

Hydration matters to concentration and wellbeing.

13. FOOD

Not necessarily a full picnic basket.

But having something available is sensible, particularly on longer shifts.

Again:

“I'll get something on the way.”

is an excellent plan until the day doesn't go to plan.

If you have specific dietary or medical requirements, this becomes even more important.

14. BASIC CLEANING SUPPLIES

A working HGV doesn't remain pristine by magic.

Useful things can include:

• wipes;

• kitchen roll;

• cloths;

• hand cleaner;

• sanitiser;

• rubbish bags;

• windscreen/glass cleaner; and

• whatever is appropriate for your particular work.

  
  

Visibility matters.

A filthy windscreen and mirrors aren't merely cosmetic problems.

And if you're working around livestock, dirty yards, construction, agriculture or similar environments, you'll rapidly discover the value of being able to clean yourself up before touching the steering wheel.

15. WINDSCREEN WASH

Depending on company arrangements, having suitable screenwash available can be useful.

More importantly:

check the washer system during your vehicle check.

The RSA's vehicle-check guidance stresses pre-use checking because it allows potentially dangerous issues to be identified before the vehicle is used.

Discovering the washer bottle is empty after the windscreen has been covered in road spray is rather late.

16. SPARE TACHOGRAPH PAPER

VERY IMPORTANT

If you're driving a vehicle fitted with a digital tachograph:

HAVE SPARE PRINTER ROLLS.

Not one ancient roll containing twelve centimetres of paper.

Proper spare rolls.

Printouts can be required in various circumstances, including RSA roadside inspections, certain tachograph faults, card problems, corrections and records.

Know:

• where the paper is;

• how to replace the roll;

• how to produce a printout; and

• how to complete a printout properly when required.

  
  

We've covered this in detail in the HGV Smart Ireland tachograph guide.

17. PEN

Possibly the cheapest piece of professional equipment you will ever need.

Carry several.

Because pens apparently enter a parallel universe approximately six minutes after being placed in an HGV cab.

Useful for:

• paperwork;

• defect reports;

• tachograph printouts;

• delivery documents;

• accident information;

• notes; and

• writing down information when your phone isn't appropriate.

  
  

18. DOCUMENTS

What you need will depend on the journey and operation.

Make sure you have access to whatever documentation is required for your work.

This might include:

• driving licence;

• Driver CPC card;

• tachograph driver card;

• delivery/collection documentation;

• consignment paperwork;

• permits;

• ferry documentation;

• customs paperwork;

• animal transport documentation;

• ADR documentation;

• site instructions;

• international transport documents; or

• other job-specific paperwork.

  
  

Some documentation may now be electronic.

That doesn't change the basic principle:

KNOW WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU LEAVE.

19. DRIVING LICENCE

Check that:

• you have it;

• it is valid;

• it covers the vehicle category you're driving; and

• any applicable restrictions are being complied with.

  
  

This sounds painfully obvious.

People still forget wallets.

20. DRIVER CPC CARD

If you're driving professionally and CPC applies to the journey, make sure you have your valid Driver CPC card.

Check the expiry date.

Don't assume because you've completed your annual training that the physical card in your wallet is necessarily current.

We've covered CPC cards and renewal in our dedicated Driver CPC guide.

21. TACHOGRAPH DRIVER CARD

Where the journey is subject to tachograph requirements and your driver card is required:

make sure you actually have it before leaving.

Your driver card being at home is not improved by discovering this fact 80 km away.

Also know what to do if your card is:

• lost;

• stolen;

• damaged; or

• malfunctioning.

  
  

22. SPARE GLASSES

If you require corrective lenses for driving, a spare pair can be extremely sensible.

Particularly if:

• you're away from base;

• you're working overnight;

• you're travelling internationally; or

• you would be unable to drive safely without them.

• 
  

Glasses have an unfortunate habit of breaking at precisely the least convenient moment.

RSA guidance also recommends a spare pair for drivers who wear glasses. RSA

23. PERSONAL MEDICATION

If you require regular medication, make sure you have what you'll reasonably need for the working period.

For longer/international work, plan properly rather than relying on being able to replace prescription medication somewhere en route.

And, obviously, medication taken by a professional driver must be compatible with safe driving and any applicable medical-fitness requirements.

24. ACCIDENT / INCIDENT PACK

If your company provides one:

MAKE SURE IT'S IN THE LORRY.

A good accident pack can include:

• company contact details;

• insurer information;

• accident-report form;

• guidance on what information to collect;

• emergency instructions;

• pen;

• and other company-specific information.

  
  

Immediately after a collision is not the ideal time to try to remember everything from memory.

25. EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS

Don't rely entirely on contacts stored in your phone.

Consider having important numbers available separately.

For example:

• transport manager;

• operator/office;

• breakdown provider;

• tyre service;

• insurer/claims contact where appropriate;

• ferry/contact information where relevant;

• customer/site contact; and

• emergency numbers.

  
  

In Ireland and throughout the EU, 112 can be used for emergency services; 999 also operates in Ireland.

26. VEHICLE-SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT

Different vehicles require different equipment.

Depending on the vehicle, this might include:

• winding handle;

• coupling equipment;

• suzies/adaptors where appropriate;

• wheel chocks;

• load-securing equipment;

• straps;

• chains;

• edge protectors;

• bars;

• nets;

• load poles;

• trailer equipment;

• tail-lift controls;

• spare electrical equipment where appropriate; or

• specialist tools/equipment supplied for that vehicle.

  
  

Don't merely ask:

“Is the lorry ready?”

Know what your particular job requires.

27. LOAD-SECURING EQUIPMENT

If you're collecting a load that needs securing, make sure the necessary equipment is actually on board before you arrive.

That means sufficient appropriate:

• straps;

• chains;

• tensioners;

• edge protectors;

• anti-slip material;

• nets;

• bars;

• blocking equipment; or

• whatever the particular load requires.

  
  

And inspect it.

Ten straps are not much use if six are damaged and two have unreadable labels.

See our separate HGV Smart Ireland Load Security guide for the proper detail.

28. JOB-SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT

This is where a generic cab checklist ends and your actual job begins.

Examples might include equipment associated with:

• livestock;

• refrigerated transport;

• tanker work;

• construction;

• abnormal loads;

• dangerous goods;

• vehicle recovery;

• forestry;

• agricultural work;

• tail-lift deliveries;

• multidrop work;

• international haulage; or

• particular customer sites.

  
  

A livestock driver and a fridge driver may both be driving an artic.

That does not mean they need identical equipment.

29. ADR — A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF REQUIREMENT

If you're carrying dangerous goods under ADR, don't use a generic HGV cab list as your equipment checklist.

ADR has specific requirements concerning equipment carried on the transport unit, depending upon the operation and substances involved.

These can include warning equipment, PPE and other emergency equipment.

Follow your ADR training, documentation, company procedures and current legal requirements.

WHAT SHOULD THE OPERATOR PROVIDE?

This is important.

A new driver can easily assume:

“I'm the driver, therefore I have to buy everything.”

Not necessarily.

The operator/employer has responsibilities for safe systems of work, safe vehicles and appropriate workplace equipment.

Where PPE is required because of workplace risk, HSA guidance specifically tells employers to provide appropriate PPE — examples given include hi-vis jackets, safety boots and gloves — and ensure drivers receive instruction in its use.

Company/vehicle equipment will commonly include things such as:

• legally required vehicle equipment;

• required PPE;

• vehicle-specific equipment;

• load-securing equipment;

• safety equipment;

• company documentation;

• defect-reporting arrangements; and

• equipment necessary to perform the work safely.

  
  

Exactly what applies depends upon the operation and risk assessment.

WHAT DOES THE DRIVER PROVIDE?

This will vary between employers.

Personal items will commonly be your responsibility, such as:

• personal clothing;

• food;

• drinks;

• phone;

• personal medication;

• glasses;

• toiletries;

• and other personal comfort items.

  
  

But don't assume about work equipment.

Ask.

IF YOU'RE STARTING A NEW JOB, ASK THIS

There is absolutely nothing stupid about asking:

“What PPE do I need?”

“What does the company provide?”

“Do I need my own safety boots?”

“Is there a hi-vis in every vehicle or am I issued one?”

“Does the lorry carry a first-aid kit?”

“Where is the warning triangle?”

“Where are the spare tacho rolls?”

“What load-securing equipment should be on board?”

“Is there any customer-specific PPE?”

“What equipment do I need for this particular job?”

These are sensible professional questions.

DON'T ASSUME BECAUSE IT USUALLY LIVES IN THE LORRY THAT IT'S THERE TODAY

This deserves its own section.

Shared vehicles create a wonderful phenomenon whereby equipment develops legs.

The torch was borrowed.

Somebody used the last tacho roll.

The gloves are in another lorry.

The straps were moved to a different trailer.

The accident pack was taken into the office.

The charger belongs to yesterday's driver.

The first-aid kit was opened last week.

CHECK.

The RSA requires robust systems for vehicle safety and stresses checking vehicles before use; operators have responsibility for maintaining HCV roadworthiness, while daily walkaround checks form part of that system.

Apply the same professional mindset to the equipment you need for the day's work.

YOUR 60-SECOND CAB EQUIPMENT CHECK

Before leaving, ask yourself:

SAFETY☐ Hi-vis☐ Warning triangle☐ First-aid kit☐ Torch☐ Required PPE☐ Suitable footwear

DRIVER☐ Phone☐ Charger☐ Power bank☐ Water☐ Food if needed☐ Weather gear☐ Spare clothing if appropriate☐ Medication☐ Glasses/spare glasses if required

DOCUMENTS☐ Driving licence☐ CPC card☐ Tachograph card☐ Job paperwork☐ Required permits/documents

VEHICLE / WORK☐ Spare tacho rolls☐ Pen☐ Accident pack☐ Emergency contacts☐ Load-securing equipment☐ Vehicle-specific equipment☐ Job-specific equipment☐ Customer/site-specific PPE

AND ONE LAST THING...

Don't turn your cab into a warehouse.

Everything carried inside the cab should be stored safely.

A heavy torch, bottle, tool, fire extinguisher or other loose object can become a projectile during heavy braking or a collision.

Keep the driver's area tidy.

Don't obstruct:

• pedals;

• controls;

• visibility;

• access to emergency equipment; or

• safe entry and exit.

  
  

The cab is your workplace.

Treat it like one.

FINALLY

You cannot prepare for absolutely everything that might happen during an HGV shift.

But you can avoid an astonishing number of problems by spending a minute before departure asking:

“HAVE I ACTUALLY GOT EVERYTHING I NEED?”

Don't assume.

Don't rely on what was there yesterday.

Don't discover what's missing when you're standing beside the lorry in the dark, in the rain, 150 km from base.

Check the vehicle.

Check the job.

Check your equipment.

Then go.

https://www.rsa.ie/services/business-operators/maintaining-your-vehicles/vehicle-safety-checks

https://www.hsa.ie/eng/vehicles_at_work/driving_for_work/driver_management/driver_handbook/