Full Members: Vehicle, equipment and driving capabilities are outlined
as follows which are best practice as guided by the 4X4
National Network
Associate members: Capabilities are not dissimilar to the full members capabilities;
we have indicated which items are out of scope for our associate members by indicating
these items with a double star (**) all other requirements are expected to be
supported.
BHC 4X4-R Vehicle Capabilities
Your vehicle capability is defined to support a consistent approach for
all vehicles for carrying out our 4X4-R duties.
The following is based on best practice amongst existing groups and has
identified the need for a formal assessment that requires each volunteer,
that is likely to be called out, to ensure that their vehicle is in a fit
state and responsive:
Road legal. (MoT, Tax, Vehicle condition, etc.)
Appropriate insurance. Appropriate vehicle insurance for volunteer response
activities
Fixed rear recovery point (A correctly fitted Towing ball is a minimum
with Ball & Pin preferable) **
Fixed front recovery point. Where practicable fixed front recovery point
(may not be possible with all vehicles) **
Passenger or load. Sufficient passenger seats (with suitable belts)
and/or cargo carrying capacity to be of use to a User Service
Secure stowage of internal equipment Maintained while on call.
The drivers to meet the above requirements at all times when engaged
in 4X4 Response activities.
Vehicle ID. Vehicle identification stickers front and rear (where appropriate)
Note:- ** the above marked items are not required by associate
members.
BHC 4X4-R Equipment Capabilities
The following are set as the minimum equipment required to be carried in
support of most events on 4X4-R duties:
Radio transceiver. CB, PMR or other radio transceiver on compatible
frequency with other deployed vehicles. This should be an independent
form of communication i.e. does not rely upon an external network. NOTE:
When using CB our preffered channel is UK 30
Mobile phone with number known by Controller
Notebook & pencil (you can use a pencil in the rain)
County Council Identity card. And/or BHC 4X4-R Group Identity Card
Recovery kit. Recovery rope & shackles (suitable for vehicle)
OS Maps. Relevant Ordnance Survey maps for operational area
Blanket (maybe required for self recovery or own support)
Toolkit
Spade/shovel
Torch
First Aid kit (for personal use; unless trained in first aid)
PPE. Any specified Protective Equipment identified with the Health & Safety
Standard.
Secure stowage. All equipment carried must be stored in such a way as
to not cause any risk of injury whilst driving on uneven terrain.
Note: - All of the above are applicable to associate and
full members
BHC 4X4-R Driver Capabilities
The following outlines the basic requirements of each member of the BHC
4X4-R and covers a formal assessment. Best practice amongst existing groups
has identified the need for a formal assessment of each volunteer who
will be assigned to support BHC 4X4-R.
The list of assessment points below will be seen as an absolute minimum
to demonstrate that the volunteer driver has skills over and above those
tested in the standard driving test. It is a key point to prove of our support
services that the driver has the competence to use the additional abilities
of their vehicle. BHCLRC trainers will ensure that any external test meets
all the requirements below as a minimum.
Uneven Terrain**. Ability to drive their vehicle over uneven terrain
relevant to the local conditions in a safe manner demonstrating consideration
of maintaining forward movement (i.e. not getting stuck!). Local conditions
include consideration of terrain (e.g. mountainous, woodland, low-lying
i.e. liable to flood, etc.) and the most likely scenarios for which the
group may be mobilised.
Self Safety & recovery. Awareness of their own vehicles’ safety
and ability to be recovered if necessary
Snow. Awareness of the additional requirements of driving in snow
Deep water**. Knowledge of wading limits of their vehicle and how to
wade
Own vehicle emergencies. Knowledge of dealing with own vehicle emergencies
(e.g. engine fire, changing a wheel on soft ground)
Navigation. Ability to navigate within the needs of operational requirements
(i.e. standard road navigation against use of OS maps and compass)
Assessment record. A record will be maintained for each driver in a
consistent and readily retrievable format which demonstrates their assessment
status
Note: - ** the above indicated driver capabilities are not
required as an associated member
