Van tyre/wheel replacement

[robbertwhitton]

I don't see the problem with RM wanting us to use the RAC or a tyre company to change a tyre. That's what they deem safer, takes the liability off me, I don't see why people have an issue with it. Can't complete your delivery? Extra overtime? Not your problem. We aren't paid to worry about these issues. Do your job to rule and properly and don't stress out - that's the managers job to stress out for the extra money!!!

This guy is spot on

[Dave235]

I was nearly killed today. One of my colleagues who used one of the vans before I did in the afternoon changed the tyre on the van himself instead of calling the RAC. He didn’t tighten it well enough. I was losing control of the van but managed to pull into a lay-by and stop. One of the bolts had fallen out and the other 3 on the same wheel were so loose it was about to fly off. I was shortly about to join the dual carriageway. It could have been fatal for myself or a member of the public on the road. THIS is why it’s company policy that we don’t change them ourselves. I am very lucky to still be alive right now.

[TopperGas]

I was nearly killed today. One of my colleagues who used one of the vans before I did in the afternoon changed the tyre on the van himself instead of calling the RAC. He didn’t tighten it well enough. I was losing control of the van but managed to pull into a lay-by and stop. One of the bolts had fallen out and the other 3 on the same wheel were so loose it was about to fly off. I was shortly about to join the dual carriageway. It could have been fatal for myself or a member of the public on the road. THIS is why it’s company policy that we don’t change them ourselves. I am very lucky to still be alive right now.

I don't think it has ever been told to me that staff aren't allowed to change a tyre, not that I'd attempt to do it and, if I did, I would make sure I tightened the wheel nuts.

[Tman]

The driver who replaced the wheel in the post above probably thought he'd tightened them enough too, but clearly he hadn't.
The old adage, never use tools if you've not been shown how, and the case above shows how sensible that is.

[yellowbelly]

I was nearly killed today. One of my colleagues who used one of the vans before I did in the afternoon changed the tyre on the van himself instead of calling the RAC. He didn’t tighten it well enough. I was losing control of the van but managed to pull into a lay-by and stop. One of the bolts had fallen out and the other 3 on the same wheel were so loose it was about to fly off. I was shortly about to join the dual carriageway. It could have been fatal for myself or a member of the public on the road. THIS is why it’s company policy that we don’t change them ourselves. I am very lucky to still be alive right now.

Have you reported this?

What happened to the flat tyre that he changed? Did he leave it in the back of the wagon, re-attach it underneath or was it replaced?
If it was replaced, when he got back to office did the garage check the torque on the wheel?

[sindba]

Just read the Courier and in one of the letters a postie says "I understand why we're not allowed to fit a spare tyre on any van we use for Royal Mail, or even carry one. But why don't the vans come fitted with a canister of emergency air/sealer ?"

I've been doing the job for 20 years - I have fitted many many wheels, and not only to a Royal Mail van. I've never had a problem. I suspect the vast majority of us haven't - and I'm talking 99.5% here.

So I, personally, do not understand why I can't now change a wheel. I work on a rural delivery. I had to go to the nearest garage this week (and this was a busy week,Christmas mail etc) to get a tyre with low tread changed - adding at least 2 hours onto my day (and the cost of fuel). A few years back it would have cost me, and Royal Mail, 5 minutes to change the tyre myself. Its ridiculous.

I know full well how to torque up a wheel nut - but if I need to get a ticket in order to do so could someone please put me on the course where I can attain it ? Its not rocket science.

If there were individuals who didn't feel comfortable changing a wheel then make an RAC callout optional - I have absolutely no problem with that. Or, as the letter writer in the Courier suggests, give them a can of tyre repairer. Or both


But why should common sense be put on the back foot simply to satisfy political correctness and statistical improbabilities ? Its not as if our garage mechanic doesn't have enough work to do already, what with the aged fleet he's having to deal with.

This isn't progress. And it costs us all.

"Political correctness"?! Wtf?

It's basic safety and liability. Does my head in if I get a flat too, but I completely understand the reasons for it.