Development of AHV-DCP

Preamble
The biggest exposure in the Petrochemical Industries does not generally lie in its processes or storage where all its activities are carried out within a Plant or Depot, where these activities are well managed in a contained and controlled environment, where system & controls are in place; personnel are trained and competent. However unlike the plant activities, the on-the-road transportation of these chemicals outside the plant environment (be it via Iso-tankers, Flatbed-lorries, ISO-containers, Curtain-siders) have resulted in many serious truck crashes with many driversand members of the public killed and  hurt every year.


Risk & Concerns
The biggest exposure to safety for most Petrochemical companies has always been, and will always be, in the area of Road Transport operations. Whilst the exposure to a road crash is serious, the exposure to product spill, especially from Dangerous Goods (DG) Cargo can be far worst, many folds over, as these DG productis not just flammable but can be explosive, toxic, volatile, carcinogenic, and mostly are not environmentally friendly. Generally, the loss of product containment from road tanker mishap has a far bigger impact on the population and the environment than the vehicle crash itself.


Safe Road Committee
A key activity of CICM is centered on driving continuous Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) performance improvement through the Responsible Care initiative and the Safe Road Committee complements this effort through its activities focusing on safe transport of chemicals by road.


Course Content
From some findings, it was obvious that all drivers MUST have the fundamental knowledge, competency and ability to manage the following:

1. Defensive Driving Skills & Knowledge
2. Fatigue Management (Understanding, Knowledge & Awareness)
3. Vehicle Checks (Pre-Drive Checks)
4. Vehicle Stability& Rollover
5. Mindset Issues
6. Legislative

Learning Aids
The Advance Heavy Vehicle Driving Competency Training (AHV-DCP) is designed as an adult learning training package with the use of simulators which provides a ‘self-experiential& self-realisation’ approach. Among the simulation equipment and protocols used in AHV-DCP training are:

• Road Environment Simulation Training (REST) Kits
  The REST Kit is a made-to measure scaled model board with all the configuration of a typical Malaysian road environment. This REST Kit is used to re-enact trucking accidents, and used as teaching tool by trainers and visual (look-see) learning aids for drivers.
• The Drug & Alcohol Simulation Exercise (DASE) Kit
  The ‘Fatal Vision’ goggles can simulate tunnel vision and partial distortion, which gives the ‘feel’of a person under the influence.The drivers are made to do certain simple actions like to walk in a straight line, catch a ball, to shake hands, etc; actions which are normally easy to perform under normal circumstance, but almost impossible to do with the fatal-vision goggles on
• Mind Distraction (MIDI) Simulation Kit
  The MIDI kit is a card simulation game played between drivers in switching the use of the ‘right’ and ‘left’ brain thinking. Drivers are then brought in this game whilst taking a ‘hands-free’ call. It soon brings drivers into a situation that it is almost impossible to focus a 100% on the road (driving) when engaged in a conversation!

Moving from Training to Competency
Looking at the high road haulage risk and the hazards posed by the Dangerous Goods (DG) cargo carried, and the many previous road accidents sustained by the Chemical haulage operations, puts the driver into a ‘high-risk’ job category. It was therefore unanimously agreed by the CICM Safe Road Committee not only to develop a comprehensive drivers training syllabus, but to have this training be established as a competencyprogramme, requiring all drivers to be assessed both in the understanding of the subject matter, and the ability to apply what is learned, in their driving, i.e.:

• Drivers to be taught (theory)
• Drivers to be shown (practical)
• Drivers to be coached on how to use/apply learnings
• Drivers to be assessed of the ability to apply
• Drivers are to receive competency certification on passing (2-year validity)

A 6-step process covering all of the basic protocol:
Teach – Demo – Coach – Assess – Certify



 
Institute of Motors Industries (IMI), UK



IMI is the leading awarding body for the retail motor industry in the United Kingdom. Specialising in automotive qualifications and accreditations, they partner with more than 550 training providers worldwide; recognising and supporting the skills of over 90,000 learners each year. IMI ensures that their products are both relevant and sector-specific, by collaborating with expert working groups from within the industry, and are part of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Group.

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), UK was established in 1920. It is the professional association for individuals working in the motor industry and the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail industry. The patron of the IMI is HRH Prince Michael of Kent.


Collaboration Between The Chemical Industry & IMI
IMI had agreed to assist and collaborate with the chemical industry in the Certification of the Advance Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Programme (AHV-DCP). IMI now has imposed a strict set of standards in ensuring that the training, trainers and trainees adheres to a strict set of governance and protocol, through regular IMI audits and documentation controls.The AHV-DCP Certificates are now issued from the UK, by IMI and is supported by the CICM.