BAGMA are launching a new two-day Tractor-Trailer Inspection And Brake Testing course.

The Asociation says over the last decade tractors, trailers and trailed implements have become bigger and faster and air braking systems have become more common along with other systems such as load sensing valves. Certain UK legislation has changed and, importantly say BAGMA, there is a desire in the marketplace to assess the physical condition of the vehicle as well as its braking performance.

Consequently the scope of their new training course is to train and enable the technician to:

• Inspect & assess a tractor’s and/or trailer’s build-spec. and physical condition
• Verify the correct functioning of the vehicle’s braking system
• Assess and quantify a tractor’s and/or trailer’s braking system performance

BAGMA stress that testing a tractor or trailer’s braking performance is the only way to ensure a system is operating to/or meeting the legal braking performance required by legislation.

The new course can be held at a dealer's premises or other suitable venue. Normally, say BAGMA, the course will require a minimum of four people up to a maximum of six depending on the facilities available.

The course will be delivered by an experienced industry trainer and includes a comprehensive training guide for each attendee covering all aspects of the course and providing a reference guide for legislation requirements and technical guidance. A test will be carried out at the end of the first day to ensure candidates are able to continue with the second day of training.

On successful completion of the course, candidates will be provided with a Digital Certificate, a BAGMA photo ID skills card, a course manual and inspection sheets and reporting forms that can be kept as proof of an inspection and brake performance check.

Candidate companies will be registered on the BAGMA website. Individual registration details will be held by BAGMA for five years after which  a refresher course will be required. 

Keith Christian, director of BAGMA says, "This is a comprehensive training course designed for competent and experienced technicians with a proven technical background and involves both practical and ‘class room’ training over the two days."