Important information about the EC Drivers Hours &
Tachograph Rules for Goods Vehicles (Regulation 561/2006) which
might affect you if you are applying for the role of Firefighter on
the Retained Duty System
The EC Drivers Hours & Tachograph Rules for Goods Vehicles
came into effect in April 2007 and exist to ensure the health and
safety of mobile workers and drivers of in scope vehicles. The
purpose of the Rules is to limit driving time and ensure proper
break and rest periods are taken so that road traffic accidents are
prevented.
The Rules apply to certain categories of mobile workers, the most
common being drivers of Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) and Passenger
Service Vehicles (PSV). These are called in scope vehicles.
Fire Service vehicles are exempt from the Rules and firefighters
employed to drive Service vehicles are unaffected. However the
Rules do apply where a firefighter holds a second job which
involves driving, in which case all the strict breaks and rest
periods must be adhered to, even if that firefighter only drives in
scope vehicles for a short period of time.
The Rules particularly apply to firefighters on the Retained
Duty System (RDS) and will impact on the ability of an RDS
firefighter who drives an in scope vehicle during their primary
employment to get appropriate rest periods, thus affecting their
availability to provide RDS firefighter cover. It has therefore
been deemed unlawful for us to employ an individual whose primary
or other employment conflicts with the Rules, and we will be unable
to accept an application from you if you are a mobile worker
driving an in scope vehicle.
If you are unsure as to whether you drive an in scope vehicle,
you should seek advice from the Vehicle and Operator Services
Agency (VOSA). For all other questions regarding an
application for RDS firefighter please contact the Recruitment
Team.