ENGINE IDLING POLICY
Statement of Purpose
This policy has been developed to meet O’Mahony Contractors’ obligations to protect air quality by reducing the environmental impact of our operations in relation to engine idling by our employees in company vehicles or in private vehicles being used on company business. This in turn will greatly improve the fuel efficiency of our operations and reduce fuel costs
When left idling a heavy duty diesel engine can waste between 1.5 and 2.5 litres of fuel an hour – smaller vehicles will use less, but it is still fuel that can be saved.
Background
Air pollution such as diesel particulates, Carbon Monoxide and particularly ground-level NOx, is an immediate and ongoing concern in in the UK. The documented impacts on health, economic growth, and quality of life are of great concern. Vehicle exhaust emissions from idling vehicles contributes significantly to air pollution.
Statement of Policy
It is the policy of OMC that driver of any vehicle belonging to the business or employee cars being used on company business will:
Turn the engine off when a vehicle is stationary for more than 1 minute and only restart when they are ready to drive away.
Not use the engine to pre-heat the vehicle unless necessary due to safety considerations or weather conditions.
Always turn off the engine when on a break, loading or unloading.
Exemptions
The policy of turning the engine off when stopped does not apply for the periods during which idling is necessary under the following circumstances:
To provide for the safety of vehicle occupants, such as extreme cold conditions (e.g. to run the air heaters).
When a driver is conducting a daily driver circle check of a vehicle which requires the engine to be idling to check for excessive smoke, to build up air pressure and to check for air/liquid leaks and dash faults.
To use lifting/auxiliary equipment powered by the engine for the loading and unloading of products or goods.*
When unforeseen traffic, safety, or emergency situations arise.
If ancillary equipment can be run from the battery alone i.e. tail lifts, drivers must refrain from idling unless there is a significant concern of draining the battery.
Signed:
G. O’Mahoney - Managing Director
28/02/2024 - Revision 1
