FORS Vehicle safety equipment guide – supports the FORS ... · using a combination of direct and indirect vision aids Direct vision – direct vision is what the driver can see

FORS Vehicle safety equipment guide – supports the FORS Standard version 5

.1

FORS Vehicle safety equipment guide – supports the FORS Standard version 5.1 – Rev.1

FORS Vehicle Safety Equipment Guide


About FORSThe Fleet Operator RecognitionScheme (FORS) encourages andincentivises the safe and sustainableoperation of commercial vehicles.From car-derived vans to heavy goodvehicles, the scheme commits toenable all fleet operators to attain andmaintain the best possible level ofproductivity and efficiency with theleast impact on society and theenvironment and to facilitatecontinuous improvements in operatingstandards. FORS raises the bar,promotes best practice and provides arecognisable credential through anindependent audit, staff training andsupport material. FORS is nowregarded as ‘the’ accreditation schemeby fleet operators, their clients andenforcement agencies alike.

Acknowledgements

This document has been produced byFORS, with the help and support ofFITAS - The Federation ofCommunication Services (FCS)Installer Training and AccreditationScheme.

FITAS is a training programme forengineers who wish to installequipment to the recommendedstandard of FCS 1362. FITAS hasdeveloped a training module forinstallers, which specifically guidesengineers in the installation of vehicleequipment to meet the FORSStandard. For more information aboutFITAS, visit: http://www.fcs.org.uk/forsor email [email protected]


Revision history

Revision Date Requirement Section Summary of change

1 07/11/2019 Silver S6In-cab audiblewarning system –page 14

Clarification that proximitysensors that activate with left-turn indicator or turn off atspeed are compliant withFORS Silver requirement S6

Version 5.1 of the FORS Standard – Summary of vehicle equipment changes

The following provides a summary of changes to the vehicle equipment requirements betweenversion 4 and version 5.1 of the FORS Standard.

Requirement Version 5.1 Version 4 Summary of change

Bronze V6 Vehicle safetyequipment

V7 Vulnerableroad user safety

No material change but DVSadded for London operations. Thiselement of S6 is only effective fromimplementation date of TfL’s HGVsafety permit scheme

Silver S6 Vehicle safetyequipment

S3 Audiblewarning systems

S4 Blind spotminimisation

S3 and S4 merged to create asingle requirement. Blind spotminimisation replaced with aspecific camera systemrequirement, meaning Fresnellenses are no longer recognised.A tolerance has been included forolder vehicles. Right hand blindspot camera system requirementfor left hand drive vehicles hasbeen removed


Gold G6 Sustainableoperations

G9 Modal shiftand alternativevehicles

No older vehicle tolerance forcamera system requirement at S6.However, the fitment of camerasystem for older vehicles maybeplanned in line with fleetreplacement cycle


Contents1. Introduction ............................................................................................................ 2

2. Vehicle safety equipment compliance .................................................................... 4

3. FORS Bronze vehicle requirements ....................................................................... 7

4. FORS Silver vehicle requirements ....................................................................... 12

5. FORS Gold vehicle requirements ........................................................................ 17

6. FORS Associate and Affinity Partner equipment providers .................................. 18

7. Further information on safety equipment specification and installation ................ 20


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TerminologyShall – to indicate an element that ismandatory to demonstrate therequirement has been met

Should – to indicate an element that isrecommended as emerging practice

May – to indicate an element that isoptional or an emerging best practice

Blind spots – areas around a vehiclewhich are neither directly nor indirectlyvisible by the driver

Blind spot minimisation – the completeelimination or reduction as far aspractical and possible of blind spotsusing a combination of direct and indirectvision aids

Direct vision – direct vision is what thedriver can see through windows ratherthan using mirrors or cameras

Devices for indirect vision – devices toobserve the traffic area adjacent to thevehicle which cannot be observed bydirect vision. These can be conventionalmirrors, camera monitors or otherdevices able to present informationabout the indirect field of vision to thedriver

FORS Associate – an associate is aperson, organisation, company orbusiness that provides an exclusive offer/ discount on products and servicesaligned to the requirements of the FORSStandard

FORS operator – a FORS member -individual or organisation that operatesone or more vehicles as part of theirbusiness or work activity

Heavy good vehicle (HGV) – a goodsvehicle over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicleweight

Indirect vision – what a driver can seethrough mirrors and cameras rather thanthe vehicle windows

Side under-run protection – lateralguards which can be fitted betweenvehicle axles to minimise the severity ofside under-run collisions, also known assideguards

Vehicle manoeuvring warnings forVRUs – enhanced audible warnings toalert other road users to a left turning,right turning or reversing vehicle

Vehicle near-side – the side of thevehicle nearest to the kerb in the forwardparked/driving condition

Vehicle off-side – the side of the vehiclefurthest from the kerb in the forwardparked/driving condition

Vehicle safety equipment – equipmentwhich assists the driver in seeing ordetecting other road users or obstaclesand also reduces the incidence andseverity of collisions, particularly withvulnerable road users (VRUs). This typeof equipment can be fitted by vehiclemanufacturers, dealers or retrofitted

Vulnerable road user (VRU) – roadusers that require extra care such ascyclists, pedestrians, powered two-wheeler (P2W) riders, horse riders

Warning signage – prominent signageused to warn vulnerable road users(VRUs) not to get too close to vehicleswhen stationary (not parked) or in motion


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1.IntroductionPurpose of this guide

This guide is designed to help youmeet the vehicle safety equipmentrequirements of the FORS Standardversion 5.1. It provides guidance oneach requirement including theequipment that can be used, advice onthe specification that this equipmentshould meet and who can provide thisequipment.

The specific FORS Standardrequirements for vehicle safetyequipment are:

◆ Bronze V6 – Vehicle safetyequipment

◆ Silver S6 – Vehicle safetyequipment

◆ Gold G6 – Sustainableoperations

This guide is structured as follows:◆ Section 2 outlines where the

safety equipment shall beinstalled on a right-hand drivevehicle

◆ Section 3 outlines the FORSBronze vehicle requirements, theequipment that shall be fitted,and which vehicles it applies to

◆ Section 4 outlines the FORSSilver vehicle requirements, theequipment that shall be fitted,and what vehicles it applies to

◆ Section 5 outlines the FORSGold vehicle requirementsrelating to S6

◆ Section 6 outlines which FORSAssociates can supply theequipment for each requirement

◆ Section 7 outlines furtherinformation about equipmentspecification and installation

What vehicles are subject to therequirements?The FORS Standard requirements(Bronze V6, Silver S6 and Gold G6)stipulate that:

◆ Blind spot warning signage andsafety equipment at Bronze V6apply to larger vehicles. Blindspot warning signage applies toall HGVs and vehicles designedto carry more than16 passengers.Side under-run protection andclose-proximity mirrors apply toall HGVs, unless defined asexempt in the Safer LorryScheme Traffic Regulation Order

◆ Enhanced vulnerable road usersafety equipment at Silver S6applies to all HGVs

◆ Camera systems and in-cabdisplay screens for blind spotvision aids at Gold G6 apply to allHGVs irrespective of age

Who should read this guide?

This guide is aimed at:◆ Individuals within fleet operating

organisations who are directlyinvolved or have a professionalinterest in the decision-makingprocess for vehicle safetyequipment

◆ Those responsible for ensuringthat their fleet meets therequirements of the FORSStandard

◆ Individuals in client organisationsresponsible for setting up and


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carrying out compliance checkingprocesses

◆ Safety equipment manufacturers/ providers so they can see thespecification their equipment willneed to meet

What are the benefits of fittingvehicle safety equipment?

The main benefits of fitting vehiclesafety equipment include:

◆ Improving drivers’ ability to see ordetect vulnerable road users(VRUs), other road users andobstacles

◆ Warning VRUs of dangers ofbeing in close proximity tovehicles

◆ Warning VRUs and other roadusers of a vehicle's manoeuvre

◆ Reducing the incidence andpotential severity of collisions

◆ Potential to assist collisioninvestigations and counterfraudulent insurance claims

Driver training

Drivers must be made aware of theimportance of each piece of equipmentand the purpose for which it has beeninstalled. They should be trained in thecorrect use of the equipment, andrecognise that activation and de-activation of the system – where itmight be applicable, appropriate ornecessary - is an integral part of theirjob. Bronze requirement V2 of theFORS Standard stipulates that FORSoperators shall have a dailywalkaround check and defect reportingprocedure in place for all vehicles,trailers and specialist equipment. In

particular, this shall cover theserviceability of vehicle safetyequipment.


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2. Vehicle safety equipment complianceThis section will help identify whichsafety equipment shall be installed tohelp you meet the FORS vehiclesafety requirements. It outlines wherethe safety equipment shall be fitted

and gives a pictorial representation ofa right-hand drive vehicle whichcomplies with the FORS vehicle safetyequipment requirements.

Bronze

V6 - Vehicle safety equipment

Close-proximity mirrors Side under-run protection Blind spot warning signage

Class Vmirror

Class VImirror Side under-run Warning signage and markings

Shall be fitted to all HGVs:• Where they can bemounted with no part of themirror being two metres fromthe ground, regardless of theadjustment position• In such a way that they areappropriately adjusted andfully visible from the drivingposition

Shall be fitted to all HGVs, toboth sides of the vehicle:• Unless defined as exemptin the Safer Lorry SchemeTraffic Regulation Order• Unless the shape andcharacteristics of the vehiclemean that it meets therequirements for side under-run protection

Shall be fitted to all HGVs and vehiclesdesigned to carry more than 16 passengers:• Prominently to the rear of the vehicle• To visually warn other road users of the near-side close proximity blind spot hazard• So as not to cause offence to other road users• So they are clearly visible to other road usersFor a tractor trailer and drawbar combinationvehicle, blind spot warning signage shall befitted to the rear of the trailer.

Table 1: Bronze vehicle safety equipment compliance summary


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Silver*

S6 – Vehicle safety equipment

Audible warning systems –Vehicle manoeuvring warning

for VRUsBlind spot vision aids

Reversingsystem

Left-turnsystem Camera system In-cab display screen

In-cab audible warningsystem – Close

proximity sensor anddriver audible alert

An audible system that warnsother road users of a left-turnand reversing vehiclemanoeuvre shall be fitted. Thesystem:• Shall activate when the left-turn indicator is engaged andreverse gear is selected• Should be fitted with a manualswitch to mute the sound whenrequired, such as operatingbetween 23:30 and 07:00 inurban areas• May be supplemented with avisual warning to vulnerableroad users

Shall be fitted to all HGVs and shall include:• A camera system that monitors the near-side vehicle blind spot• An in-cab display screen to provide the driver with a view of the near-sideblind spot• A close proximity sensor and driver audible alert system to alert the driverof other road users in the near-side blind spotWhere the driver has full view of the near-side blind spot area by directvision, such as a left-hand drive vehicle, the camera system and in-cabdisplay screen are not required.

Rigid goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight shall be fittedwith a camera system that monitors the rear vehicle blind spot. A camerasystem may also be fitted to the rear of trailers.A tolerance in the number of vehicles fitted with camera system may beaccepted for vehicles registered before 1 January 2015 where there is not acontractual or permit requirement. If this tolerance is permitted, oldervehicles not fitted with camera systems shall be fitted with an alternativeblind spot vision aid such as Fresnel Lens.

Table 2: Silver vehicle safety equipment compliance summary* FORS Silver operators shall maintain the FORS Bronze vehicle safety requirement V6

Gold**

G6 – Sustainable operations

Where a tolerance has been accepted at Silver requirement S6 to allow for older vehicles in the fleetreplacement cycle, all HGVs at Gold requirement G6 (irrespective of age) shall be fitted with:• A camera system that monitors the near-side vehicle blind spot• An in-cab display screen to provide the driver with a view of the near-side blind spot

However, fitment of blind spot vision aids for vehicles registered before 1 January 2015 may be planned andevidenced in line with the operator’s fleet replacement cycle. This must be fully justified at audit.

Table 3: Gold vehicle safety equipment compliance summary** FORS Gold operators shall maintain the FORS Bronze and Silver vehicle safety requirements V6 and S6

FORS VEHICLE SAFETYEQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

BRONZE (V6)Class V and VI close-proximity mirrors

SILVER (S6)Close-proximity sensorsand blind spot camera

SILVER (S6)Audible warning systemfor vehicle turning left

BRONZE (V6)Blind spot warning signage

SILVER (S6)Audible warning systemfor vehicle reversing

Bronze (V6)Side under-run protection(on both sides)

SILVER (S6)Rear view camera for vehiclesover 7.5 tonnes gross weight


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Requirement

To fit larger vehicles with safetyequipment that helps protect vulnerableroad users.

3. FORS Bronze vehicle requirementsV6 - Vehicle safety equipment

Equipment and guidance

Blind spot warning signage

HGVs and vehicles designed to carrymore than 16 passengers shall befitted with bind spot warning signage.

Signage shall be fitted prominently tothe rear of the vehicle, warning thevulnerable road user of the potentialdanger and advising people to takeappropriate action.

For a tractor trailer and drawbarcombination vehicle, blind spotwarning signage shall be fitted to therear of the trailer. Although not aFORS requirement, warning signagemay be fitted to the rear of tractorunits.

FORS guidance is that the signageshould warn of the hazard and adviseother road users to take appropriateaction, for example ‘Blind spot – TakeCare’.

There are three types of signage:‘warning’, ‘instructional’ and ‘offensive’.FORS guidance is that all existing‘Cyclists Stay Back’ warning signsshould be replaced with the FORSapproved signage, which has beendesigned in conjunction with thecycling community. ‘Cyclists StayBack’ signage fitted to vehicles willresult in a Minor Action Point at FORSaudit.

Offensive signage fitted to vehicles willresult in a Major Action Point at FORSaudit. Failure to remove such signagewill result in suspension from FORSuntil it is removed or replaced.

Warning signage shall be prominent,clean and clearly visible to the roaduser.

Warning signage shall be A4 orequivalent size unless this is not

Figure 1: Warning signage guidance


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practical in which case anappropriately sized warning sign maybe used instead. Signage of A4(210mm x 297mm) and also landscape(420mm x 148mm) dimensions can beordered via the FORS website.Artwork can also be downloaded andgiven to a printer of your choice.

Where it is impractical to display thissignage on the rear of the vehicle (e.g.obstruction caused by beaver-tail orsimilar), the signage should be placedin a prominent position clearly visibleto cyclists and other road users.

Vehicles of 3.5 tonnes gross vehicleweight and under (such as vans) donot need to be equipped with warningsignage unless the operator iscontractually obliged to do so.However, if the vans already displaythe warning signage and markingsthen there is no need to remove them.

Illuminated panels or LED warningsigns may also be fitted at the rear ofthe vehicle to alert cyclists to the blindspot on a heavy goods vehicle. Panelscan flash in conjunction with thedirectional indicators, and only operatewhen the vehicle is stationary (notparked) or manoeuvring below 15mph.

As LED warning signs are illuminatedthey can be read at night. Some typesof LED warning signage are re-programmable and will allow you tochange the warning message asrequired.

Side under-run protection

FORS operators shall ensure that allHGVs are fitted with side under-runprotection, and that it is fitted on both

sides of the vehicle. Side under-runprotection shall be fitted:

◆ Unless defined as exempt in theSafer Lorry Scheme TrafficRegulation Order

◆ Unless the shape andcharacteristics of the vehiclemean that it meets therequirements for side under-runprotection

Side under-run protection can be

achieved by the fitment of sideguards,ancillary devices (fuel tank, locker boxetc.) and/or vehicle design.

Sideguards should be specified whenprocuring a vehicle and are commonlyfitted during the bodybuilding stage.

Sideguards shall also be retrofitted tosome existing vehicles where they arenot fitted. Commercial vehiclebodybuilders are able to supply andinstall sideguards to new, existing andexempt vehicles.

Alternatively, some bodybuilders willsupply the side-guard componentsalong with the instructions for fitmentenabling an appropriately skilledperson in your organisation to fit thesideguards.

Figure 2: Side under-run protection


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Figure 3: Example of fuel tank achieving the sameobjective as sideguards

Once fitted, you shall ensure thatsideguards are kept in a serviceablecondition. A vehicle exempt fromsideguards under the Safer LorryScheme Traffic Regulation Order butwhich has them fitted can still fail itsannual test if the sideguard or bracketis insecure; has exposed surfaceswhich are not smooth (e.g. it hasjagged edges or bolt heads that arenot domed shape); or increases theoverall width of the vehicle.

Sideguards that are lower than theregulated height from the road and / orare fitted with a covering panel arerecommended to further reduce therisk of under-run collisions. Warningsignage should be displayed on thepanel. These sideguards will warnvulnerable road users when adjacentto the vehicle near-side and offergreater protection than the minimumlegal requirement in the event of acollision.

Class V and VI close-proximitymirrors

FORS operators shall ensure that allforward control HGVs are fitted withClass V and VI mirrors.

Forward control vehicles are definedas having the steering wheel in the firstquarter of the vehicle’s length (vehicleonly, not vehicle and trailer) and having50 per cent or more of the enginelocated rearward of the furthestreaching part of the windscreen.

Class V and Class VI close-proximitymirrors shall be fitted:

◆ Where they can mounted with nopart of the mirror being twometres from the ground,regardless of the adjustmentposition

◆ In such a way that they areappropriately adjusted and fullyvisible from the driving position

Some vehicles are / will be exemptfrom this requirement where the two-metre height from the groundrequirement cannot be achieved, forexample on low cabs.

The improved driver’s field of viewachieved with fitment of Class V andClass VI mirrors shall conform toDVSA MOT test requirements and therelevant UK regulation.

Devices for indirect vision such asblind spot camera and monitorsystems can be used instead of ClassV and Class VI mirrors, but the imageshall cover the same field of view.Camera and monitor systems used toreplace Class V and Class VI mirrorsshall be R46 (UNECE Regulation 46)

For further information:

Safer Lorry Scheme – List of vehiclesexempted from the scheme


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approved products and comply withpre-defined installation guidelines.

◆ Class V mirrors

Class V mirrors help to minimise theblind spot immediately to the side andfront corner of the vehicle passengerdoor.

Class V mirrors are a legalrequirement on non-exempt vehiclesand shall be retrofitted, when required,on existing HGVs in order to meet theFORS requirement. A Class V mirrormay also be retrofitted to the driver’sside.

◆ Class VI mirrors

Class VI mirrors shall be fitted to thefront of all HGVs to minimise the blindspot immediately in front of the driverscab.

Class VI mirrors are a legalrequirement on all new vehicles over7.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight andmust be retrofitted on existing vehicles.

Figure 5: Class VI mirrors

Evidence that vehicles are fitted withblind spot signage and safetyequipment shall include the FORSAudit Declaration supported by:

· A vehicle safety equipment reportand/or a permit scheme record orregister

· A selection of photographs of safetyequipment fitted

· Invoices from safety equipmentsuppliers

Any false declaration at the time ofapplication or at the time of audit shallresult in your organisation beingterminated from the scheme.

For London operations – Effectivefrom enforcement date of Transportfor London’s Direct Vision Standard(DVS)

In preparation for the DVSenforcement beginning in October2020, the FORS Standard stipulatesthe following requirement:

· Goods vehicles over 12 tonnesgross vehicle weight should berated against the DVS star ratingsystem. Operators can apply for aHGV Safety Permit here.

· Any vehicle over 12 tonnes grossvehicle weight that operates in

Figure 4: Class V mirrors


UNECE Regulation 46 – UN VehicleRegulations – Devices for indirectvision


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London and is either not DVS ratedor rated at zero star shall be fittedwith enhanced safety equipment inaccordance with Silver requirementS6.


HGV Safety Permit Guidance foroperators entering London – DVS forHGVs


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Vehicles operating abroad:

Vehicles operating in countries thatdrive on the right-hand side of the roadshould be fitted with a vehiclemanoeuvring warning system thatwarns other road users of a right-turnvehicle manoeuvre.

Requirement

To fit HGVs with enhanced safetyequipment to help protectvulnerable road users.

4. FORS Silver vehicle requirementsS6 – Vehicle safety equipment


Enhanced vulnerable road user safetyequipment shall include:

- An audible warning system that alertsother road users of left-turn andreversing manoeuvres

- Blind spot vision aids that provide thedriver with a full view of the near-sidevehicle blind spot and alert the driverof other road users in the near-sideblind spot

Audible warning system – Vehiclemanoeuvring warning for VRUs

Vehicle manoeuvring warning systemsalert VRUs and other road users to avehicle’s intended manoeuvre.Warnings for a vehicle’s left turn areparticularly important as the near-sideblind spot on right-hand drive vehiclespresents one of the greatest areas ofrisk to cyclists.

Vehicle manoeuvring warning systemsfor VRUs shall present the followingfeatures:◆ Left turn system

- The system shall be fitted to the near-side of right-hand drive vehicle

- The system shall activate when theleft-turn indicator is engaged

- The system should sound a voicemessage indicating that the vehicle isturning left

Figure 6: Vehicle manoeuvring warning for left-turning

◆ Reversing system

- The system shall be fitted to the rearof the vehicle

- The system shall activate when thevehicle is reversing

- The system should either sound abuzzer, bleeper or audible voicemessage to indicate that the vehicleis reversing

Vehicle manoeuvring warning systemsfor VRUs should be fitted with amanual switch to mute the sound whenrequired, such as operating between23:30 and 07:00 in urban areas. The

Vehicle manoeuvring warning for VRUs• Shall comply as appropriate with The

Road Vehicles (Construction and Use)Regulations – 96/1078

• May include additional directionalindicators that comply with UNECERegulation 48


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system may be supplemented with avisual warning to vulnerable roadusers.

Blind spot vision aids

Fleet operators shall ensure that blindspot vision aids are fitted to all HGVs.Blind spot vision aids shall include:

- A camera system that monitors thenear-side vehicle blind spot

- An in-cab display screen to providethe driver with a view of the near-sideblind spot

- An in-cab audible warning system toalert the driver of other road users inthe near-side blind spot

In addition, rigid goods vehicles over7.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight shallbe fitted with a camera system thatmonitors the rear vehicle blind spot.

Camera systems may also be fitted totrailers to monitor the rear blind spot.

◆ Camera system and in-cab displayscreen

Camera systems consist of externallyfitted cameras and an in-cab monitorto provide more visual information thanconventional mirrors can. These cancover blind spots and, and in somecases, full 360° view around thevehicle.

In order to minimise the near-side blindspot, cameras shall be placed so as tocover the blind spots and area ofgreatest risk on the near-side of thevehicle.

Camera systems should also:

- Monitor front and off-side blind spots

- Be able to digitally record incidentsand assist in driver training anddevelopment

Camera and monitor systems arewidely available from a range ofsuppliers. Systems differ in complexitydepending on quality of image andrecording and monitoring options.

FORS operators can opt for acomplete camera system which utiliseseither one monitor and switches viewto the rear of the vehicle when reversegear is engaged or one which shows asplit display.

When deciding which system to use,be aware that the following featurescan vary:

· Quality of the image· Performance in situations with

limited lighting· Performance during hours of

darkness· Performance in various weather

conditions· Maintenance regime for the

system· Driver capability to safely view

the images in the urban trafficenvironment

Table 4 will help you identify minimumand recommended specification whenchoosing your camera and monitorsystem.

Section 7 provides further guidance onequipment specification andinstallation.


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Minimumspecification

Recommendedspecification

Notes

Camera

IngressProtection (IP)Rating

IP67 IP69K Advisable to install to the recommended level ifvehicle is steam washed

Lens ¼” CMOSCMOS – Complementary metal oxidesemiconductor Like the retina area of the eye.Converts the light into signal

Infrared (IR)Distance 8 metres

Cameras should have good night visioncapability. An effective level of IR LEDs isrequired for night vision. The minimum distancefor the driver to see would be 8 metres

View Angle 120° 130°

OperationTemperature -20°C to 70°C -30°C to 80°

Resolution 420 TVLAnalogue 720p AHD TVL – TV Lines

AHD – Analogue High Definition

MonitorsSize Minimum 7” 9” Screen will show a split screen reversing/near-

side as a default

Inputs 2 switchable Inputs switchable on manoeuvre – turning leftand reversing

Table 4: Recommended camera and monitor specifications

◆ In-cab audible warning system –Close proximity sensor and driveraudible alert

The system shall be fitted to alert thedriver of other road users in the near-side blind spot.

The system consists of close proximitysensors which detect objects in avehicle’s blind spot and alert the drivervia in-cab audible stimuli. Somesystems have been designed to alertthe driver when it has assessed thevehicle to be on a collision path withanother road user.

Proximity sensors shall be placed atthe near-side of all HGVs, withconsideration of the area of greatestrisk at an appropriate height to pick upcyclists and pedestrians.

Proximity sensors should operateregardless of whether the directionindicators are activated and mayswitch off at speeds above 20mph.

Additionally, although not a FORSrequirement, rigid vehicles and trailersmay also have rear sensors fittedwhich should activate when the vehicleis reversing.

Sensors should be kept clean at alltimes in order to keep them in goodoperational order.

Both the side sensor and reversingsensor systems should have a self-testmode to enable the driver to check thatthe systems are working correctly.

Figure 7: Close proximity sensor


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Left-hand drive vehicles:

Where the driver has full view of thenear-side blind spot area by directvision, such as a left-hand drivevehicle, the camera system and in-cab display are not required.However, vehicle manoeuvringwarning for VRUs, close-proximitysensors and driver audible alertsare still required.

Types of close proximity sensorsinclude:

· Ultrasonic detection system(side and front)

· Radar detection system (sideand front)

When choosing your equipment, beaware that features such as falsealarms rate and detection zone sizecan vary. Simpler systems cannotdiscriminate between VRUs and streetfurniture, but newer designs have thiscapability. Table 5 summarisesminimum and recommendedspecification for close proximitysensors.

Section 7 provides further guidance onequipment specification andinstallation.

Minimumspecification

Recommendedspecification

Notes

CloseproximitySensors

Detectionrange • 0.7m to 1.5m • 0.3m to 3m

Depending on the type of cab, VRUs can bebetween 0.3m and 3m away from the side of avehicle without being visible to the driver.

IP Rating

• IP67 forsensor

• IP65 forcontrol box ifmountedinternally andIP68 ifmountedexternally

• IP68 forsensor

• IP69K forcontrol box

Advisable to install to the recommended level ifvehicle is steam washed

OperationTemperature -20°C to 70°C -30°C to 80°

Table 5: Recommended close proximity sensors specifications


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◆ Fresnel lens

To allow for older vehicles in the fleetreplacement cycle, a tolerance in thenumber of vehicles fitted with camerasystems may be accepted for vehiclesregistered before 1 January 2015where there is not a contractual orpermit requirement. This toleranceshall be fully justified at audit withevidence of vehicle age andconfirmation that there is nocontractual or permit requirement forfitment of camera systems.

When the tolerance is permitted, oldervehicles not fitted with camerasystems shall be fitted with analternative near-side blind spot visionaid such as a Fresnel Lens.

A Fresnel lens consists of a clear thinplastic lens that is press-fitted to the

front left vehicle window and helps thedriver to see what is in the vehicle’sblind spot. The fitment of Fresnellenses helps to reduce blind spots andcontributes to decreasing the numberof side-swiping incidents.

Fresnel lenses should meet thefollowing general criteria:

· Be CE marked. Furtherinformation about CE marking isprovided in Section 6

· Able to attach to side windowglass by capillary attraction

· Flexible and not able to shatteror cause injury in the range oftemperature/ humidity -20ºc and+45ºc / 10% and 100%

· Size minimum A4· Be UV stable


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Requirement

To progress further to reduce theenvironmental, safety andcongestion impacts on the roadnetwork.

5. FORS Gold vehicle requirementsG6 Sustainable operations


FORS Gold operators shall maintainthe FORS Bronze and Silver vehiclesafety requirements V6 and S6.

Under G6, there are a number ofrequirements relating to sustainableoperations including road safety.

In relation to requirement S6, all HGVsat requirement G6 (irrespective of age)shall be fitted with blind spot visionaids that include:

· A camera system that monitorsthe near-side vehicle blind spot

· An in-cab display screen toprovide the driver with a view ofthe near-side blind spot

However, fitment of blind spot visionaids for vehicles registered before 1January 2015 may be planned andevidenced in line with the operator’sfleet replacement cycle. This must befully justified at audit through a fleetreplacement plan. Evidence shallinclude a schedule detailing whenvehicles will be replaced and details ofthe changes to vehicle specificationsto ensure that the safety equipment isincluded where necessary. The fleetreplacement plan will be checked at

the next re-approval audit to ensureactions have been implemented inaccordance with the schedule.Vehicles not yet fitted with camerasystems shall be fitted with analternative blind spot vision aid.


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6. FORS Associate and Affinity Partnerequipment providers

Table 6 shows a list of FORSAssociates and Affinity Partners thatprovide equipment to help you meetthe FORS Standard. Some of theseAssociates will have offers anddiscounts available exclusively toFORS members. Visit FORS websitefor more details about offers anddiscounts and contact details for theAssociates.

If you are a FORS Associates and youfit or provide safety equipment thathelp protect vulnerable road users,contact us at [email protected] to be featured in theguide. Some specialist vehicles suchas emergency service vehicles,Petroleum Regulation Vehicles andmilitary vehicles may require aspecialist installation or specialistequipment. More information can beobtained from FCS.

FORS Associates andAffinity Partners

Bronze V6 Silver S6

Warningsignage

Class V &VI mirrors

Sideunder-runprotection

Vehiclemanoeuvringwarnings forVRUs

Blind spot vision aids

Cameraandmonitorsystems

Closeproximitysensorsand driveraudiblealerts

AAMP Global ü ü üAmber Valley Development ü üAMD Commercial VehicleInstalls

ü ü ü

Auto Electrical Services(AES)

ü ü ü

Avian Fleet ü ü ü ü üBack Watch ü ü üBrigade Electronics ü ü üBrite Sparks Auto Electrical ü ü ü üCentrad üC-KO International Ltd ü ü ü üCommercial Body Fittings ü ü üDash Witness Ltd ü ü ü üDawes Highway Safety Ltd ü üDurite ü ü ü ü üECCO Safety Group Europe/ Premier Hazard Ltd

ü

European TransportSolutions (UK) Ltd

ü ü ü ü

Exeros Technologies ü üFleet Focus ü ü ü ü üFleet Safe 360 ü ü ü ü


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Fleet Safe Solutions Ltd ü ü üFleet-trak ü ü üForesolutions ü ü ü üHandsfree Group ü ü üIncartelematics Ltd ü ü üKits-n-Bits Ltd ü ü üMobile Auto Electrics ü ü üND Brown ü ü ü ü ü üParksafe Automotive &SilentWitness

ü ü ü ü

Provision Vehicle Cameras ü ü üRe-tech UK ü üRGVA Vehicle Graphics üSafety Shield Systems ü ü üScorpion Automotive ü ü üSentinel Systems Ltd ü ü ü üSmartDrive Systems Ltd üSmart Witness ü ü üSMFleet ü ü ü üTrailer Vision ü ü ü üTrakm8 ü ü üTrafficAngel ü ü üTransport Support ü ü ü ü üVehicle Proximity CamerasLtd

ü ü ü

VisionTrack ü ü üVtech Systems Ltd ü ü üVUE ü ü üXvision Safety Systems ü ü ü üAstra Vehicle Technology Install low level passenger door window – a direct vision aid

Table 6: FORS Associate equipment providers


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7. Further information on safety equipmentspecification and installation

The following advice will help you tomake sure that anything that is installedwill be as reliable and functional as thevehicle it is installed to.

CE and E Marking

There is a vast amount of electronicspresent in modern vehicles, controllingeverything from the cabin temperature tomore safety critical devices such asanti-lock braking systems.

To make sure that the device will notinterfere with the vehicle or any otherdevice installed, the fleet operator shouldmake sure that the device is CE marked.

An extra level of protection of assurancewould be E marking which is an addedassurance that the device has met athreshold of interference level. Devicesthat have the potential to distract thedriver are included in the safety-relevantcategory.

IP Ratings

IP stands for Ingress Protection. Thisrating ensures that the device will beprotected for the type of application andenvironment it is asked to work in.

A two-digit number established by theInternational Electro TechnicalCommission is used to provide anIngress Protection rating to a piece ofelectronic equipment or to an enclosurefor electronic equipment.

The protection class after theinternational standard of EN60529 areindicated by short symbols that consist ofthe two code letters IP and a codenumeral for the protection it provides.

For example: IP65The two digits represent different formsof environmental influence: - The first digit represents protectionagainst ingress of solid objects

IP.. First digit: Ingress of solid objects Second digit: Ingress of liquids0 No protection No protection1 Protected against solid objects over 50mm

e.g. hands, large toolsProtected against vertically falling drops ofwater or condensation

2 Protected against solid objects over 12.5mme.g. hands, large tools

Protected against falling drops of water, if thecase is disposed up to 15 from vertical

3 Protected against solid objects over 2.5mme.g. wire, small tools

Protected against sprays of water from anydirection, even if the case is disposed up to60from vertical

4 Protected against solid objects over 1.0mme.g. wires

Protected against splash water from anydirection

5 Limited protection against dust ingress(no harmful deposit)

Protected against low pressure water jetsfrom any direction. Limited ingress permitted

6 Totally protected against dust ingress Protected against high pressure water jetsfrom any direction. Limited ingress permitted

7 N/A Protected against short periods of immersionin water

8 N/A Protected against long, durable periods ofimmersion in water

9k N/A Protected against close-range high pressure,high temperature spray downs

Table 7: Description of the protection provided by IP ratings


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- The second digit represents protectionagainst ingress of liquids

The larger the value of each digit, thegreater the protection. As an example, acamera rated IP69k would be betterprotected against environmental factors,such a pressure washer, than anothersimilar product rated as IP67.

Camera

Image quality – the minimum suggestedresolution for an analogue system is420TVL (Television Lines). A lowerresolution camera will not provide theclarity at distance. The recommendedresolution level is the High DefinitionStandard (AHD) which will be 720p.

Field view – the field view is the width ofthe angle of view displayed on thescreen. Having a wide view, especiallyfor a rear-view camera is essential. Theminimum field of view required is 120°;the recommended field of view is 130°.

Ingress Protection – having the ability towithstand moisture and dust is probablyone of the important requirements of acamera. The minimum for cameras isIP67 and the recommended, especiallyfor a vehicle to be steam washed, isIP69k.

System supply voltage – 10 to 32V DC.This means it can be installed on anyvehicle and can handle supply voltagefluctuations.

Night vision – the cameras should havegood night vision capability for the driverto view their blind spots efficiently. Aneffective level of IR LEDs is required fornight vision. The minimum distance forthe driver to see would be eight metres

Temperature range – the camera willhave the ability to operate between be -20°C to +70°C.

Monitor

Size – the minimum recommended sizeof the monitor is seven inches.

Default view – the default view for thedriver to see should be a split view of therear and near-side of the vehicle.

Override view – when the vehicle isturning left or reversing, the screenshould switch to a large screen versionof the respective camera view and thereturn to the default view, once themanoeuvre has been completed.

Position – the monitor should be clear toview but not obstruct driver’s view of theroad.

Close proximity sensor and driveraudible alert systems

When deciding which system to use, beaware that the following features canvary:

- The rate of false alarms- The size of the detection zone- Maintenance regime for the system

Whether the system is standalone orrelies on additional equipment overwhich the operator does not have control(e.g. tags fitted to bicycles)

Warranty

Having an extensive warranty willguarantee the quality of the componentsthat make up the installation. Therefore,to be as resilient as the vehicle, aminimum of two years' warranty isrecommended with a three-year warrantybeing best practice.


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Specialist Vehicles

Some specialist vehicles such asemergency service vehicles, PetroleumRegulation Vehicles and militaryvehicles, may require a specialistinstallation or specialist equipment.More information can be obtained fromFCS.

Installation

Fleet operators should take appropriatesteps to make sure that the electricaldevices are installed to an acceptablestandard.

All cabling installed must be of thecorrect standard. When the cabling is

routed outside the passengercompartment, it must be protected by anappropriate method of protection. Theexternal connections must be waterresistant or made water resistant by theinstaller.

The installation of the components thatmake up the electrical vehicle solutionshould follow a Code of Practice. Thecode of practice generally used toensure quality of electrical installations invehicles is the UK Code of Practice forthe Installation of Mobile Radio andRelated Ancillary Equipment in LandBased Vehicles FCS1362:2016.


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Disclaimer

Please note that all information provided is correct at the time of publication. Please visit www.fors-online.org.uk/cms/suppliers-and-supporters-offers/ for the latest offers.

This guide should be used as a reference document to support operators to fit the correct types ofequipment to meet the FORS Standard. The guide makes reference to FORS Associates who offerrelevant offers and discounts to FORS members but other equipment providers are available. Itremains the responsibility of the operator to choose the best equipment for their operation to meet therequirements of the Standard. This document has been created solely to increase awareness on thetype and availability of products. For further information on any product, please contact themanufacturer directly.

Documents

FORS Vehicle safety equipment guide – supports the FORS ... · using a combination of direct and indirect vision aids Direct vision – direct vision is what the driver can see