1. Driving & Vehicle Maintenance
Funeral Operative
Unit OP3

2. Learning Outcome: The learner is able to:
Maintain vehicle according to the requirements of your company
Clean vehicle according to the requirements of the company
Drive a hearse in a cortege using good cortege driving and road user practices
Drive a limousine in a cortege using good cortege driving and road user practices
Take appropriate action in the event of breakdown or accident

3. Servicing
Ensure vehicles are serviced in accordance to the manufacturers recommendations by a competent garage with qualified mechanic
Ensure vehicles 3 years old or more have a regular M.O.T test

4. Battery Batteries have a life of around five years
If your premises are close to the Crematorium or Cemetery and you seldom make a long journey, a fortnightly overnight charge prolongs battery life

5. Flat/Damaged Tyres and Wheels
Know the correct pressures for different speeds and loads, and adjust accordingly
Kerb impact can damage sidewalls and, possibly wheel rims. Both can result in slow leaks
When checking tread depth, look for uneven tyre wear – the wheels may be misaligned (tracking)

6. Flat/Damaged Tyres and Wheels
Look at the spare tyre - a worn or flat spare won't be of use in an emergency
Check that the jack and wheel-removal tools are in good condition and that the key or removal tool for locking wheel nuts are accessible
Is you vehicle equipped with ‘run flat’ tyres?

7. Engine Oil
Check the dipstick at least every fortnight and before any long journey

8. Brake Fluid
The brake fluid level should be regularly checked to ensure it is at the maximum level
Brake fluid is highly corrosive, make sure it does not drip onto the paintwork of your vehicle but if it does, wash it off immediately with water

9. Water
Check the coolant level regularly and top up as necessary – but only when the engine is cold
Have the antifreeze concentration checked before winter
Antifreeze not only prevents the coolant from freezing but also prevents the build-up of corrosion within the cooling system and so is important all year round

10. Lights
Check all lights weekly – don’t forget indicators, brake and fog lights
Clean lights regularly - in bad weather wipe them over with a damp cloth during driving breaks

11. Wiper Blades
Are not just to secure a Parking Ticket- they wear down over time and smear the windscreen if they become worn
Replace them at least once a year for best performance

12. Screens
Inspect the screen regularly for stone damage and always replace a cracked or chipped screen as soon as possible
Any damage may impair vision or distract attention
Minor chips can grow and crack the glass although some can be repaired
A crack or chip can cause an MOT failure

13. Screen Wash
Check and top up regularly – it's a legal requirement that the system works
Use a good screen wash additive through summer and winter – water alone won't clear oily road grime and freezes more readily in winter

14. Bodywork
Deal promptly with damage to bodywork to prevent rust setting in
Many cars have extended bodywork warranty schemes, which may require annual inspection at the dealer - check that any previous owner has kept records up to date.
Don’t forget to check that any new products are entered into your COSHH register

15. Toolkit
Check the handbook for the location of the basic toolkit for the car that should contain at least a jack and wheel removal tools
Familiarise yourself with the jacking points used to lift the car safely
If locking wheel nuts are fitted make sure that the toolkit includes the key or removal tool

16. Evidence required for portfolio
Show evidence of maintenance requirements for their vehicle
Make routine check of vehicle assuring road worthiness
Suggested forms of evidence:
Observation by 3rd party
Witness testimony
Written (essay style)
Journal of maintenance checks (& signed by a manager)

17. Vehicle Cleaning HEARSE AND LIMOUSINES Hoover interior
Dust & polish interior panels and surfaces
Polish windows, inside & out
Sweep & polish deck
Wipe & clean all mats

18. Vehicle Cleaning HEARSE AND LIMOUSINES Polish all vehicles as required
Keeping vehicles clean and polished with a good quality product helps to preserve the body work

19. Vehicle Cleaning REMOVAL VEHICLE
Interior should be cleaned with disinfectant/anti-bacterial cleaner
Also clean all equipment, trolleys and stretchers

20. Fault Reporting
All faults must be reported immediately to ensure that they are rectified as soon as possible
Adopt your firm’s fault reporting procedure

21. Garage Facilities Keep tidy Equipment in good order Clean environment
Safe storage
First aid kit
Adequate lighting
Suitable flooring
COSHH Register

22. Evidence required for portfolio
Describe or show the correct methods of cleaning the outside of cars effectively and efficiently
Describe or show the correct methods of cleaning the inside of cars effectively and efficiently
Follow company H&S procedures to ensure good housekeeping and safety measures
Suggested forms of evidence
Written (essay style)
Photos with descriptions
Witness testimonies

23. Cortege Driving Hearse Driver Limousine Driver
Maintain cortege at all times
Plan and know route
Timings are important
Limousine Driver
Follow Hearse closely but safely
Deal with the family
Know the return destination

24. Cortege Driving At the house:
Cars should be driven slowly when arriving and leaving
Hearse should be positioned directly outside (where possible)
Take instructions from conductor regarding placing of vehicles/tributes
Do not carry more than two floral tributes at a time

25. Cortege Driving Leaving the house: Close doors quietly
Close tailgate of hearse very slowly
If mourners or clergy sit in front of a limousine be polite and courteous, avoid ‘chatter’

26. Cortege Driving The Journey: Ensure private cars are kept together
Take special care when pulling out of turnings
Hearse driver should use mirrors to watch and wait if necessary

27. Cortege Driving The Journey: Be a courteous road user
If you have to use a motorway, consider your speed – find a balance between a dignified and respectful speed and causing a 20 mile tail back on a major road network
Irritation at you, may cause another road user to become careless

28. Cortege Driving On arrival:
Drivers should wait for conductor’s signal before opening doors for passengers to disembark
Any questions or comments from a client should be referred to the conductor

29. General Driving Observe law at all times Courteous
Speed
Mobile phones
Seat belts
Smoking
Traffic signals
Child car seats
Courteous
Representing company at all times

30. Evidence required for portfolio
Describe the responsibilities of a hearse driver
Describe good road user attitudes and conduct towards other road users in order to maintain the cortege
Describe the responsibilities of a limousine driver
Describe the appropriate conduct to the bereaved
Describe the procedures to be followed in case of a vehicle breakdown
Describe the procedures to be followed in case of a road traffic collision
Suggested forms of evidence
written essay style
List and note form information
Witness testimony (including information described)

31. Any questions?