Detached brake line support in vehicle

While travelling to site in a Light Vehicle the driver noted that the brakes were not operating normally.

The driver was only getting braking effect at the very limit of pedal travel.

Upon arrival at site the driver inspected the vehicle and discovered that the brake line support bracket was not attached and the brake line was fractured.

The vehicle was removed from service and transported off site for repair.

The maintenance provider was advised about the incident.

The brake line support bracket was not secured to the vehicle. This may have contributed to rapid fatigue of the hard brake line resulting in a total failure.

Work had recently been completed on the vehicle’s brake assemblies (less than 2,500km / 1,553 miles previously).

Check all vehicles that have had recent brake / suspension / steering work performed to ensure that securing bolts are present.

Remove from service any vehicle with suspected brake issues. Arrange for inspection or repair.

When operating a vehicle and suspected brake failure is encountered immediately slow the vehicle by using the gears (gear selector in an automatic vehicle) and gradually lowering gears until the vehicle has slowed sufficiently to safely bring it to a stop. Park in a safe location and immediately notify your supervisor. Do not continue driving the vehicle.

Reinforce the importance of carrying out a thorough vehicle pre-start inspection.

Does your organisation have Journey Management processes? Are you aware of them?

Does your Journey Management process include vehicle pre-start inspections? How would you report any defects involving brakes / suspension / steering?

Does your Journey Management process describe emergency management arrangements? Who would you contact if you needed to discontinue a journey because of any vehicle defect?

How do you know if the vehicles that you drive have been serviced and maintained at the intervals defined in the vehicle maintenance schedule?