In this article relating to recovery training modules, their origins and content, I want to concentrate on all four modules that fall into the category of ‘Motorcycle Recovery’.
Once again these modules are split into four categories, these are; VR08 Handling Motorcycles, VR09 Recovering Motorcycles using a range of ancillary equipment, VR10 Recovering Motorcycles using a Light Vehicle Underlift and VR11 Recovering Motorcycles using a light vehicle Transporter.
Some people in the sector have queried why we need motorcycle training to be modulised and it is a very good question, we used to have a perfectly good motorcycle course before, why not just have one motorcycle module? The reason was simple really; many light recovery technicians using either a light Underlift or a Transporter recover motorcycles as part of their job, by having separate modules they are able to gain expert tuition in the recovery of motorcycle specific to their recovery vehicle, rather than a range of equipment they are never likely to use. However, for those operators who need the complete set of the motorcycle modules, full courses are available and a ‘Full Set’ administration price has been set by industry representatives at £45.00 instead of £100.00, separately the module admin fee is £25.00, the same as the other modules.
So, let’s look at these ‘Motorcycle’ modules in more detail;
VR08. Handling Motorcycles
This is the most important module of the four; it is all about manual handling and the difficulties we find in moving some motorcycles, in short, ensuring the safety of our recovery technicians and our customers. The main contents include:
This module provides the technician with a broad perspective on their responsibilities and the issues surrounding the movement of motorcycle and must always be undertaken with either all of the other modules or a combination of them.
VR09. Ancillary Equipment (Motorcycle Recovery)
This module is about recovering motorcycles using a range of ancillary equipment including specialist motorcycle trailers, service vans and purpose built recovery vehicles, including the ‘razor back’ service van.
As with all of the recovery training modules safety is of paramount importance, so each module is as much about ensuring the technician can determine the safest way to tackle a task as actually carrying out the task itself.
VR10. Motorcycle Recovery (Light Vehicle Underlift)
Many light Underlift units now come complete with equipment and attachments to recover motorcycles and this unit covers this type of equipment. The content includes:
-
Health and safety requirements
-
Understanding the types of equipment that fit to light Underlifts to recover motorcycles
-
Practical training in the use of this equipment
As with all modules that include practical training a skills test is carried out to ensure the technician is confident and competent in the equipments use
VR11. Motorcycle Recovery (Light Vehicle Transporter)
The final unit in this series covers the use of light recovery transporters to recover motorcycles including:
-
Health and safety requirements
-
The types of equipment used to load motorcycles on to transporters
-
Practical training in the use of that equipment
-
Skills test to confirm competence
As with all modules a multiple choice question paper confirms the students learning and knowledge.
So, in short, the motorcycle modules can be taken in a variation of ways, but must always include VR08, Handling Motorcycles as this is crucial to good motorcycle recovery and where all modules are covered a package cost of administration of £45.00 is charged. There are several instructors across the UK accredited to deliver motorcycle training and these can be found on www.ivruk.com.
In the next issue the complete suite of Heavy Recovery Modules will be broken down and dissected to give you a clear picture of the quality training available now by IVR approved instructors.
Terry Crampton
