A driver at Norbert Dentressangle (ND) has become the first person in the UK to receive a Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) – the new industry training standard for the fuel distribution sector.
The scheme opened for training on 1 January, and ND's Barry Boreham (pictured second from left) has now completed his assessment and been issued his pass by the Scottish Qualifications Authority, which administers the programme.
Ann Dawson, MD, Norbert Dentressangle Tankers, said: “Being involved in the PDP scheme from the start, with a strong belief this will help to deliver improved standards across the industry, I’m particularly delighted that Barry has led the way by becoming the first, not only of our drivers but within the transport sector, to be awarded a PDP pass. We are committed to supporting the PDP through our in-house training centre.”
The PDP has been designed to sit alongside existing industry regulation, with a five-year renewal cycle, in line with ADR, and annual refresher requirements that can be aligned to Driver CPC. Training consists of both classroom and practical elements.
If a driver needs to renew their ADR in 2014 they can take the PDP classroom module and assessment at the same time. If a driver’s ADR renewal date is later than 2014, drivers can obtain the PDP via an interim route.
Brian Worrall, DODF independent chair, said: “The scheme is now fully open for business and drivers can now work to obtain the PDP during 2014. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to integrate the PDP requirements with both ADR and with driver CPC, which is a great benefit to the industry.
"PDP can now go on to be the benchmark by which all petroleum driver training is measured and will give confidence to terminal operators, hauliers, and drivers that training has been carried out to a high and independently verified standard," he added.
Full scheme details are available on the PDP website, www.pdpassport.com
Pic caption: (L to R) with Darragh McGrath-Health & Safety Manager, Barry Boreham, Dave Daley-driver Trainer, Terry Parker-DTI of Norbert Dentressangle receiving the passport.