Vehicle SOPS - Ethiopia - April 2020
Vehicle SOPS - Ethiopia - April 2020
Vehicles
April 2020
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
Table of Contents
1. Introduction..............................................................................................3
2. Types of vehicles.......................................................................................5
3. Use of CBM Vehicles...................................................................................5
4. Vehicles booking........................................................................................5
5. CBM Drivers rules and regulations................................................................5
6. Maintenance and Servicing..........................................................................6
7. Communication and reporting......................................................................7
8. Vehicle Security and Safety.........................................................................8
9. Trip planning, preparation and implementation..............................................8
10. Accidents, accidents-reporting and Emergency Road Service..........................9
11. Theft and Loss.......................................................................................10
12. Code of Conduct.....................................................................................11
Annex 1: Driving Code for Ethiopia..............................................................12
Annex 2: Defensive Driving Techniques........................................................13
Annex 3: Travel Tracking Form...................................................................16
Annex 4: Vehicles Checklist........................................................................18
Annex 5 Incident Report............................................................................21
Annex 6 Contingency Plan Incidents............................................................23
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is to set forth best
procedures which promote efficient, effective and maintain acceptable standards of
proficiency and safety operations of CBM-owned motor vehicles in the Country
Office. In addition, all employees are reminded that most vehicle accidents are
preventable and accidents cost money though the insurance pays most direct costs
of this accidents the organization pays indirect costs, this indirect costs may
include, increased premiums, loss of vehicle use, vehicle replacement costs, loss of
employee(s) productivity due to injury which may affect CBM fiscal operations.
Applicability
These SOPs apply to the CBM Ethiopia CO, Casuals, Volunteers, Consultants,
Interns, Member Associations (MAs), Donors and guests to whom one of these CBM
offices is formally a host. In line with CBM’s equal opportunities employment
principles additional S&S measures may be required for a number of our staff in line
with their individual ability or disability
Weapons – CBM has a strict ‘no weapons’ principle for all staff, which includes
firearms, clubs, knives or any other physical items that could potentially cause
injury. The use of weapons is very much seen to increase vulnerability rather than
reducing it.
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
No Right to Remain - CBM has the right to withdraw staff from situations that are
considered to be too dangerous. Decisions like these are not made lightly and will
be based on information from in- and external sources. Staff are obliged to obey
those instructions provided to them by/through their line manager. Should staff
anyway decide to not follow the decision to evacuate, they will be required the sign
a document waiving CBM’s responsibilities for their safety & security. Staff must
know that refusal to follow evacuation orders may have contractual consequences.
Primacy of Life - While CBM staff are expected to exercise all due care and
diligence to protect the assets with which our donors entrusted us, CBM staff should
in no instance put their lives at risk in order to protect property or assets.
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
2. Types of vehicles
Only CBM authorized vehicle drivers and staff with a valid driving license are
allowed to drive CBM owned and hired vehicles while conducting the organization
operations with the authorization of the Country Director. CBM vehicles are
available for conducting CBM operations only, personal use of the organization
vehicles is prohibited unless with authorization from the Country Director.
4. Vehicles booking
CBM vehicles are generally available for use within the official working hours (8:00
AM to 5:00PM) and any other time, when required, prior to authorization from the
Country Director. Vehicles should be booked advance, submitting a request to the
Administration Officer. In case of field trips, a Travel Tracking Form (TTF) has to be
filled by the Team Leader. The request has to be filed at least 48 hours in
advance, to allow proper arrangements.
CBM drivers are responsible for inspecting CBM vehicles assigned before and after
operation. Any defect discovered during these inspections or while driving should be
noted and reported to the Administration Officer immediately. CBM drivers will note
the problems in the Vehicle inspection check list available at CO level. Any
deficiency that would cause further damage to the vehicle, render it unsafe or
present hazard should be reported and the vehicle should not be driven until
necessary repairs are completed.
CBM drivers and all persons authorized to drive CBM vehicles should always fill in
the vehicle logbook to show the following:
o Date of use;
o Time in/out;
o Purpose for which the vehicle was used including locations;
o Kilometers travelled (initial and final reading)
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
CBM drivers should provide a record of vehicle use and the logbook should always
be forwarded to the Administration Officer for signature on weekly basis for pool
vehicles and designated vehicles.
CBM Drivers and all persons authorized to drive CBM vehicles on a daily basis
should check the following:
o Oil, Water, coolant, brake/steering/transmission and battery fluid levels;
o Warning lamps, instrument panel especially the fuel gauge;
o Headlights, tail lights and indicators;
o Seatbelt condition and operation;
o Vehicle tools, jack, spare wheel and accessories;
o Horn;
o Mileage (service record book);
o Physical external check (Tyres condition of body work, oil leaks);
o Operation of steering and condition of breaking system.
CBM Drivers should arrange weekly plans with the Administration Officer, to be
submitted to the Country Director for approval.
CBM Drivers and all persons authorized to drive CBM vehicles should adapt good
driving practice at all times in order to keep the car in good condition and must be
cautious while driving in order to avoid any incident.
CBM Drivers and all persons authorized to drive CBM vehicles should at all times
respect traffic regulations and should not engage into dispute with traffic police
officers.
CBM Drivers and all persons authorized to drive CBM Vehicles follow the rules of the
road and all related laws and regulations and adopt an extra cautious and respectful
behavior towards other drivers and pedestrians.
CBM drivers are not allowed to drive more than 8 Hours per day and should take
adequate breaks during driving. When on long distances involving night out CBM
Drivers should be given proper accommodation.
Regular maintenance is the first and most important aspect of a good maintenance
system. It prevents breakdowns and discovers minor faults in the mechanical
condition of a vehicle before they become major repairs. The following components
are a guideline of what parts on the vehicle should be checked before drivers
embark on their daily errands:
a) Oil, water, coolant, brake/steering/transmission and battery fluid levels;
b) Warning lamps, instrument panel especially the fuel gauge;
c) Headlights, tail lights and indicators;
d) Seatbelt condition and operation;
e) Vehicle tools, jack, spare wheel and accessories;
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
f) Horn;
g) Mileage (service record book);
h) Physical external check (Tyres’ condition of body work, oil leaks);
i) Operation of steering and condition of breaking system.
CBM Drivers will fill the Vehicles’ Checklist (Appendix 4) on weekly basis and file it
in appropriate location, after approval from the Administration Officer.
CBM Drivers shall monitor all vehicles and take them for servicing in an authorized
garage once they obtain the relevant mileage as recorded by the service agent on
the last service or when there is an urgent need to take the vehicle to the garage
due to an unforeseen need. A record of the servicing schedule should be recorded
in the vehicle’s travel book. The AA will regularly check that such notes are duly
included in the log books.
The Administration Officer will inspect the vehicle’s travel book before signing of
any Local Purchase Orders for servicing or repairs.
a) CBM Drivers have the responsibility to report any service repair need to
the Administration Officer in a timely manner should they observe the
above when driving a vehicle;
b) Vehicles used for longer trips should be taken for a trip check before and
after a long distance project visit;
The Administration Officer should ensure that valet cleaning is done twice a year for
each vehicle. He/she should also ensure that drivers clean the pool vehicles twice a
week or and when necessary.
During any field visit, the Team Leader and the Driver should ensure they have the
appropriate communication gadgets e.g. mobile phones or Thuraya satellite phones
which have the main networks and enough airtime. The team leader should make
sure that there is a communication plan in place and to do this effectively the
following must be observed:
o the Team leader should provide a communications plan detailing what time
the vehicle will make its first local report;
o subsequent reports should be made when the team changes location.
In any kind of incident i.e disappearance or any kind of theft of car accessories
should be reported to the Country Security Management Team (CSMT) Tracking
Officer and to the Administration Officer as soon as possible.
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
CBM Drivers should always drive with seat belt fastened and also ensure that all
passengers fasten their seat belt before the start of the journey. The Driver should
always lock all doors of the vehicle everywhere at all times and when left
unattended must have the keys removed from the ignition, the handbrake set and
vehicle completely locked. The Vehicle should be parked in a safe area at all times.
CBM Drivers should not drive into a road if he is aware of possible dangers or try to
force a roadblock or barricades set up by demonstrators. CBM Drivers should
account for everything or any contents in the vehicle e.g. packages or cargo and
should always comply with request from uniformed police officer to search the
vehicle. CBM Drivers should always accompany the searcher to make sure nothing
is planted.
CBM Drivers handling the trip should gather as much information as possible on the
security on the area of operation and have an idea of where the nearest police
station is located in case of an emergency and in addition no advance information
should be shared to outsiders about the trip plans, the route to use, stops to make
or where to spend the night.
CBM Drivers and passengers in the car must always have the necessary
identification documents and should produce them if requested to do so and should
always be polite, calm and very cooperative.
When doing a trip booking all bookings should be accompanied by the Travel
Tracking Form shared with the Administration Officer and the CR for approval. The
Team Leader (person booking the trip) should liaise with the CBM Driver assigned
for the trip to agree on the possible route to use, stops to be made for meals and
breaks along the way and communication with the Country Office.
The Team leader should make sure that they have possible emergency contact
information along the routes i.e rural police telephone numbers/locations.
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
When any staff is arranging for a field trip they should ensure when making booking
for hotel accommodation that there is a safe location for parking to ensure the CBM
vehicle is securely parked.
The Team Leaders should plan their journey and keep within the timing restrictions,
which are:
o No travels after 18:00hrs/darkness outside of the main towns except in an
extreme emergency with an authorization from the Country Director or the
Administration Officer.
o In case of a de-tour or change of the main route of the trip for official
purposes or security reasons the team leader or the driver should inform the
CSMT Tracking Officer and give reasons for the change.
o ONLY CBM drivers are authorized to drive CBM vehicles while on trips and
nobody else should do so without prior authority from the Country Director or
the Administration Officer.
All CBM drivers should be fully conversant with the organization practices and
procedures that relate to accidents, accident prevention, and behavior at the scene
of accident, supervisory notification and required documentation. Traffic and
vehicle-related accidents are the major cause of injuries and fatalities. Driving in
unfamiliar and sometimes difficult conditions, or where traffic laws are different can
increase the likelihood of an accident.
Traffic accidents involving CBM staff can be minimized by implementing safe driver
training and other precautions, but they can never be avoided entirely. When an
accident is mishandled, it can quickly change from an unfortunate occurrence into a
security risk. In extreme situations, it can trigger violence or threats of retribution.
1. In case of an accident don’t panic, be calm, assess the attitude and actions of
the bystanders at the scene to ensure that by staying the staff and contents
in the vehicle are not going to be at risk but if the safety of the vehicle,
passengers or cargo is at risk swiftly drive to the nearest police station report
the matter and be very cooperative.
2. Immediately inform the CSMT Tracking Officer and the Administration Officer
of a breakdown or accident and keep them updated on all actions you are
taking.
3. If approaching an accident scene involving others, consider safety and
security first taking care not to become involved in another accident while
watching or trying to help.
4. Always be aware of the risk of bogus accidents staged for you to stop and be
robbed or injured.
5. If a CBM vehicle becomes inoperative due to mechanical failure or an
accident no CBM staff should authorize repairs to an inoperative CBM vehicle
unless the Administration Officer authorizes such a repair. Whenever, it is
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
both feasible and safe for the driver of the inoperative vehicle shall remain
with the vehicle until the tow truck arrives and make sure the vehicle is
towed to the designated garage
6. The Team Leader and the CBM Driver shall also determine a safe, cost
effective means for the passengers to complete their travel or return to the
Country Office and communicate it to the CSMT Tracking Officer and the
Administration Officer.
7. In case of an accident or the vehicle become inoperative CBM Driver should
make sure the vehicle is secured with all possible precautions taken to
prevent theft or vandalism and under no circumstances should a vehicle be
left along the highway or in any area where vandalism would be easily
accomplished.
8. Fire extinguishers are provided in each CBM vehicle. CBM Drivers must be
conversant with the following fire prevention tips:
- Keep multipurpose dry powders or foam spay extinguisher conforming to
a recognized international standard in all vehicles;
- Do not overfill vehicles with fuel in hot weather, wipe any excess/spillage
of fuel;
- Keep the vehicle clean and free from any flammable materials such as
rags etc;
- Any smell of fuel should be reported immediately. Drivers are requested
to conduct routine checks for leaks underneath the vehicle.
In event of a fire in a CBM Vehicle, the CBM Driver should observe the following
procedures:
- Stop the engine and isolate the vehicle;
- Get all passengers out of the vehicle
- Release the bonnet/catch but do not open it;
- Move everybody away from the vehicle and stay away;
- Summon emergency services;
- Warn oncoming traffic, divert if necessary;
- If it is safe, attempt to extinguish the fire with dry powder or foam
extinguisher;
- If the fire is coming from the engine, do not open the bonnet but try to
aim the dry or foam power through the radiator grill, or under the edge of
the bonnet, always use extreme caution and if in doubt do not attempt to
tackle the fire. Never use water on an engine fire as it can spread the
burning of fuel;
- A comprehensive first aid kit is provided in each CBM Vehicle.
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
11. Convoys
CBM Drivers or those authorize to drive CBM vehicles are responsible for the
security of the vehicle assigned to them and all its contents. They are to ensure
that they take the following precautions against theft:
- Where possible always park in a public place, which is well lit at night;
- Lock all vehicle doors and windows;
- Property whether CBM’s or personal should not be left in the open where
they might tempt theft. The driver should ensure that property is hidden
from sight;
- Report theft or vandalism of any CBM vehicle to the local police immediately.
- Call the Finance and Administration Officer immediately to report the theft or
vandalism.
It is strictly forbidden:
CBM Drivers and persons authorized to drive CBM vehicles should note that they
are engaged in an activity that represents the organization to the general public
therefore they should remember how it is to convey a positive, professional image.
To help accomplish this important task in a responsible manner everybody is
expected to know and comply with all applicable traffic rules and regulations and
organization policies and practice safe driving attitude, unsafe or aggressive driving
can create a negative public impression to the organization and can result in bodily
injury, death or property damage.
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
PLEASE NOTE
We are all human and we all make mistakes once in a while, accepting that you
have made a mistake can often be the first step to avoiding prosecution, if your
attitude is reasonable and polite then you will not create immediate antagonism
between yourself and the police, rude, threatening, uncaring or any other negative
attitude will almost certainly result in the Officer booking you.
Usually when you are stopped keep calm and listen to the officer, cooperate with
the officer a reasonable attitude is the most simple and straight forward route to
persuading the officer to take a lenient approach if you have made an offence.
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
During wet conditions and storms, particular attention should be paid to the
following:
- Adjust your speed to the existing conditions;
- Follow other vehicles at a safe distance, remembering that stopping distances on
wet roads are considerably increased;
- In an emergency apply the brakes by using a light pumping action to avoid
skidding;
- Signal your intention to stop or change direction, well in advance;
- Consider using lights and double indicators in case of reduced visibility
- Always look out for debris washed on the road surfaces such as rocks, mud and
leaves.
Night driving presents very different challenges from driving during the day. At
night without the color and contrast of the day vision and depth perception are
significantly impaired.
During hours of darkness or in fog, vision is greatly reduced therefore, reduce your
speed accordingly and to such an extent that you will be able to stop your vehicle
safely and under control.
1. If your vehicle have fog lights make sure they are on when driving through a
fog and never use a high beams when its foggy they will reduce your own
ability to see and May temporarily blind other drivers.
2. When driving in the darkness make sure you put your lights on dim to allow
clear visibility to the oncoming vehicles.
3. Adjust your rear view mirror to avoid the reflection of other vehicles
headlights most cars have day/night rear view mirrors that can be tilted
easily to reduce the glare.
4. Avoid using your vehicles interior light while driving at night if you need to
check anything pill over to the side of the road first.
5. Keep your eyes moving, watch for flashes of light at the top of hill, road
bends and intersections that may indicate the headlights of other cars.
6. Increase your crash avoidance space to make it easier to spot potential
hazards and give you more time to respond.
7. Night time driving requires lots concentration which can be tiring, to prevent
fatigue take frequent breaks to give your eyes a chance to recover.
Shallow Water
When you drive through shallow water or very large puddles, reduce your speed to
avoid splashing water into the brake drums, engine, ignition system or the exhaust
system.
Often there will be times when you and your 4x4 off road vehicle will be put in a
position where you will need to engage four-wheel drive so it’s always a good idea
to know how to operate your vehicle and choose the appropriate setting for the
drive when the weather takes a turn for the worst.
This set up uses a transfer drive to the rear differential only or both front and rear
differential simultaneously you will recognize this capability by the labels 2H, 4H
and 4L either next to stumpy transfer lever or on a dash or control switch.
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
2H is used for normal road driving but some vehicles may be constant 4WD in
which case they won’t have the 2H option.
4H is used for normal speed driving but for when you need extra traction
these situations might include, dirt roads or hard packed sand, both front and
rear wheels are engaged in high range using the same gear ratio as 2H for
normal driving speeds, the front wheels aid in traction making the vehicle
more stable on loose surfaces.
4L is for when you need maximum traction and maximum power on sharp
inclines and declines, heavily rutted tracks, deep mud, loamy sand and
extreme rocky surfaces. 4L State the wheels turn much more slowly per
revolution than they would in high range resulting in slower road speed but
higher torque which assists with traction and steep ascents.
If your 4WD vehicle has manual locking hubs located in the center hub of the front
two wheels you will have to engage them when you are using either 4H or 4L
engaged the front axles won’t drive unless the hub is in the lock position.
Another important factor in traction is matching tire pressure to suit the terrain, in
poor traction lowering tire pressure will balloon the tire ad increase its footprints on
the track surface so always keep a good quality air compressor and tire gauge in
your vehicle. Normal tire pressure for most large 4WDs is around 38psi but always
check the manufacturers recommended tire pressure usually found in a sticker you
will see it when you open the driver side door but mostly if the surface is heavily
corrugated, sandy or dusty lower the pressure to 30psi.
The next time you venture off road put these tips into action as soon as you
encounter adverse conditions not after you have lost traction, engaging 4WD at the
right time and adjusting tire pressure to suit the terrain can prevent you from
having to dig your way out of a trench or a rough terrain and possibly save you big
bucks by preventing damage to the vehicle. Also it’s good to note that using 4WD
system in a vehicle regularly may result in lower gas mileage so only use it when its
appropriate.
Do not drive through dust clouds raised when following vehicles, maintain a safe
distance of at least 30 meters between each vehicles as this will allow for a clear
vision ahead. Try to remain on hard surfaces whilst driving across country.
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
Should you have digital forms detailing your hotel reservation(s), you can attach these to your travel tracking email
thus saving time (and avoiding possible typing errors) in sharing your travel tracking information.
Date: ____ / ____ / __________
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
Date: __ / __ / ____
CSMT Tracking
Officer
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Date: ________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Name Signature
Driver
Administration
Line Manager
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
CONFIDENTIAL
Report type:
Initial rapid report of the essential facts of an actual or potential serious incident.
Also to be used to update people as more facts emerge.
Initial report written by any staff member and sent to a member of the Crisis Team.
Update report issued by Chair of Crisis Team (or delegate) by way of updating
internal audience on the current situation of the crisis.
Timescale:
Initial report sent within 1 hour of a serious incident occurring or potential incident
being identified.
Format:
Incident details:
Country of Incident:
General Nature of Incident: (e.g. fatality, serious injury, kidnapping):
Source of Information: Name.......... Contactable at...........................
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Date: ______________________
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
Unfortunately, road traffic accidents are a regular feature within many of the
countries where CBM operate. It is an incident type that is most likely to impact
staff. Road traffic accidents can take several different forms with varying degrees of
severity from minor damage with vehicles still mobile to serious injury and damage.
Within a number of areas, a road traffic accident can also be a trigger for what is
termed mob justice, which is the punishment of those involved by beating. This has
led to several deaths, including innocent parties unfortunately caught up in the
situation. With that in mind, staff must be contextually aware of what community
reaction has previously been when road traffic accidents have occurred; principally
is there a culture of mob justice!
If staff are involved in a road traffic accident, particularly within urban areas,
reactions must be instinctive and immediate. There will very likely not be time to
contact senior management for direction.
Inform the CR and the Confirm location of the Ensure SOPs were being
CSMT vehicle and staff. Confirm followed at the time of
if other staff in the area the accident.
to provide support.
The Drivers should Liaise with Local Police. Confirm if SOPs and
communicate with the Contingency Plans need
other party and quickly to be reviewed.
exchange insurance
details. Provide full incident
report to IO SMT
If possible take details of
witnesses and
photographs of the scene.
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
Inform the CR and the Confirm location of the Ensure SOPs were being
CSMT vehicle and staff. Confirm followed at the time of
if other staff in the area the accident.
to provide support.
Also bring any witnesses Liaise with Local Police Confirm if SOPs and
who have seen the and medical facility. Contingency Plans need
accident. to be reviewed.
Provide full incident
report to IO SMT
Deliver First Aid when
transit Dispatch a Senior
National staff to the
Send an immediate medical facility and police
incident report to the station.
Country Office
Arrange for legal
representation for Driver.
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
Inform the CR and the Confirm location of the Contact medical insurance
CSMT vehicle and staff. Confirm company
if other staff in the area
to provide support. If safe
and possible, send a
vehicle
Where there is no threat Liaise with Local Police Inform the SCMT and
of community violence and medical facility. place on standby. HR
and medical response is Implement medical informed: ensure Next of
available, leave casualties contingency plan. Kin details made ready.
inside the vehicle and
provide immediate first Contact local law Liaise with Country SCMT.
aid. representation for legal
assistance.
Casualties should only
be moved as a last
resort to prevent
further injury.
Recover vehicle and Ensure SOPs were being
Where community assets to nearest safe followed at the time of
violence is possible and area. the accident.
medical response is
limited, quickly request
the assistance of another Provide full incident Confirm if SOPs and
vehicle. report to IO SMT & RMT Contingency Plans need
to be reviewed.
Keep the casualties as
still as possible to reduce
additional injury through
unnecessary movement.
Send an immediate
incident report to the
Country office
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Standard Operating Procedures – CBM vehicles
The undersigned CBM CO staff members received a copy of the CBM CO Standard
Operating Procedures for Vehicles in the CBM Ethiopia Country Office Addis Ababa,
and declare they have read the document, fully understood it and they accept it.
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