| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
| >> | |
|
SAFETY OF VEHICLES IN THE WORKPLACE
HOW CAN I EFFECTIVELY MANAGE AND CONTROL THE SAFETY OF VEHICLES IN THE WORKPLACE?
Driver error is often a key factor in vehicle accidents. Many incidents result from reversing manoeuvres and excessive speed. Whether due to error or irresponsibility, poor driving frequently compounds hazards involving vehicle operations in the workplace. These can be divided into four groups:
1. Loss Of Control
Loss of control is likely to be due to either mechanical failure (of brakes or steering) or environmental conditions such as ice, sudden blinding sunlight or poor lighting.
2. Overturning
Overturning occurs when a vehicle’s centre of gravity moves outside its wheelbase. A vehicle such as a forklift truck may overturn onto its side, typically whilst driving across a slope, or onto its front or back often occurring when driving up or down a slope. The risks are increased by speed of travel, steepness of the slope, height and stability of the load, increased tyre pressure, wind and irregularities in floors.
3. Collisions (with fixed objects, other vehicles or pedestrians)
Collisions are often due to inadequate training, poor traffic or pedestrian management, poor sight lines and poor environmental conditions such as adverse weather or lighting.
4. Loading and Unloading
Accidents can occur due to overloading, uneven weight distribution, falls from vehicles and unsecured loads and slippery surfaces on the vehicle or the load itself.
Control Strategies for Safe Operations
Based on risk assessment, controls have much in common with the Highway Code.
Traffic routes should be clearly marked and separate vehicles from pedestrians wherever possible. If practical, appropriate barriers should be used. There should be crossing points for pedestrians and designated walkways. Hazards should be identified by yellow and black diagonal lines. There should be sufficient space for vehicles to manoeuvre safely and park. The layout of the workplace should be planned in such a way that vehicle movement is minimised. The need for reversing should also be minimised, possibly with the assistance of one way systems and the use of traffic lights and safety signs considered. Speed limits should be imposed and enforced. Good all round visibility and clear site lines are important. Enhanced lighting may be required particularly at junctions, where traffic passes close to buildings or plant and in pedestrian areas.
Particularly where forklift trucks operate, surfaces should be smooth, level, well maintained and any slopes limited to a gradient of 1:10. Raised kerbs should be kept to a minimum.
Good ventilation is important, particularly where petrol or diesel powered vehicles are operating or in battery charging areas (where the generation of hydrogen causes a risk of explosion).
Loading / unloading bays should be kept clear. Overhangs should be minimised and suitably marked. Risks of falls from height should be minimised with the help of mechanical aids, gantries etc. Wherever possible, the need for employees to climb onto the vehicle should be removed.
Vehicles must be safely maintained, particularly steering, brakes, tyres, tyre pressures and exhaust systems. They should be appropriately fitted with protective cages, seat belts, secure doors and shatter-proof glass. Beacons and audible alarms are used to indicate movement (particularly during reversing). There should be safe access to cabs. Measures to prevent running away and overturning include safety stops and extendable legs to enhance stability. Operators should carry out routine, recorded safety checks.
Vehicles not in use should be parked safely, not on a gradient and not obscuring emergency exit routes. Brakes should be applied, the engine switched off and keys removed to a secure location.
Drivers must be carefully selected, competent, of legal minimum age (usually 17) and responsible. Evidence of initial and refresher training should be maintained.
Particular Rules for Forklift Trucks
To reduce the risk of overturning, violent braking and sharp steering should be avoided. Forks on loaded trucks should point uphill at all times. When unloaded and travelling downhill, forks should also face downhill. When a load restricts vision, trucks should be reversed, except when driving uphill. Where possible, to maintain a low centre of gravity, forks should be lowered to within 150 mm. of the ground and the mast tilted backwards. When parked, forks should rest on the ground and the mast tilted forward.
Contact Britrisk for further guidance and support.
|
|
