AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

WHAT GOES 1111..

2nd March 2006, Page 54
2nd March 2006
Page 54
Page 56
Page 57
Page 54, 2nd March 2006 — WHAT GOES 1111..
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Recent revisions by the HSE to the regulations governing working at height have forced many operators to review how they go about their everyday business. Julian Milnes reports.

Whenever there's talk of new regulations being brought into the road transport industry, operators heave a collective sigh and ponder just how much more red tape can be introduced. So its to its credit that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) held a lengthy consultation before it introduced the Work at Height Regulations (WAHR) in April last year.

It was widely thought that with so many industries to legislate for (road transport, construction, agriculture etc), t here would a myriad of rules that complicated and confused. But it seems these fears are largely unfounded: the regulations are more a case of existing best practice guidelines becoming the norm.

Minimising risk

Hie WAHR defines work al height as being at any place, including at or below ground level, where a person could fall and be liable to suffer injury. The previous guidelines stated that fall protection was to be provided where the potential fall height was two metres or more, but now any situation can be considered.

And in the road transport industry, that means just about everywhere. From loading and unloading trailers to working in vehicle workshops and with body-mounted equipment, the potential for being within the scope of the regulations is high. When approaching this subject in the workplace, the HSE breaks it down into three fundamental areas: • Avoid working at height when possible.This sounds simple but people can be inclined to Lake the quickest route to complete a task, even if it is not necessary • Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where working at height cannot be avoided • Where risk cannot be eliminated, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur The employer has further responsibilities to ensure that they or their employees are adequately prepared (see panel, page 57).The place where work is done should also be safe and have features to prevent a fall, unless this would mean that it is not reasonably practicable for the worker to carry out the work safely taking into account the demands of the task, equipment and working environment.

The problem with such legislation is twofold. Firstly, companies now have a 'duty of care'they are responsible for the wellbeing of all their workers, which means that they must make those at risk aware and respectful of the potential dangers in everyday working life (this also applies to the self-employed). If this is not done, the employer may be liable.

By conducting risk assessments on all tasks, an evaluation of the potential hazards can be made and appropriate measures taken to minimise problems.This entails examining the workplace for potential hazards to decide whether enough precautions have been taken or whether more needs to be done to prevent anyone corning to harm in most cases, the solution is simple and inexpensive.

John Eastman, fleet and engineer manager for the HSE, says: "All operations should carry a risk assessment if there is a need to work at height. It's vital that an organisation is aware of its hazards and confronts them head on. But

he warns that the issue of safety goes far beyond just creating a safer place to work: "You have to change the whole culture when implementing new methods in the workshop.

Which brings us to our second point: working at height does not just cover specialist personnel who are aware of the everyday risks, but most people on the metaphorical shop floor,And like it or not, some will be happy doing what they're doing without having to revise their approach or use equipment that may take up that hit more time. Education is the key. By instilling a culture of safety into people's routines there is far more chance of co-operation in the long run. And that means less chance of accidents.

Formal guidance Many companies are realising that to ensure thorough compliance with the regulations within their organisations, there needs to be formal guidance. For instance, in a large operation it may be hard to convey the message directly and it could become diluted as the message passes down the hierarchy.

Sharon Leicester of powered-access hire company Facelift has seen a considerable increase in people signing up for its courses since the introduction of WAHR:"The increase has come from people from all different areas, from directors to shop-floor staff."

Training courses by Facelift range from a one-day course including theory and practical work, to the IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) course. IPAF is an international body recognised by the HSE and the course covers all aspects of working safely at height for powered access users (tail-lifts. platforms etc).There are seven categories. including trailer-mounted; vehicle-mounted up to 26m; vehicle-mounted 26-100m; and cherry pickers. Upon qualification, a PAL (Powered Access Licence) will be issued allowing instant confirmation of which categories the person can operate in.

'lite proper equipment can play a major part in ensuring safe working conditions. Many accidents occur during the loading or unloading of trailers;to combat this problem Bison Safety Systems has introduced theTrailasafe Fall Arrest System.

Designed to prevent or mitigate injuries resulting from falls from LGV trailer, it is an easily mountable/demountable system from which a catchment mesh is deployed around the perimeter of the deck. Should anyone fall from the deck they will be caught by the mesh and support arms.

Fall prevention Alternatively, equipment has been developed to prevent a worker falling in the first place. Examples include SpanSet's Bi-line or the TRAM (Total Restraint Access Module).This holds the driver in place via a harness which is attached to the roof of the trailer.

Other safety equipment includes guard rails that can he raised on the top of tankers and an enclosed gantry around the end of a tipping body to prevent a driver toppling over. For more in fonuation,the HSE's webksite is an excellent source. Free brochures can be downloaded,including the 2005 Work at Height Regulations and A voiding Falls Front Vehicles a broad guide with case studies and a checklist.

For tanker-specific safety advice,the RHA has joined up with the HSE to produce Prevention of Falls from Road Tankers. • CONTACTS www.bisonsalety.com www.facelift.co.uk www.hse.gov.uk www.rha.nei www.spanset.co.uk


comments powered by Disqus