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Take the right road
Page 101
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by Les Oldridge, TEng (CEI), MIMI, AM1RTE Although the definition of "road" is a wide one there are many instances where vehicles are used, round and about factories for example, where they are not used "on a road." Where safety at a place of work is concerned the Health and Safety at Work Act forbids the use of dangerous plant — and a dangerous vehicle would certainly come within its scope.
The Quarry Vehicle Regulations 1970 deal specifically with safe vehicle operation in quarries. For the purpose of the regulations a quarry vehicle is a mechanically propelled vehicle, including plant, which forms part of equipment of the quarry.
This definition does not seem to cover a haulier's lorry calling at the quarry, but this type of vehicle is quite adequately covered by the ordinary road traffic laws. Vehicles used on ropes or rails, pedestrian controlled vehicles and motorcycles are excluded from the definition.
Regulation 7 makes it an offence for a person to drive a quarry vehicle without due care and attention having regard to all the circumstances of the case including the nature, condition and use of the road or other place over which the vehicle is being driven and the visibility at the time.
Every quarry ve'hidle must be fitted with an instrument capable of giving audible warning of its approach or position. No quarry vehicle or trailer, except a mechanically Propelled drilling machine, must be used during the hours of darkness without sufficient and suitable artificial lighting. The lighting need not be fitted to the vehicle, but could be provided by lamps on posts or floodlighting.
'Where tipping vehicles are used props must 'be provided to keep tipper bodies in a raised position. Where tippers are unloaded stop blocks, anchor chains or other devices must be provided to prevent injury being caused by the vehicle running away, falling or turning over. A person using a tipper must take every precaution including using this special equipment to prevent the vehicle running away, falling or turning over.
A person in charge of a quarry vehicle must not alight from it unless he has ensured that it is placed or is so secured that it cannot accidentally move or be set in motion.
Quarry managers must make rules about the conduct of persons employed and keep a copy of these rules in covered accommodation at or near the quarry. The rules must cover the use of props for tippers and the precautions to be taken when tippers are unloaded.
Training drivers
Only drivers appointed by the quarry owners or managers may drive quarry vehicles. No driver must be under 17 unless he is a person authorised by an appropriate person at the quarry to receive training as a driver and he drives the vehicle only under the close personal supervision of a competent person. Prominent signs must be displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle indicating that the driver is under instruction.
If there are overhead structures or cables which could obstruct the passage of any quarry vehicle, one or more prominent signs must be exhibited indicating the clearance beneath the obstruction. The signs must be able to be easily seen and read 'by the driver of any vehicle approaching the obstruction.
A mines and quarries inspector may exempt any quarry or vehicle from any of these requirements if he is satisfied that the employees' safety will not be prejudiced by the exemption. Inspectors may also require quarry managers to amend the rules referred to above if they think that the rules do not make sufficient provision for securing compliance with the regulations.