Workplace transport safety An employers' guide - ARRI Lighting Rental

Health and Safety
Executive
837 You should not sheet vehicles by hand unless it is not ‘reasonably practicable’
to use automated sheeting systems or sheet from the ground. Wherever possible,
the need for people to climb onto vehicles should be avoided. You should not
require workers to climb a vehicle to sheet by hand unless it is not ‘reasonably
practicable’ to use automated sheeting systems or sheet from the ground.
838 The following points should be considered, whatever method of sheeting is
used:
n Do not overload the vehicle and try to load evenly to avoid the need for
trimming. You could use the loading shovel to load evenly along the length of
the vehicle (not in peaks), or use it to pat down the load to flatten peaks.
n Train and instruct staff on safe systems of work (and provide refresher training
where necessary) for using the automated sheeting, manual sheeting, platforms
and personal protective equipment. Sheeting and unsheeting should be
supervised and monitored.
n You should provide gloves and safety boots, and make sure that people use
eye and head protection.
n Regularly check that sheets are in good condition, and are replaced when
necessary. Visually check straps and ropes used for pulling and securing the
sheet.
n Sheeting mechanisms, platforms, gantries and fall-arrest equipment (like
harnesses and lanyards) should all be regularly inspected, repaired and
maintained.
Safe site
839 You should provide suitable tools for trimming loads. A rake is often used and
will need to be long and strong.
840 Platforms are very suitable for trimming loads. They would normally be fixed in
drive-past or drive-through arrangements, where vehicles can be parked alongside
a stable structure and the load can be accessed safely.
841 Platforms can also be used to improve safety during sheeting or netting,
although these activities may need more access to the vehicle than trimming.
842 Loads can be sheeted from platforms, removing the need to climb onto the
vehicle or the load. For more information about access platforms, see Site-based
access to vehicles (paragraphs 498-522).
843 However it is done, sheeting and unsheeting should be carried out in
designated places, away from passing traffic and pedestrians and, where possible,
sheltered from strong winds and bad weather. Extra care will need to be taken in
wet or icy conditions.
844 Sheeting and unsheeting should happen as close to loading or unloading areas
as possible, to help protect loads and reduce the chances of loads being caught by
the wind.
845 Ropes, straps and sheets can snap or rip. The driver should avoid leaning
backwards when pulling the sheet tight and should never do so close to the sides or
end of the vehicle.
846 Vehicles should be parked on level ground, with their parking brakes on and
the ignition key removed.
847 Vehicles should be sheeted before leaving the site.
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