Workplace transport safety An employers' guide - ARRI Lighting Rental

Health and Safety
Executive
920 If a load takes up more than one compartment of a vehicle with partitioning
doors, it should still be partitioned. To make sure that doors are only being used
to control the weight they have been designed for, all doors must be used and
locked.
921 If partition doors are not used, the rear doors can spring open under the
pressure of the load.
922 Rear doors of the ‘barn door’ type should be secured in the open position
before tipping.
923 The tailgate should be released before tipping and removed if necessary.
924 For grain or other similar deliveries, where a ‘grain hatch’ allows the driver to
release a certain amount of the load before releasing the tailgate, the hatch should
be opened and the flow allowed to stop completely before continuing to open the
tailgate.
925 Where tailgates are not removed and the load is released through an opening
or a hatch, the tailgate latch or securing mechanism should be strong enough to
withstand the full effect of a released load (otherwise it may get damaged when a
load hits it, and not be safe for further use).
926 If you are using a ‘pneumatic conveyance’ system:
n trained operators should always be available to operate equipment;
n open vents to bins and silos should be open to the atmosphere;
n fill alarms should always be in place and used; and
n if a cloud of powder gathers, it can be explosive or cause breathing difficulties.
This should always be avoided.
927 The ‘power take off’ (often known as the PTO), which shifts power from the
road wheels to the tipping pump, should never be used if the vehicle is in gear.
928 When the engine power is routed to the tipping pump, the driver should take
care not to over speed the pump (by over-revving the engine), which can cause the
pump to seize if it runs out of oil.
929 We do not recommend using ‘donkey engines’ to drive the tipping mechanism,
as the driver has to stay outside the cab and in a potentially dangerous area while
the load discharges.
930 Various restraining devices are used to secure doors open, including rigid hook
and eye, chain fastening, or ‘non-captive’ locking devices. Single rear doors weigh
about 500 kg and tipping with the bin inclined at 50° to 60° puts a significant load
on these restraining devices.
931 Maintain the locks, door handles, restraining devices and hinges, and make
sure they are adequate for the purpose. Never use baling wire or string to secure bin
doors.
932 Where possible, consider single-door containers with side-release locking
mechanisms to reduce the number of moving parts.
Safe drivers
933 You can remove the risks to people who do not need to be in the tipping area
by making sure that they are kept completely clear.
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