Workplace transport safety An employers' guide - ARRI Lighting Rental

Health and Safety
Executive
the vehicle), or the ‘fall-arrest’ type (which does not prevent a fall, but will make it
less serious).
507 Both the gantry structure and the harness system need to be strong enough
to take the worker’s weight in case they fall.
508 However, gantries do rely on a safe system of work being used, as drivers
need to be trained to use harness systems properly. If this is ‘one-off’ work, the
worker will need to be supervised while using the equipment.
509 There need to be enough platforms or gantries to allow for the largest number
of vehicles likely to need them at one time. Drivers might choose to bypass the
system to avoid queuing if there are not enough spaces.
510 Platforms and walking surfaces on gantry structures should be level, stable and
strong, and should provide good walking grip. Both types of structure should be
clearly marked to help prevent vehicles from striking them.
511 Platforms or gantries should not be used if weather conditions are bad enough
to threaten safety of workers.
512 Platforms and gantries should have a safe way for people to get onto them
and down from them. You should consider in advance how any worker who has
suffered a fall can be rescued.
513 Stairs can be much more effective than ladders if workers are likely to be
carrying something (such as a bag, toolbox, or tools).
514 Steps should be made of slip-resistant grating or another slip-resistant material
with enough space for mud or oil to pass through the grate and away from the
walking surface.
515 Rungs or steps should be level and give plenty of toehold or foothold. Rounded
rungs are the least safe, as they become slippery easily and can be uncomfortable to
use.
516 Steps, stairs and ladders should have sound hand and guard rails that are
co-ordinated with the footholds, and the lower part should be easily reached from
wherever workers are using them. Handrails are better than individual handholds,
as they can be used without the worker having to remove their hand from the rail.
517 Some platforms are only meant to help drivers get onto or down from a
vehicle.
518 This helps reduce the distance a person is likely to fall, because they land on
the platform instead of the ground, which makes it less likely that a person will be
seriously injured. They also make falls less likely, because a person does not have
to climb around as much.
519 Platforms benefit from well-constructed and suitably high barriers around them,
to prevent people from falling off. It may be suitable to have several rails, to protect
people who work when crouched or standing. This is obviously not practical if the
driver needs to get onto the vehicle itself.
520 You can also use platforms and gantries to improve safety during load
trimming. See chapter Trimming, sheeting and netting for more information on
trimming loads safely.
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