Workplace transport safety An employers' guide - ARRI Lighting Rental

Health and Safety
Executive
730 Make sure the following coupling procedures have been followed wherever
possible:
(a) the trailer handbrake should be applied (if fitted). The absence of handbrakes is
only acceptable if the trailer air brakes are fail-safe or there are other measures
to prevent movement;
(b) for automatic coupling:
- the cab should be reversed slowly under the trailer, with the ‘kingpin’ lined up
to the ‘V’ of the locking mechanism. Listen to hear the fifth wheel lock onto
the kingpin;
(c) for manual coupling:
- reverse the vehicle into place;
- make sure that the parking brakes are applied;
- manually attach the locking mechanism;
(d) do a ‘tug test’. Try to drive forward slowly in a low gear to check that the fifth
wheel is in place;
(e) make sure that the parking brakes are applied;
(f) leave the cab and inspect the locking mechanism to make sure that it is
secure;
(g) fit any safety clips and connect all brake hoses and the electrical supply to the
trailer. Check that they are secure;
(h) wind up any landing legs on the trailer and secure the handle;
(i) fit the number plates and check that the lights work;
(j) release the trailer handbrake (if there is one).
Uncoupling
731 When uncoupling, you should normally follow the procedure in paragraph 730
in reverse order, using brakes and stabilisers as appropriate. Always remember to
set the tractive unit parking brake before leaving the cab.
732 Before uncoupling, also check that:
n the ground is firm and level enough to support both the landing legs;
n the parking brake is set on the trailer.
733 After uncoupling, check that the landing legs are fully extended, locked in
place, are properly padded and are not sinking into the surface.
734 See our free guidance Parking large goods vehicles safely 27 for more
information on coupling safely.
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