Posted on 29th October 2016 by Hintons
Following on from our safety guide to avoiding tipper truck related injuries last month, part 2 will discuss how the vehicle should be operated, where the most suitable tipping areas are, and the control measures which must be in place when using a tipper truck.
Safe vehicle operation
When operating a heavy piece of machinery like a tipper truck, it’s imperative to know how to handle and move the vehicle properly to avoid any potentially fatal accidents. Careful considerations include:
– The route to the tipping area: this must be able to accommodate for the size, shape and weight of the tipper truck, and must be clearly marked for drivers.
– Pedestrians: there must be a clearly signed route for pedestrians to ensure they will not come into contact with the tipper trucks.
– Reversing: reversing a tipper truck is a major cause of fatalities each year, so the need to reverse on site must be kept to a minimum.
– Speed limit: a suitable, safe speed limit must be set.
– Communication: All operatives in the area must have clear communication at all times for complete safety.
Suitable tipping areas
A slight incline, soft ground or an uneven surface can cause a tipper truck to roll over which can have very dangerous consequences. As such, the tipping area must have a firm, level surface to avoid any risk of the truck itself tipping over.
Not only that, the tipping area and nearby exclusion areas must be clearly marked to ensure that the truck does not tip in zones where pedestrians and other vehicles frequent.
Control measures
When operating a heavy duty piece of machinery such as a tipper truck, the correct safety measures must be in place and the relevant protocol should be followed to ensure complete safety on site.
In order to adhere to the appropriate regulations, the following control measures must be in place:
– All operatives in the vicinity must first report to reception to ensure their presence is recorded.
– All vehicle movements should be carefully supervised and controlled.
– All drivers must wear seat belts and personal protective equipment (PPE).
– Both tipping and exclusion areas must be clearly marked and signed to avoid any accidents with nearby pedestrians or vehicles.
– Never allow anyone – whether it be operatives or pedestrians – to stand or walk behind the vehicle whilst it is in operation.
– Drivers should be in full control of the truck at all times, taking into account the height of the vehicle to avoid any contact with overhead cables.
– If work is being carried out during darker times of the day, the tipping area should be suitably lit.
– Finally, it’s important to note that shortcuts must never be taken. Health and safety procedures are in place for a reason, and they must be followed to the letter by all operatives to keep themselves and those around them completely safe.
Hinton’s Waste
For specialist tipper hire and grab hire in London, Croydon and the surrounding areas, look no further than Hinton’s Grabs and Skip Hire. All of our operatives are fully trained and highly experienced, ensuring our tipper hire services – such as the collection and delivery of aggregates – are carried out in the safest, most efficient manner possible.
For further information or to arrange an appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team – we are always happy to help.