Workplace Transport Guidance

Transcription

1 : Workplace Transport Guidance

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Background Aim /Purpose Content... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.1 Safe Site Segregation Traffic routes Temporary traffic routes Visibility Speed Signs, signals and markings Lighting Safe site activity Reversing Banksmen Parking Loading and unloading Housekeeping Responsibilities...7 2

3 1. BACKGROUND The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 imposes obligations upon Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust to, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure the health, safety and welfare of patients, service users, employees, visitors, contractors, members of the public and any person who may be affected by the Trust s activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Approved Code of Practice (L21), Successful Health and Safety Management (HSG65) and other subsequent legislation require the Trust to manage its risks to employees and any person who may be affected by the Trust s activities. The Trust recognises that risks to employees health, safety and welfare exist whilst carrying out their duties or in any circumstances arising out of their employment and will manage these risks using current best practice. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 states that every floor in a workplace and the surface of every traffic route in a workplace shall be of a construction such that the floor or surface of the traffic route is suitable for the purpose for which it is used. Every workplace shall be organised in such a way that pedestrians and vehicles can circulate in a safe manner. 2. AIM /PURPOSE The purpose of this guidance is to ensure that all employees and other persons affected by the Trust s activities are protected where reasonably practicable, from exposure to any risk within the workplace that may be hazardous to health, or ensure it is adequately controlled. This will be achieved by providing a suitable working environment, appropriate controls, monitoring, and review of controls. Providing suitable information, instruction, training and supervision for all employees/contractors/visitors in order to satisfy health and safety standards set out in regulations, codes of practice, contracts and other Trust procedures. To manage workplace transport and other traffic on Trust premises, in order to provide a safe environment. To ensure that all Trust employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities in relation to workplace transport safety, including tenants, contractors and all visitors to Trust sites. This guidance aims to ensure that staff, visitors and contractors are all aware of their own responsibilities in relation to workplace transport safety on Trust premises. The guidance also aims to ensure that if risk cannot be eliminated it will be reduced as low as is reasonably practicable and effectively managed with a consistent approach. 3

4 To ensure the access/egress from sites is well managed and allows ease of such arrangements to ensure good traffic management and pedestrian segregation from such traffic/vehicular movements. 3. CONTENT To manage workplace transport effectively, there are key areas to consider when carrying out your risk assessment. 3.1 Safe Site Segregation Each site at DCHS is different and likely to present different hazards and risks. However, a well-designed and maintained site with suitable segregation of vehicles and people will make workplace transport accidents less likely. The most effective way of ensuring pedestrians and vehicles move safely around a workplace is to provide separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes. Where possible, there should also be a one-way system as this will reduce the need for vehicles to reverse, and will help pedestrians and drivers. If complete segregation is not possible, clearly marked pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes using measures such as barriers and signs need to be in place. Where possible there should be separate entrances and exits for vehicles and pedestrians, and vision panels should be installed on doors that open onto vehicle traffic routes. Where pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes cross, they should be clearly marked using measures such as dropped kerbs or to help direct pedestrians to the appropriate crossing point Traffic routes Safe traffic route principles: Wide enough for safe movement of the largest vehicle Surfaces suitable for the vehicles and pedestrians using them eg firm, even and properly drained Avoid steep slopes Avoid sharp corners and blind bends Keep them clear of obstructions Make sure they are clearly marked and signposted Keep them properly maintained Certain parts of a building such as columns, reception canopies, walls, pipework and external cables, are vulnerable to impact from vehicles and will need to be protected. 4

5 The law requiring traffic routes to be wide enough for traffic came into effect on 1 January 1993 but the legislation is not retrospective. On this basis, where it is not reasonably practicable to widen traffic routes that existed before this date, traffic management systems and/or parking restrictions should be used if necessary Temporary traffic routes Temporary workplaces, e.g. construction sites, often have routes for vehicles and pedestrians that change as work progresses. Where possible, their routes should comply with the same basic standards as for the permanent traffic routes listed above Visibility Visibility should be good enough for drivers to see hazards, and pedestrians to see vehicles. Adequate visibility for drivers is related to vehicle speed and the distance needed to stop or change direction safely. Consider having mirrors where sharp or blind bends cannot be avoided Speed Reducing vehicle speed is an important part of workplace transport safety. Fixed traffic control measures such as speed humps, chicanes and rumble strips can reduce vehicle speed. It is important to select the most appropriate control as the wrong measure can increase risk by, for example, reducing stability. Speed limits can also be used, but they need to be appropriate, properly enforced and, where possible, consistent across each site. To assess an appropriate speed limit, consider the route layout and its usage. For example, lower speeds will be appropriate where pedestrians are present Signs, signals and markings Signs for drivers and pedestrians in a workplace should be the same as those used on public roads (as shown in the Highway Code), wherever a suitable sign exists. They should be well positioned and kept clean. Where driving is likely to be carried out in the dark, illuminated or reflective signs should be used. White road markings should be used to regulate traffic flow, and yellow markings should be used for parking. Wherever possible, such markings should be reflective and maintained regularly Lighting Every workplace should have suitable and sufficient lighting, particularly in areas where: Vehicles manoeuvre, or pedestrians and vehicles circulate across Loading and unloading takes place 5

6 Take care to ensure there are no sudden changes in lighting levels which may lead to drivers being dazzled. 3.2 Safe site activity Reversing The most effective way of reducing reversing incidents is to remove the need to reverse by, for example, using one-way systems. Where this is not possible, sites should be organised so that reversing is kept to a minimum. Where reversing is necessary, consider the following: Installing barriers to prevent vehicles entering pedestrian zones Plan and clearly mark designated reversing areas Keep people away from reversing areas and operations Use portable radios or similar communication systems Increase drivers ability to see pedestrians Use of trained banksman to safely reverse vehicles if reversing is unavoidable Banksman The job of banksman is to guide drivers and make sure reversing areas are free of pedestrians. If you are using banksman, make sure: Only trained banksman are used. They are clearly visible to drivers at all times wearing hi visibility clothing. A clear and recognised system of reversing vehicles is used. The banksman discusses the manoeuvres with the driver prior to them taking place. They stand in a safe position throughout the reversing operation Parking Parking areas should be clearly indicated and there should be separate parking areas for commercial vehicles. There should also be designated areas where commercial vehicles can be loaded and unloaded. When vehicles are parked, their parking brakes should always be applied. Drivers should never leave a vehicle unattended without ensuring the vehicle is securely braked, the engine is off and the key to the vehicle has been removed Loading and unloading To minimise the risks to those involved in loading and unloading, a gritting plan needs to be in place prior to any loading/unloading taking place during severe weather conditions. 6

7 The loading and unloading area should be: Clear of traffic and people not involved in the activity On defect free level ground Segregated from other work areas Clear of overhead cables, pipes, or other obstructions Protected from bad weather where possible Consideration must be given for loading/unloading procedures during severe weather conditions Existing safety equipment such as load edge protectors must be used during each operation Housekeeping Traffic routes should be free from obstructions and kept clean. Signage should be cleaned and maintained so that it remains visible and effective. 4. RESPONSIBILITIES The Health and Safety team along with the Locality managers must ensure that an effective traffic management risk assessment is completed for each site refer to the Trust Health and Safety at Work Policy for additional responsibilities on the intranet. 7