Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Health & Safety...

Contractors’ & Suppliers’Health & Safety Standards

PolicyOrganisationPlanningMeasurementAudit & Review

CONTENTS Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION 3

1.1 Definitions 31.2 General 3

2.0 10-STEPS TO HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGEMENT 4– PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR / CONTROLLER OF PREMISES

3.0 HEALTH & SAFETY PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES 5

4.0 PROVISIONS, REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS 5

4.1 Policy 5

4.2 Vision and Values 54.2.1 Laing O’Rourke Disciplinary Code 5

4.3 Organisation 74.3.1 Safety Inductions 74.3.2 Communication of Information on Working Methods 74.3.3 Information and Consultation, IIF Cultural Change, Communication 74.3.4 Health and Safety File 8

4.4 Planning 84.4.1 Site Safety Rules 84.4.2 Laing O’Rourke Standards that ALL Contractors MUST adhere to 84.4.3 Risk assessments / Method Statements 94.4.4 Approval of Method Statements 94.4.5 Protection of the Public 94.4.6 Temporary Works 94.4.7 Access 104.4.8 Management of Lifting Operations 104.4.9 Shared Use of Work Equipment 104.4.10 Fire Prevention, Detection, and Emergency Procedures 104.4.11 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 114.4.12 Deliveries, Housekeeping and Waste 11

CONTRACTORS’ & SUPPLIERS’ HEALTH & SAFETY STANDARDS

Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Health & Safety Standards (rev. August 2007)1

4.5 Measurement 114.5.1 Management / Supervisory Attendance 114.5.2 Key Safety Appointments 114.5.3 Workplace Inspections 124.5.4 Reporting of RIDDOR and other Accident / Incident Information 124.5.5 Drug and Alcohol Testing 12

4.6 Audit & Review 134.6.1 Competence Standards 134.6.2 Supervision Standards 134.6.3 Other Standards 13

5.0 10-STEPS TO HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGEMENT – CONTRACTOR / SUPPLIER VERSION 14

6.0 COMMITMENT 16

6.1 Contractors Declaration of Understanding and Compliance 16

APPENDIX 20

Common Standard No 9Health & Safety Standards for Loading & Offloading Vehicles

Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Health & Safety Standards (rev. August 2007)

Laing O’Rourke Group

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Definitions

Laing O’Rourke: Reference to ‘Laing O’Rourke’ withinthis document will include all Laing O’Rourke Groupcompanies including Select, the Expanded Group,Crown House Technologies, Malling Precast, Vetter etc.

Contractors: References to ‘Contractor’ within thisdocument refer to all contractors or sub-contractorswhether engaged by Laing O’Rourke or any other organisations operating on a project or establishment when under the control of any Laing O’Rourke Business.

Suppliers: Reference to ‘Suppliers’ shall mean anyparty delivering or responsible for delivering goods,materials, products, plant etc. to any Laing O’Rourkecompany at any location identified on the purchaseorder or delivery note.

1.2 General

Laing O’Rourke is committed to achieving the highestpossible standards of health and safety performance onits construction sites.

Laing O’Rourke recognise that, in order to do thiseffectively, it is of paramount importance that itssupply chain fully supports and commits to the sameaims and objectives.

Laing O’Rourke believe that only by working closelywith its supply chain, jointly focussing on commonhealth and safety objectives, can a measurable andsustainable improvement in health and safetyperformance be secured.

The Project (Health & Safety) Plan, with other contract documents, constitutes the initial informationfor contractors.

This Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Health & SafetyStandards document is for Contractors and Suppliersworking with or supplying goods or services to Laing O’Rourke companies. It draws on all the generalcontractual information included in agreementsbetween contractors and Laing O’Rourke.

The document has been published in order to makeclear those Health & Safety responsibilities that haveto be managed & monitored by Contractors’ and

Suppliers’ managers. This document does not detractfrom any other information contained in the Project(Health and Safety) Plan or other contract documents.

This document summarises the commitment to be madeby Laing O’Rourke and its subcontractors / suppliers in respect of each and every project undertaken.

To this end, and not withstanding the requirements ofhealth and safety legislation and the contractualarrangements in force via the terms and conditions ofour Subcontracts, Laing O’Rourke require each of itssubcontractors and suppliers to commit to theminimum standards and conditions contained in thisdocument, including the Contractor and Supplierversion of the “10-Steps to Health and SafetyManagement” in section 5.0.

Note: Where a Laing O’Rourke company is neither aPrincipal Contractor, Controller of the Premises, ordoes not directly control deliveries onto or off the site,the general responsibilities will still apply, but anyspecial constraints will be notified on a contractspecific basis.



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2.0 10-STEPS TO HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGEMENT Principal ContractorController of

Premises Version

POLICY1. Laing O’Rourke holds health and safety as a core business value and is CORE VALUE

committed to creating a future free of incidents and injuries.

2. Laing O’Rourke will ensure that their sites and establishments are managed DISCIPLINEwith a robust approach to any shortfall in compliance with agreed health and safety requirements. Where necessary, disciplinary action will be used to enforce this approach.

ORGANISATION3. Laing O’Rourke will ensure that the competency and resources to be APPOINTMENT

applied to health and safety by any organisation appointed to do work on ASSESSMENT oftheir behalf is assessed prior to their appointment. COMPETENCE

4. Laing O’Rourke will ensure that all our personnel are appropriately trained,experienced and competent to perform their role and that every person is TRAINING /given a project specific induction before being allowed to start work on INDUCTIONeach site.

5. Laing O’Rourke will ensure that every person understands the risks and COMMUNICATION /approved safe method of working associated with their task prior to being CONSULTATIONallowed to start. Laing O’Rourke operates a cultural change programme (IIF) and promotes positive involvement, formal and informal feedback on health and safety matters from the whole team.

PLANNING6. Laing O’Rourke will ensure that a risk assessment is prepared covering RISK ASSESSMENT

each activity on site and that a safe method of working is produced and approved before each activity commences.

7. Laing O’Rourke will control and ensure that access to each site, and to AUTHORISEDparticular areas of danger, is restricted to authorised persons only; that the SAFE ACCESSsite is kept tidy; and that access to all areas of work is safe.

8. Laing O’Rourke will provide good welfare facilities and keep them clean WELFAREand serviced.

MEASUREMENT9. Laing O’Rourke will ensure that each trade or delivery is overseen by a SUPERVISION

competent full-time site supervisor who checks that agreed safe methods of MONITORINGworking are complied with. & CONTROL

AUDIT & REVIEW10. Laing O’Rourke will formally audit and review specific procedures and AUDIT

projects on a regular basis.

We expect all of those who visit or work on our sites to assist and CO-OPERATIONco-operate fully in the implementation of these objectives.



3.0 HEALTH & SAFETY PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES

All employers have a legal duty to ensure work iscarried out safely without risk to employees, otherworkers and the public. Active safety managementmust achieve this.

Laing O’Rourke expects active management byContractors and Suppliers to include:

• Preparation of Risk Assessments & Method Statements, (including COSHH, noise, vibration and manual handing assessments)

• Communication of information (to both Laing O’Rourke and workforce)

• Provision of adequate, competent supervision

• Provision of competent labour, with adequate training and qualifications, (in accordance with Laing O’Rourke minimum standards)

• Provision of equipment that is safe

• Adequate protection of others, from the effects of their operations

• Provision of adequate safety monitoring

• Allowing Contractor’s staff to attend meetings with Laing O’Rourke

• Reporting & investigating all incidents, as appropriate

• Adequate control of material deliveries and storage

• Prompt removal of debris and waste

• Provision of information for the Health & Safety File at the appropriate time

In addition to their legal obligations, Contractors andSuppliers must comply with Laing O’Rourke projectsafety requirements and restrictions contained in theProject (H&S) Plan.

The general principles of the Health and Safety atWork etc Act and relevant regulations will apply to all Contractors and Suppliers.

The Construction (Design and Management)Regulations 2007 also require Contractors to haveknowledge of their duties under these regulations.

Contractors must co-operate with all the CDM dutyholders, comply with reasonable directions from thePrincipal Contractor and inform the PrincipalContractor of any contractors they wish to engage incarrying out the work.

4.0 PROVISIONS, REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

4.1 Policy

Laing O’Rourke holds Health and Safety as a corevalue and is committed to a future free from incidentsand injuries.

The full Laing O’Rourke Health & Safety Policy isavailable as a separate document.

4.2 Vision and Values

Our vision as a global business gives everyone withinthe organisation a clear direction and goals to aim for.It underpins everything we do and the principles areclear for us all:

We will be the company of first choice for allstakeholders – customers, employees, suppliers, tradecontractors and the society in which we live.

We will challenge and change the poor image ofconstruction worldwide. With leanness and agility, we will adopt processes to compete with worldleading businesses.

We aim to make safety personal, deliver our promiseby aiming to succeed, find a better way of working,work as a team and lead by example.

4.2.1 Laing O’Rourke Disciplinary Code

Laing O’Rourke, as Principal Contractor or controllerof the premises, has a duty to ensure all projectoperations are carried out safely. Laing O’Rourkeexpects the full cooperation and commitment of allContractors in fulfilling this duty. Where unsafepractice is identified, Laing O’Rourke recognises theirresponsibility to take appropriate action.

Laing O’Rourke will operate a disciplinary code on all sites. The code allows for warnings to be issuedand recorded.



Operatives, supervisors or managers who receive athird warning, or one warning for gross misconduct,will be required to leave the site.

Where warnings are issued, the Contractor will berequired to reply in writing confirming that action hasbeen taken to prevent recurrence of the breach.

Disciplinary CardsThe following procedures will apply to any breachesof health and safety requirements on all LaingO’Rourke establishments. The precise detail of howthe procedures are implemented and who isauthorised to issue formal warnings is at the discretion of the Laing O’Rourke Establishment orProject Manager.

Authorised personnel will be identified in advance andhave their responsibility confirmed by the LaingO’Rourke Project, or Establishment, Manager.

First Warning (White Card)The white card can be used to record either aninformal discussion with the individual or as a preludeto a more formal stage 1 first written warning processas detailed in HR procedures, depending on theseverity of the transgression. Any unsafe condition orbehaviour must be discussed with individualsconcerned and a warning issued indicatingimprovements required.

First written warnings will usually require animprovement within 1 month of the date of the offence but thereafter will expire and be removed from the person’s work record within 6 months.Examples of typical infringements are given at the end of this section.

Examples of infringements at this level are:

• Failure to use correct P.P.E.

• Failure to use defined access routes

• Failure to use access equipment provided; ie scaffolding, towers, ladders etc

• Knowingly working on unsafe platforms, i.e. tower scaffolds, step ladders, trestles etc

• Unauthorised alteration of working platforms;

• Knowingly working without current permit e.g. hot work, excavation, etc

• Operating plant, equipment and transport without authority

• Unsafe methods of slinging

Second Warning (Yellow card)Should the first warning go unheeded, or theindividual commits a second offence, within onemonth, a second warning will be given in accordancewith relevant HR processes. This should result in theindividual being suspended from work for the rest ofthat day and will remain on record for 12 months.

Examples of the infringements at this level are:

• All examples listed under the “white” card, but seen a second time in a month

• Failure to observe safety instruction, whether by signage or given verbally

• Failure to comply with agreed methods of safe working i.e. risk assessments, method statements, task sheets etc

• Wilfully contravening Section 61 restrictions on noise and vibration

• Failing to properly store or dispose of hazardous orCOSHH materials and containers

• Failure to use mandatory wheel wash, wash out or cleaning facilities after having made deliveries

Exclusion from Site / Establishment (Red Card)Any individual committing gross misconduct relatingto safety issues, or a further subsequent offence by anindividual who has already received a yellow card,will result in the individual being permanentlyremoved from the establishment.

The exclusion from site is the most serious action thatcan be taken and as such will require the individual tobe suspended from work while a full inquiry intoevents is held by the company.

Examples of the infringements at this level are:

• Premeditated breach of safety rules where there is a perceived risk to life

• Unauthorised removal of safety devices, e.g. limit switches, interlocks, guard rails etc where in the opinion of the Manager there was immediate risk to life

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• Deliberately exposing the public to danger by not complying with agreed safe methods of work

• Deliberately not complying with the instructions in method statements, risk assessments or task sheets)

• Wilful spillage or actions that may contaminate ground or watercourses

• Unauthorised disposal of waste or fly tipping

For any situations referred to above, a Laing O’Rourke“Health and Safety Discipline Notice” will be issued,and acted upon.

SupervisorsSupervisors have a primary responsibility for theeffective management and control of health and safetyon our sites.

Those supervisors who put people to work …

• in unsafe conditions

• or without taking the relevant health and safety precautions

• or who fail to apply and enforce the controls (in whole or in part) identified in the Site Rules, safety signage or method statements

…will also be subject to the above disciplinary procedures.

Monitoring SystemProjects or establishments will hold a central record of all warnings issued on that project such that Laing O’Rourke Managers can refer to any previoushistory of safety breaches.

Overall compliance will be discussed and recorded in the minutes of the weekly trade contractor progress / safety meetings, and within the quarterlyfeedback by projects of contractor performance.

4.3 ORGANISATION

4.3.1 Safety inductions

The scheduled days and times of inductions will be setby each Laing O’Rourke project or work establishment.

Inductions required by Contractors outside thespecified schedule will require prior arrangement with

Laing O’Rourke. Any additional costs of these nonscheduled inductions will be specified by the projectprior to commencement.

Delivery drivers will either need to be inducted or takenote of delivery driver’s rules and any specificinstructions issued when passing security.

4.3.2 Communication of Information on Working Methods

Agreed methods and precautions must becommunicated to the right people, at the right time.Records of communications must be retained for review.

Where non English speakers are used, the contractoror supplier must make suitable arrangements forinterpreters and supervisors who can relay instructionand information effectively in a manner commensuratewith the risk.

4.3.3 Information and Consultation

MeetingsThe following meetings are to be attended byContractors’ representatives:

• Pre-start meetings

• Progress meetings

• Safety Committee meetings

• Meetings to agree Emergency procedures

Attendance at meetings must be allowed for in theContractor’s provisions. Repeated unauthorised failure to attend may result in a suspension of the sub-contract, with associated costs being theresponsibility of the Contractor.

IIF Cultural ChangeThe Laing O’Rourke Incident and Injury Free (IIF)programme concentrates on leadership at all levels and transformation of behaviours throughout the workforce.

Laing O’Rourke may require the attendance of yourteam members at workshops or orientation sessions.

Further guidance is available in the Laing O’Rourkedocument “Incident & Injury Free Guide for SupplyChain Partners.”



Communication at Site Level - Daily Activity Briefings• Contractors will participate in arranging and

delivering Daily Activity Briefings at the start of theshift to groups of about 6 persons by their immediate supervisors. This will ensure any daily constraints, interfaces, potential weather problems etc. are communicated and dialogue is established within the team as a key part of changing behaviours.

• Management will monitor their application throughobservation in the workplace and may encourage and tutor individual groups throughout the week.

TAKE 5Contractors will be required to actively support theLaing O’Rourke Take 5 initiative:

• Everyone should pause for 5 minutes each day to consider and discuss safety aspects of their current operation. The time and prompt will be decided by the project

• Everyone is encouraged to ask themselves basic questions regarding their workplace, their understanding of work methods and controls and any improvements they could make

• Any concerns or failings should be reported to the immediate supervisor. Ideas for improvements should be passed to the supervisor and / or the site safety committee

4.3.4 Health and Safety File

Contractors and suppliers must provide information toLaing O’Rourke for inclusion in the Health and SafetyFile, as required by the CDM regulations.

Contractors and Material Suppliers are reminded of theimportance of submitting the necessary documentationpromptly and in the required format.

The requirements and format for providing information for inclusion in the Health and Safety Filewill be detailed in the subcontract conditions andProject Plan.

4.4 PLANNING

4.4.1 Site Safety Rules

Persons working on the project:The rules apply to everyone working on the project.Any persons found contravening the rules may besubject to disciplinary action, which could includeexclusion from site (refer paragraph 4.2.1)

Drivers and Visitors:All drivers and visitors are required to comply withany relevant specific rules issued for that establishmentwhich may include being escorted.

4.4.2 Laing O’Rourke Standards that ALL Contractors MUST adhere to:

In addition to relevant legislation, Approved Codes ofPractice and authoritative guidance, the followingLaing O’Rourke mandatory standards apply:

• Published internal Laing O’Rourke standards, in particular the following documents:

- ‘Safe Operation of Cranes’

- ‘Safe Use of MEWPS’

- ‘Safe Use of Hoists’

- ‘Safe Operation of Piling’

- ‘Safe Slinging and Signalling’

- The Project or Establishment (H&S) Plan

• All suppliers must take responsibility for both their own or any 3rd party delivery vehicles or drivers they use to ensure they are roadworthy, insured, taxed etc and have the required ancillary equipment necessary to allow safe unloading and loading

• All crane operators must hold CPCS certification; ‘HIAB’ operators on delivery vehicles need not hold a CPCS card but must be trained in the use of the arm

• All slinger / signallers must hold CPCS certification

• All MEWP operators must hold either a CPCS card or an IPAF card

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• All mobile towers must be erected by a trained scaffolder, or by the holder of a certificate demonstrating that they have been trained to PASMA standards. Contractors’ operatives usingmobile towers must be aware of the requirements for the safe use of towers

(Manufacturers’ instructions must be available on site);

• All scaffolders must hold appropriate certification, under the CITB Scaffolders Registration Schemes (CISRS), and comply with current NASC Guidance

• All operators of plant and equipment that are covered by CPCS schemes must hold appropriate certification under that scheme

• For non CITB levy paying companies, certificates toan equivalent industry wide certification scheme, (e.g. ECITB or ITSSAR for Industrial Trucks) may be acceptable on provision of the appropriate documentation to the project Safety Adviser well in advance of the works

Note: If operations are likely to involve any of theabove you are advised to discuss the requirementswith Site Management at the earliest opportunity.

No claims for extra costs can be allowed due to thesespecific requirements.

4.4.3 Risk Assessments / Method Statements

The Management of Health and Safety at WorkRegulations require employers and self employedpersons to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to workers and any others that may beaffected by their undertaking and to record thesignificant findings.

Where the risk assessment is not sufficient in itself to explain how the work is to be done it must besupported by a Safety Method Statement that is job specific.

Experience has shown the quality of methodstatements across the construction industry to bevariable. To assist a more consistent presentation ofmethod statements on Laing O’Rourke projects,Contractors are required to comply with therequirements set out in the Laing O’Rourke SMS.

4.4.4 Approval of Method Statements

All method statements will be reviewed by Laing O’Rourke to check they are suitable andsufficiently detailed for work to proceed. Therefore,method statements must be submitted by a date agreed with the Laing O’Rourke Project Leader.

Laing O’Rourke approval MUST be obtained PRIOR to the relevant activity being allowed to COMMENCE. Failure to comply may result in a delayto the operation.

4.4.5 Protection of the Public

Protection of the public is of paramount concern, andany arrangements must allow for the reduced level ofawareness of construction risks amongst members ofthe public.

Any provisions for protecting the public defined in the Project Health & Safety Plan must be adopted by Contractors.

4.4.6 Temporary Works

All temporary works must comply with the LaingO’Rourke “Management of Temporary Works”procedures. Temporary Works include the following:

• All works required for execution, completion, maintenance and / or demolition of permanent works which will normally be removed from the site on completion

Contractors are required to demonstrate by calculationthat temporary structures are capable of performing theduties required.

Design information, including calculations, must besupplied to Laing O’Rourke in sufficient time to allowchecking to be carried out by Laing O’Rourkeotherwise the start of the operation may be delayed.



4.4.7 Access

Scaffold AccessWhere access is required via scaffolding rather thanpermanent stair access, access to the various levelsmust follow the following hierarchy:

1. Hakki stairs or similar

2. Independent towers with ladder access

3. Ladder within scaffold area (last resort) with gated protection to access holes

MEWPSAll operators must hold a CPCS card or trained to IPAF standard.

The wearing of harnesses attached to approved anchorpoints is mandatory in cherry pickers and advised inscissor lifts. All operatives must be able to provideproof of training in use and maintenance of harnesses.

Mobile Access TowersAll mobile towers must be erected by a trainedscaffolder, or by the holder of a certificatedemonstrating that they have been trained to PASMAstandards. Contractors’ operatives using mobile towers must be aware of the requirements for the safeuse of towers.

Podium Steps / Hop upsThese are the preferred means of accessing low levelrepetitive operations such as ceiling void works. Hopups can only be used for low level work where the riskassessment has indicated these are the safest and mostpractical method.

LaddersLadders or stepladders can only be used incircumstances where a risk assessment demonstratesthere are no practical alternatives. Pole laddersparticularly cannot be used without the expresspermission of Laing O’Rourke.

Trestles & BandstandsThe use of trestles is prohibited and trestle basedsystems can only be used in special circumstances forlow level work, but only after prior express permissionis sought.

4.4.8 Management of Lifting Operations

Contractors are required to comply with the LaingO’Rourke Code of Practice, “The Safe Operation ofCranes”. Contractors engaged in lifting operations onsite must have a Crane Supervisor authorised via theProject Lifting Plan. The Contractor’s Crane Supervisormust be approved by, and report on lifting matters to,the Project Appointed Person (Lifting Operations).

All cranes, excavators etc. used as lifting appliances,must be operated in accordance with the Lifting Planfor the project.

Operators and slingers / signallers MUST hold acurrent CPCS card for the appropriate category. (This is a Laing O’Rourke mandatory requirement).

Similarly, the Laing O’Rourke Code of Practice, “TheSafe Use of Hoists”, contains mandatory requirementsto be complied with by Contractors that need to hoistmaterials between levels.

4.4.9 Shared Use of Work Equipment

Shared use equipment must comply with the samerequirements as all other site equipment. Suppliers of shared use work equipment for the project will be selected, and the equipment used and maintained, in accordance with the following Laing O’Rourke standards:

Lifting Laing O’Rourke Code of Practice for (including the “Safe Operation of Cranes” andtower cranes) the Laing O’Rourke Guide to

“Safe Slinging and Signalling”

Hoists Laing O’Rourke Code of Practice for the “Safe Use of Hoists”

Other To manufacturer’s recommendations

4.4.10 Fire Prevention, Detection, and Emergency Procedures

Each Contractor is required to provide suitable andsufficient resources to comply with the requirements of the Project Fire Safety Plan (see appendix 3 of theProject Health & Safety Plan), including manpower,administration, equipment, training, monitoring andfire safety advice.

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Where there are emergency procedures in addition tothose detailed in the Fire Plan, Contractors mustincorporate those provisions within their method of work.

Halogen lights represent a fire risk and therefore willonly be allowed when installed in a fixed position bya Laing O’Rourke temporary electrician.

Contractors are also reminded of the requirement toprovide temporary flexible protection thatdemonstrably conforms to LPS 1207 and complieswith the Joint Code of Practice “Fire Prevention onConstruction Sites” published by the ConstructionFederation and The Fire Protection Association.

Hot works will be managed via a Hot Works Procedurethat may require the control of a Hot Works Permit.

4.4.11 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All personnel on site must wear the appropriate PPE as dictated by risk assessment. The minimumrequirements are:

• Safety Helmet – to EN 397

• Safety boots – to EN 345 (incorporating steel toecap and mid sole protection)

• High visibility jacket or vest – to EN 471(Yellow for general purpose and orange for slinger / signallers – unless working trackside on a railway project)

• Light Eye Protection - to minimum EN 166 1F(or higher specification as required by specific task risk assessment). If plastic prescription lenses are worn, these may be considered a satisfactory alternative to the light eye protection

• Hand protection – this is required on all LOR projects and must be appropriate to the task being undertaken

• Minimum Dress Code - Full length trousers and t-shirts will be worn at all times as a minimum

Contractors and suppliers are required to provide PPEfor their own employees in compliance with theseminimum standards. Any additional specific sitestandards will be included in the Project Health andSafety Plan.

4.4.12 Deliveries, Housekeeping and Waste

ContractorsAll contractors must ensure their workplace is keptfree of rubbish and waste at all times. Unless agreedotherwise within terms and conditions, contractors’waste must be removed by each contractor as workproceeds to the relevant skips provided by either LaingO’Rourke or the Trade Contractor as agreed.

SuppliersSuppliers must be committed to ensuring all packagingis kept to a minimum to reduce the amount of waste tobe removed from site. Where possible, suppliers andcontractors shall also identify and assist in therecycling of packaging materials.

Where suppliers are responsible for removing theirwaste, they must ensure that all legal requirementsrelating to duty of care are addressed.

DeliveriesAll deliveries should be planned to ensure that theyhave been notified to site and the load is delivered insuch a way as to allow the safe access, offloading andsubsequent handling or lifting of loads throughidentified lifting points, pre slinging, edge protection tovehicles etc. Relevant COSHH data must be carried.

The Laing O’Rourke Common Standard No. 9 coversthe Group Standards for Loading and Unloading ofVehicles. A copy is appended with this document for reference.

4.5 MEASUREMENT

4.5.1 Management and Supervisory attendance

Contractors must provide full-time trade supervisionfor their works. The competency and number ofsupervisors are to be agreed before award andcommencement on site.

Supervisors will be identified on Laing O’Rourkeestablishments by a blue hard hat.

4.5.2 Key safety appointments

Contractors must include for the provision of sufficientresources to satisfy any necessary safety appointments,including first aiders, fire / emergency co-ordination,



and if applicable, appointed person / supervisors forlifting operations.

4.5.3 Workplace Inspections

Workplace inspections and reports, as required by the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regs.1996, will be carried out by the person in control of the specific workplace, whether Laing O’Rourke or Contractor.

Contractors using “working platforms” have a legalduty to carry out these inspections. Where Contractorsundertake inspections, Laing O’Rourke must receivecopies of all reports immediately after they have beencarried out.

Inspections and reports are required whereContractors use both common scaffolds and platformssupplied and erected by themselves.

4.5.4 Reporting of RIDDOR and Other Accident / Incident Information

RIDDOR injuries and incidents are those defined inthe Reportable Injuries, Diseases and DangerousOccurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995.

All accidents must be reported to the Laing O’RourkeProject Manager immediately.

Reportable injury or disease information will besupplied to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE)directly by the Contractor who will also be required to provide the following information to Laing O’Rourke Ltd:

• A copy of the relevant page of the Contractors accident book

• Copies of statements from any witnesses and, where possible, from the injured party

• The results of an in-depth accident investigation undertaken by the contractor

• A copy of the completed F2508 issued to the HSE

Accident Book / Data Protection Act:Where Contractors have their own Accident Book,they must record details of all injuries to theiremployees in order to comply with their duty as an

Employer, under the Social Security (Claims andPayments) Regulations 1979.

Where Laing O’Rourke are appointed as PrincipalContractor or controller of the premises, LaingO’Rourke reserve the right to request a copy of eachentry in a Contractor’s Accident Book relating to thatproject, for the purpose of assisting Laing O’Rourke tomanage health and safety effectively.

Where a Contractor or Supplier does not provide theirown Accident Book, for whatever reason such asdelivery drivers having an accident on site, thatContractor is requested to make entries directly intothe Laing O’Rourke Accident Book where this is appropriate.

Notwithstanding the requirements of the DataProtection Act 1998, (by which Laing O’Rourke areequally bound to respect the confidentiality ofpersonal details), Contractors are reminded of theirduty, under the CDM regulations, to provide details ofall accidents and injuries and co-operate with thereasonable requirements of the Principal Contractor.

Contractors are also required to keep Laing O’Rourkeinformed of the subsequent developments of long terminjuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences, e.g.claims, etc.

4.5.5 Drug and Alcohol Testing

It is the policy of Laing O’Rourke:

• To implement controlled measures, as far as reasonably practicable, to prevent persons from:

- consuming drugs or alcohol at work, or

- carrying out safety-critical work when affectedby drugs or excess alcohol

These measures may include pre-employment, postincident and unannounced random drugs and alcohol screening for all staff and operatives

• To not knowingly employ or retain any person, directly or indirectly, who has been justifiably dismissed by any employer for drug and/or alcoholrelated offences

• To take suitable action, usually dismissal or termination of contract, against anyone found at work to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs in breach of this policy

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Any person found to have tested positive after anydrug or alcohol test will be immediately suspendedfrom the safety-critical work in which they areengaged, pending a full investigation.

Workers testing positive for drugs or excess alcohol, orrefusing to take a test, face sanctions up to andincluding termination of contract.

Any contractors or any delivery drivers on site at thetime of a test will be expected to co-operate fully inthe process and if found positive will be required notto attend site again.

4.6 AUDIT & REVIEW

Particular attention is drawn to:-

4.6.1 Competence Standards:

Laing O’Rourke seek to ensure that all people workingon site are competent to carry out their particularduties and tasks. Competence is achieved through acombination of knowledge, training and experience.

For relevant trades and occupations registration underthe schemes listed in the Health & Safety plan may beused as indicative of the appropriate training andexperience. These would normally be CPCS, CSCS,GWINTO etc. If individuals do not hold suchregistration, other proof of competence or assurancemust be demonstrated to the satisfaction of LaingO’Rourke management.

Registration and achievement of NVQ’s is recommended.

4.6.2 Supervision standards:

Standards of supervision levels on projects will bedetermined according to the level of risk involved inthe specific operations and the competence of thoseundertaking the task.

Contractors are required to declare, and be able todemonstrate, the level of Health & Safety training thathas been completed by their managers andsupervisors, relevant to their responsibilities.

The Project Manager and the contractor will agreesupervision levels prior to award of subcontract.

4.6.3 Other standards:

Where Laing O’Rourke does not have an overridingstandard, those represented by the requirements of thefollowing should be implemented:

• Published advice and guidance from the Health & Safety Executive

• Relevant British Standards



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5.0 10-STEPS TO HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGEMENT Contractor / SupplierVersion

POLICY1. We will support Laing O’Rourke in their commitment to creating a CORE VALUE

future free of incidents and injuries.

2. We will ensure that our works on site are managed with a robust approach DISCIPLINEto any shortfall in compliance with agreed health and safety requirements. Where required, disciplinary action will be used to enforce this approach.

ORGANISATION3. We will ensure that the competency and resources to be applied to health PRE-APPOINTMENT

and safety by any organisation appointed to do work on our behalf is ASSESSMENT ofassessed prior to their appointment. COMPETENCE

4. We will ensure all our personnel are appropriately trained, experienced and competent to perform their role and every person is given a project TRAINING /specific induction before being allowed to start work on site. We will INDUCTIONinform the Principal Contractor of all contractors we propose to engage.

5. We will ensure that every person undertaking work on our behalf COMMUNICATION / understands the risks and the approved safe method of working associated CONSULTATIONwith their task prior to being allowed to start. We shall co-operate with the Laing O’Rourke cultural change programme (IIF) and promote positive involvement, formal and informal feedback and feed back comments on health and safety matters to the team.

PLANNING6. We will ensure that a risk assessment is prepared covering each of our RISK ASSESSMENT

activities on site and that a safe method of working is produced and approved before each activity commences.

7. We will comply with Site Rules and ensure that access by our personnel AUTHORISEDto the site, and to particular areas of danger, is restricted to authorised SAFE ACCESSpersons only. We will co-operate to ensure that the site is kept tidy and that access to all areas of work is safe.

8. We will co-operate to ensure welfare facilities are not abused by WELFAREour personnel.

MEASUREMENT9. We will ensure that each trade is overseen by competent full-time site SUPERVISION

supervisors who checks that agreed safe methods of working are MONITORINGcomplied with. & CONTROL

AUDIT & REVIEW10. We will co-operate fully with any arrangements made by Laing O’Rourke AUDIT

to formally audit and review specific procedures and projects.

We expect all of those who visit or work on our sites to assist CO-OPERATIONand co-operate fully in the implementation of these objectives.



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6.0 COMMITMENT

6.1 Contractor / supplier declaration of understanding & compliance

Signing up to this document is a pre-requisite to any subcontractor or supplier appointment made by Laing O’Rourke and will be subject to regular review and appraisal throughout each project.

Please complete this declaration, detach and send back to Laing O’Rourke

PROJECT: DATE: CONTRACTOR:

I confirm:• That I have read and understand all the above;• My full support and commitment to the Contractor / Supplier version of the ‘10-Steps to Health and Safety

Management’ in Section 5;• That my company will comply with all the requirements of the attached document;• That my company has allowed for adequate supervision levels.

Signed Name:

Company: Date:

The following operations will have risk assessments and method statements produced, for approval by the Principal Contractor, before work starts:

Operation:

Date to be Produced:

The (Subcontractor / Supplier) person responsible for safety on site will be:The person who is responsible for all the above, and will be contactable if any problem arises, is:

Name: Tel:

NB

:TH

IS S

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6.0 COMMITMENT (YOUR FILE COPY)

6.1 Contractor / supplier declaration of understanding & compliance

Signing up to this document is a pre-requisite to any subcontractor or supplier appointment made by Laing O’Rourke and will be subject to regular review and appraisal throughout each project.

Please complete this declaration and keep it with the document for your files

PROJECT: DATE: CONTRACTOR:

I confirm:• That I have read and understand all the above;• My full support and commitment to the Contractor / Supplier version of the ‘10-Steps to Health and Safety

Management’ in Section 5;• That my company will comply with all the requirements of the attached document;• That my company has allowed for adequate supervision levels.

Signed Name:

Company: Date:

The following operations will have risk assessments and method statements produced, for approval by the Principal Contractor, before work starts:

Operation:

Date to be Produced:

The (Subcontractor / Supplier) person responsible for safety on site will be:The person who is responsible for all the above, and will be contactable if any problem arises, is:

Name: Tel:



20

Common Standard No 9Health & Safety Standards

for Loading & Offloading Vehicles

APPENDIX



INTRODUCTION

Serious injury is commonly caused by falls and liftingaccidents while loading and unloading vehicles. Thisis frequently due to poor stacking and securing ofloads, unsafe or inappropriate working methods, pooraccess arrangements, the difficulty of identifying andreaching slinging points, uneven or slippery surfaceswhile working at a height on load platforms and ageneral lack of edge protection.

GROUP STANDARDS:

PLANNING FOR DELIVERY AND SAFE ACCESSONTO DELIVERY VEHICLES

• Planning of safe loading and storage areas must be considered as early as possible in the planning process to ensure these areas suit the nature of the deliveries, the types of delivery vehicles, the layoutof the access routes and the location of cranage or other means of distribution

• Accidents frequently occur when suitable handling equipment is not available on site and ad hoc methods are devised. It is important that the sizes and weights are known prior to delivery and the loading / unloading methods used by the supplier and the contractor are understood and agreed to allow the use of a consistent, safe handling system

• Agreement should be reached with suppliers on theway loads are called forward and delivered. Correct loading / offloading sequences can be agreed to reduce double handling, lifting eyes and other specialist equipment can be procured and sufficient resource made available for offloading

• For some activities such as moving cabins, containers, storage units, suspended loads etc, agreed methods should be referenced in the lifting plan where this is required to comply with LOLER (see Section 9)

LOADING OF DELIVERY VEHICLES

• Vehicles must never be overloaded. Loads must be evenly distributed, secured and not project beyond the sides or back of the vehicle. Overloading or

uneven loading can cause loss of control when cornering or braking and high or insecure loads may fall causing injury to pedestrians or motorists. Drivers or operators are responsible for checking the security of their load before starting off

• Projecting loads are a hazard to the driver/operatorand a menace to others, particularly public road users. If some degree of overhang is unavoidable, it must be visibly marked in an approved manner such as red flags or marker boards and additional lighting, dependant on the degree of projection. Where necessary, abnormal loads must be formally notified and a warning vehicle should be in attendance

• When the vehicle is loaded, fast cornering and fierce braking must be avoided as securing devices can break under severe strain resulting in the load moving or being tipped off

• When vehicles are being loaded the driver can only remain in the cab if the cab can protect the driver from the risks of falling materials/objects andany other relevant hazards. The CDM2007 regulation 37(5) specifically states the driver must not remain in the vehicle whilst it is being loaded with loose materials unless ‘a safe place of work’ isprovided and maintained for that person

• During unloading, ropes or other fixing devices must be removed with caution as loads may redistribute themselves during transit and can slip when securing devices are being taken off

• Loading and unloading of tipper lorries should be attended by a competent banksman and the tipper body lowered as soon as practicable. Tipper lorriesshould not move off until the body has been fully lowered, particularly when they are articulated, as part of the load can jam and cause the truck or trailer to become unstable. Dumpers should never travel with the body in a raised position unless inching forward to discharge the load

SPECIFIC LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS

Attention is drawn to the Road Vehicles (Constructionand Use) Regulations 1986. The law requires that theweight, distribution, packing and adjustment of the



22

load of a vehicle or a trailer shall at all times be suchthat no danger is caused or likely to be caused to anyperson in or on the vehicle, or on the road.

Attention is also directed to the Department ofEnvironment Code of Practice, Safety of Loads onVehicles, which provides guidance on the measuresnecessary for the safe carriage of tracked and wheeledengineering plant. It is important that:

• Loads carried on vehicles are adequately secured so they can not move or fall off

• Particular attention is paid to the dangers of high loads

• The design and construction of the vehicle is suitable for the load(s)

• The maximum expected floor loading is ascertained in order to ensure that the floor and supporting members are adequate

• The load is so arranged not to obstruct the driver’s field of vision, including rearward vision through the driving mirrors

• If practicable, the load is placed in contact with the headboard

• In order to achieve maximum stability, the load is placed so the centre of gravity is kept as low as practicable and near to the vehicle’s longitudinal centre line

• The weight of heavy loads of small dimensions is distributed across the vehicle platform by use of load spreading devices

• The load is checked frequently for security during the journey

• Equipment used for securing loads is regularly inspected for wear and damage

TRANSPORT OF CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES

The construction vehicle operator will usually beresponsible for the safe loading of the constructionvehicle (under the direction of the transporter driverwho will take final responsibility) and for thenecessary attachment, stowage, locking of brakes andconstruction vehicle safety devices.

Loading and Unloading:Before driving the construction vehicle on or off atransporter, the construction vehicle operator shouldensure that:

• The loading/unloading area is sufficiently large to accommodate the movement of the construction vehicle without striking obstructions or causing hazards to others

• The transporter is on firm, level ground and correctly positioned with its brakes on

• Any ramps are secure and long enough to keep theramp angle low. If required, the transporter should be blocked as a precaution against tipping during the loading/unloading, making sure that, when loading, the packing placed below the transporter deck is sufficiently thick to prevent tipping, but not so thick that it would jam in position when the construction vehicle is loaded

• The construction vehicle transmission, clutches, brakes, etc. are working correctly. (An unserviceable construction vehicle will require the assistance of the transporter loading winch)

When loading or off-loading the construction vehicle,the construction vehicle driver/operator should ensure that:

• The construction vehicle is lined up with the ramps, so that the hazardous procedure of turning the vehicle whilst on the ramps does not become necessary

• Loading or unloading is carried out at the slowest possible speed, particularly at any point of balance

• Any necessary movement of the construction vehicle whilst on the transporter (e.g. to centre it), is carefully executed

When a construction vehicle is loaded onto atransporter and positioned to the satisfaction of thetransporter driver, every precaution should be taken toensure that the vehicle cannot change its positionduring transit. For example:

• The brakes must be engaged

• The construction vehicle should be securely lashed

• Any loose items, (eg spare buckets) are securely lashed



LOADING AND TOWING OF TRAILERS

The driving of any vehicle on the public highwayalways requires additional care and an extra sense ofresponsibility due to the constant interface with the public.

Many vehicles are fitted with tow bars and when amanager requires a driver to tow a trailer or other itemof plant, they must check both the category of licenseheld by the driver and whether it was issued post 1stJanuary 1997, and as these determine the maximumrelative proportional and absolute weights of vehicleand trailer that can be driven.

These are complex requirements so you should referto your transport manager for guidance on licensecategories and restrictions.

The act of towing, the position and security of the loadwill change the dynamics of the vehicle, increasingthe possibility of an accident if additional care is not taken.

Preparing to Tow, Loading and Unloading:• The trailer must be suited to the load, allowing it to

be safely loaded, secured and carried. The Driver must check the weight of the trailer and load is lessthan the permitted trailer load of their vehicle and is within the limits specified for their category of license. There may be different permitted loads for braked and unbraked trailers

• Parking brakes should be fitted on trailers over 0.75 tonnes maximum gross capacity. Trailers between 0.75 and 3.5 tonnes should have a parking brake and an overrun brake, usually operated by braking inertia, and trailers over 3.5 tonnes should be fitted with a parking brake systemand braking systems linked to the towing vehicle

• Connections between trailer and towing unit must be securely fixed using the correct towing pin and trailer parking brakes applied before disconnection from the towing vehicle. Suitable wheel chocks should be provided when parking on an incline

• The trailer is regarded as part of the vehicle; therefore drivers must check the condition, lights, tyres etc of both the tow vehicle and the trailer to ensure they are completely roadworthy

• The tow bar must be in good condition and the trailer point correctly fitted with securing pins and safety ‘R’ clips in place and carefully checked by the driver before progressing. The driver must also ensure any breakaway cable is securely attached tothe towing vehicle

• The driver is responsible for his load; therefore to achieve maximum stability, the load is usually placed so the centre of gravity is as low as practicable, and near to the vehicle’s longitudinal centre line. Loads must be located over the trailer wheels to avoid vertical loads to tow hooks especially on 2 wheel trailers and securely fastenedand checked for stability before starting off

• Machinery must be prevented from slewing and any loose items, such as spare buckets or hoses securely lashed. Impaired driver visibility may require extended mirrors

• Straps must be rated at least twice the static weightof the load and correctly tensioned. Locating strapsand fixing points must be regularly inspected for wear or damage. Any defects must be reported to the supervisor immediately

• Loads must be checked for stability before releasing the straps as they may move in transit

Towing on the Road:• When towing on the public highway, the road

traffic act applies

• Drivers must tailor their driving style to take account of the load. Any driver inexperienced in towing must be briefed and should first accompanya competent and experienced driver, although formal training in towing is recommended

• Drivers must drive more carefully, thinking ahead to allow more gradual acceleration and braking. Maximum speed on motorways and dual carriageways is 60mph and on standard roads 50mph, although lower posted limits must also be observed. Corners must be taken at lower speeds and additional clearance allowed to avoid clippingkerbs and destabilising the load



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• Trailers are prohibited from the outside lane of a motorway and extra consideration must be given to the possibility of crosswinds and vortices from trucks

• When reversing, the assistance of a competent banksman is required. Trailer brakes have a limited ability to stop backward movement requiring special care when facing uphill

HIERARCHY FOR SAFEGUARDING PERSONS WORKING AT HEIGHT WHILE LOADING / UNLOADING

Collective protective measures must always be given priority over personal protective measures, and measures thatprevent a fall are given priority over those that minimize the height and consequences of a fall. (Also refer to Section 7, Work at Height)

A summary of the recommended hierarchy from the Work at Height Regulations 2005 is:

BE

ST

>>

><

<<

LE

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T F

AV

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D

HIERARCHY POSSIBLE SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK

1. Avoid Work at Height Methods not requiring access to the vehicle where Possible - Pre slung loads accessible from ground level;

- Grab system on machine boom- Forks, forklifts and telehandlers- Sidelifters & Demountable Trailers- Straddle Carriers & Electromagnetic lifting

2. Use of Work Equipment to Loading Pits and Loading Docks Prevent Fall (including Side Gantries / Static access platforms guardrails or safe Dock Levellers / Hydraulic Lifts & Rampsworking platforms) Mobile Access Platforms

MEWPSLoad Bed Barriers / Advanced guardrail systems Work Restraint Systems preventing access to edge

3. Work equipment to minimise Collective Fall Arrest including: height and consequence of fall High level safety nets rigged close to the work

Air bags tight and close to working level

4. Personal Fall Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE)Protection Equipment (The use of PFPE is a last resort as it is heavily dependent

on management, supervision, training and attitude of users to work effectively)

Safe Access To Mobile Stair unitsDelivery Vehicles Retractable steps

LaddersRamps



< Examples of demountable trailers and Forkliftsunloading, including truck mounted forklifts

1. AVOIDANCE OF WORK AT HEIGHT WHERE POSSIBLE

Wherever possible, the risk of working at height should be eliminated and other alternative safe systems of work adopted.

1.1 Pre Slung Loads

Agreement may be reached with the supplier to ensure loads arrive on site with slings (and possibly lifting beams) ofthe correct length already attached. The end of the slings or the lifting point on any lifting beam must be positionedand accessible to allow easy connection to the lifting device from ground level completely. This method can alsoincrease productivity through reduction of unloading times and crane hook time. With the use of dog chains a moreexpensive initial outlay is required but this should be recouped by the long lifespan of this item. Sometimes limitedaccess will be required to sling loads and subsequent sections of this Standard should be referred to.

1.2 Grab Systems on Machine Booms (Hiab)

Where loads are arranged to allow use of lorryloaders, the correct grab or forks can remove the needto access the back of the vehicle and reduceunloading time. This system is common with theloading/unloading of bricks and blocks from a flatbedwhere the loads are palletised and banded or shrinkwrapped to ensure secure loads.

Grabs can also be used from crane hooks but where apallet of potentially loose materials will be lifted overthe site to another position, it should be lowered toground level to allow debris netting to be fixed aroundthe load before the lift is continued.

< Pre slung Loadwhere bags arriveattached to a beam allowingquick connection & safe unloading

Use of Dog Chains to Unload Mesh >

1.3 Forks, Forklifts & Telehandlers

Secure palletised loads or other larger loads can often be lifted by forklift, telehandler or counterbalanced forks suspended from a crane. The forks can be guided into place without mounting the back of adelivery truck however, loads must be checked to ensure they are not unstable or have an offset centre of gravity. Where forklifts andtelehandlers are used, there must be sufficient room for manoeuvring and the surface around the loading bay should be compacted.

1.4 Sidelifters and Demountable Trailers

Sidelifter trailers incorporate a pair offolding cranes which can pick up or land a container at ground level. Instead ofloading materials and equipment over ametre from the ground, a container can be loaded while on the ground. Unloading personnel can also be reducedby walking straight into the container instead of handing goods up/down to asecond person.

Adaptable spreader bars can be fitted between the lifting arms enabling the sidelifter to handle and deliver palletisedor bulk loads without further adjustment.

Side lifters can also deliver site cabins without the need for operatives to access the roof level for slinging. They alsomake the lifting operation safer allowing cabins to be easily double stacked, even in confined spaces.

Demountable Trailers

Demountable trailers are a simple way for reducingthe falls from delivery vehicles. The trailer simplydetaches from the vehicle leaving the goods and theloading bed at ground level for easy unloading oftenwith a forklift. This system is common in the scaffoldindustry where trailers loaded with scaffold aredemounted from the vehicle and left on site.



26

Where a pallet of potentially loose materials will be lifted over the site to another position, it should be lowered to ground level to allowdebris netting to be fixed around the load before the lift is continued >



1.5 Straddle Carriers

Straddle carriers have the ability to drive over the loadbed of a delivery vehicle and off load materialswithout the need for operatives to access the load bed.Telescopic masts, top lift spreaders and specialisedspreaders are available for different material handling.

Straddle carriers are ideally suited to the unloading ofsteel deliveries, palletised goods or pipes.

Electromagnetic Lifting BeamsIn larger temporary fabrication yards, electromagnetssecured to a lifting beam may be used to lift securelybound rebar or other ferrous objects.

Photograph below shows where it was used at a rebaroffsite fabrication facility.

2. USE OF WORK EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT FALLS

Where loading or unloading cannot be carried outfrom ground level and access to the vehicle or traileris required, a safe access dock edge or workingplatform should be provided. Gaps between theplatforms and the vehicle can be bridged with flapplates or edge levelers.

2.1 Loading Pits and Loading Docks

Loading pits can be used in order to reduce thedifference in height between the surrounding groundand the truck floor. The two possible options availableare to:

• Raise the surrounding ground level to the level of the truck floor, or

• Create a depressed driveway approach

The latter approach may be unfavourable due to soilconditions or the ground water level. Also a steepdecline can create the following problems due to thetruck not being horizontal during (un)loading:

• the load can fall out when you open the door

• the process of loading or unloading will be more difficult

• internal transport materials will be under more pressure

• the dock bumpers will be overburdened

• rainwater can fall from the roof of the truck into the building

• increased chances for damage on the overhead door or building

The last two problems will be irrelevant if the loadingpit is constructed externally as would be the case onthe majority of construction sites.



The height difference between the loading bay and the road should be bridged with a maximum gradient of 10%.When this incline is larger than 10%, problems will rise when trucks drive in and out. A truck cabin and trailermight even hit each other.

The pit should be designed and constructed so that there is a minimum distance between the edge of the load bedand the adjacent ground. There should also be a removable handrail along the edges of the pit to provide edgeprotection while the loading bay is not in use.

2.2 Side Gantries

Raised platforms can be positioned on either side ofthe vehicle at the same level of the load, with steps foradequate access and handrails to prevent falls.

These gantries can be simply fabricated and can eitherbe mobile to be positioned against the side of avehicle once it has parked, or static so that the vehicleparks between adjacent gantries. A third gantry couldalso be added at the rear of the vehicle providingaccess to the entire loading bed of the vehicle.

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Delivery vehiclereverses into loadingpit with loadingplatform at rear of vehicle

Below: Gantry constructed from tube and fitting scaffold. (Ensureany open edges are protected prior to working of a gantry).

Above: Examples of adjustable side gantrie. They are extremelyversatile and can be set at required level up to 3.5m to suit.

Loading Pit wherevehicle drives betweenLoading Platforms

Long Section - Drive In / Out

Cross Section

Long Section



2.3 Dock Levellers / Hydraulic Lifts and Ramps

The dock leveller system provides a safe workingplatform at the rear or side of the vehicle, and allowsfor speedy unloading.

Guard rails can be adjusted to suit the application. A mobile version is also available which is easilymoved from the unloading area and offloaded where required.

These can either be static or mobile to allow flexibilityin where the vehicle is parked.

2.4 Mobile Access Platforms

Raised, mobile access platforms withintegral steps should be designed at theaverage level of a load platform withsome height adjustment designed in asnecessary. Access steps and guardrailsare required round the other three sidesto prevent falls. Wheels would belockable and their size will reflect theterrain on which the platform is to bemoved and used.

These platforms can frequently bepositioned at around the middle third ofthe trailer length to allow safe access tocommon attachment points. Exposedvehicle edges should either be guardedor a work restraint system used toprevent access to unprotected edges.

Lifting Flaps & Edge Levellers

The use of any side access system such as side gantriesor loading pits will mean that there is often a gapbetween the load bed and the working platformcreating a fall/trip hazard. This problem can beovercome by utilising lifting flaps or edge levellers asshown right.

2.6 Load Bed Barriers

A system of barriers can be used to surround the load bed of avehicle preventing materials fromfalling off and also providing edge protection for operatives who need to access the load bed.

Truck Mounted:The barriers can either bepermanent features of the load bed or can be demountable forinstallation fitted to location slots on the edges of deliveryvehicles when access is required.This system is common in thetransportation of timber.

Individual removable barriers can take a considerable time to erect and remove and will require a safe method ofaccess and erection, so a built-in advance guardrail system is safer, more productive and more likely to be used.

2.5 MEWPS

MEWPS can be used to sling loads withoutthe need for operatives to directly accessthe vehicle.

However, beware that the use of scissorlifts may not permit access to the centre ofthe vehicle flatbed and a platform isusually designed for lateral or overheadwork and therefore access to slinging points belowmay be restricted, particularly as Operators arerequired to wear restraint lines and harnesses.



30

Barriers which slideout to allow offloading with a forklift

Fixed load bed barriersAdjustable barriers can be attached to the load bed



Movable edge barrier system on Castors

Movable edge barrier system fabricated on RSJ

Slab Mounted Barriers:There have been several excellent fabricated systems used on projects which can provide an effective barrier to theplatforms of visiting vehicles. Care must be taken to ensure these are securely and tightly fixed along the side of theflat bed to eliminate the risk of any fall through a gap. Two examples are given below:



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2.7 Work Restraint Systems

A work or travel restraint system prevents the user from approaching an unprotected edge. The system wouldnormally consist of a harness connected by a lanyard to a suitable anchorage point such as an overhead gantry,rotating arm or static line.

It is essential that the correct length lanyard is used in order to prevent the wearer from reaching the edge, but asthis is usually adjusted by the individual, the operation will always require planning allied with close supervisionand monitoring.

Therefore work restraint systems are frequently used in conjunction with other fall prevention methods such asguardrails, safety nets and catch platforms.

Lanyard too short Lanyard correct length

Lanyard too long

Plan Sketch: The use of a running line allows access to the leading edge along its length

Result of Lanyard too long

Running Linesecurely anchoredat each end

Limit of allowablework area

Restraint Lanyard

PlatformBarriers



Examples of un-inflated and inflated air bags (Courtesy Airtek Safety)

3. EQUIPMENT TO MINIMISE THE HEIGHT & CONSEQUENCES OF A FALL

If it is not possible to work from the ground or provide full edge protection, the height and consequences of a fallmust be minimised.

3.1 Collective Fall Arrest

In construction, the usual collective way of doing thisis to use an inflatable soft landing systems or safetynets. These can also be used to assist safe unloading.

NetsNets should be rigged close to the work area but theiruse may discourage slingers getting far enough awayfrom the load during lifting.

Air Bag SystemThe cost effectiveness of using these must beconsidered carefully against scaffold docks etc, as theytake some time to arrange and inflate as well as beingmore liable to damage and may impede access to thetrailer deck. Above: Typical Post & Netting System



Precautions & Restrictions on UseBecause energy is absorbed by slow extension of theline, this additional length combined with the heightof the person below the fixing point on the harnessmeans that harnesses will rarely be effective where anoperative is working at a height of under 2m,particularly where there is any chance of the personfalling in a pendulum motion when they are offsetfrom the overhead anchorage point.

If harnesses and lanyards are to be used, theslinger/signaler must be fully trained in pre-use checksand how to use the PFPE safely.

All operations requiring PFPE must be closelysupervised and monitored.

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4. PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

Personal Fall Protection Equipment Systems (Fall Arrest) are a Last ResortPFPE systems should only be used where it is not practicable to use one of the other methods of removing orreducing the risk of a fall as listed previously.

Fall arrest systems are designed to limit any fall distance and reduce the impact of that fall. Therefore when used forloading or unloading delivery vehicles, this system would normally be used in conjunction with an overhead beamor gantry to which the operative can attach their full body harness via an inertia reel or fall arrest lanyard.

Anchorage PointsThe anchorage must be checked and approved as having the capacity to support any anticipated dynamic load of afalling person. Safe access to the anchorage point must also be provided.

If the use of any inertia reel or fall arrest lanyard is planned, fixing points must be overhead and the effectiveness ofany PFPE system carefully calculated.

Above: Detachable post system with running line & restraint line



Rotating Arm SystemsA rotating arm gantry system incorporating an overhead anchor point can provide safe access for the slinger/signallerwhere they have to climb on top of the load.

The operative will be attached via a lanyard connected to a full body harness. The rotating arm allows the operativeto access all areas of the load bed while the safety line always remains vertically above their head.

Alsipercha fall arrest system

Examples of retractable and Mobile Steps

SAFE METHODS OF ACCESSINGDELIVERY VEHICLES

Where safe access cannot be provided from a levelworking platform, any means of vertical accessprovided to the vehicle load bed must be assessed andapproved as safe to use. In addition to the systemsdetailed on previous pages, the following methodsmay also be used to access the load bed of a vehicle.

Mobile Stair UnitsMobile stairs may be kept on site or at the facility andare positioned against the vehicle as required. Stepscan substantially reduce the risk of falls, sprain, strainand other injuries compared to the use of ladders.

Retractable StepsIntegrated retractable steps designed stow back intothe vehicle are becoming more common and providea practical means of access. These are most effectivewhen combined with an integrated advance guardrail system.



LaddersAny decision to use ladders instead of steps oralternative methods must be justified through riskassessment. All ladders must be of sound construction,tied or footed and the user must be able to maintainthree points of contact at any one time. The temptation to allow work from the top of a laddershould be resisted.

RampsRemovable ramps are ideal for loading/unloading vehicles or containers wherethe height difference is low and thegradient slight, as loading trolleys canthen be run directly to the load bed.

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ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE:

1. Avoiding Falls From Vehicles

Leaflet INDG395, HSE Books 03/04

ISBN 0 7176 2824 8

2. BS 8437:2005 Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems and equipment for use in the workplace

BSI 29th April 2005

ISBN 0 580 45817 2

3. Safe Unloading of Steel Stock

INDG313 HSE Books 04/01

ISBN 0 7176 1765 3

4. Workplace transport safety

INDG199 HSE Books 01/04

ISBN 0 7176 0935 9

5. Refer also to SMS Appendix 8A ‘the Schedule of Common Lifts’ for additional guidance on how to lift loads from delivery vehicles.



ACTION NOTES

Laing O’Rourke Plc

Bridge Place, Anchor Boulevard, Admirals Park, Crossways, Dartford, Kent DA2 6SN

tel: +44 (0)1322 296200 fax: +44 (0)1322 296262 e-mail: [email protected] web: www.laingorourke.com

©2007 Laing O’Rourke Plc Printed 08/07

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