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It is the intention of the Company to ensure that all ride-on operated plant is supplied in a safe and serviceable condition together with all necessary certification (where required) to the place of work for which it is intended and only operated by trained and competent personnel. The majority of plant supplied to site is provided by Coinford Plant Ltd, however, on limited occasions, the plant may be supplied through other plant hire companies. In all cases, the operation of plant must conform to these procedures.
It is a legal requirement and the Company Policy that all operators have received appropriate training and have a valid and recognised CPCS/NPORS card that allows them to operate the item of plant for which they have been nominated. All operator cards are to be checked by the Supervisor or Manager. If the operator has not got his card with him, then a copy can be emailed from the head office.
It is important to note that all certification must be verified prior to any individual being allowed to operate any item of plant and records must be made in the Plant Operator section of the Site induction.
In the same register, the site management team nominates the operatives allowed to use a specific plant, and in case of more than one operative operating the same plant, one is nominated and the others are appointed.
The differences between the duties of the nominated operatives and the appointed ones are:
The nominated plant operators will carry out their daily inspections and pre-use checks and will make records of the weekly inspections in PUWER, or LOLER when the plant is use for lifting operations.
The appointed person will only carry out the daily and pre-use checks.
Both operators, nominated and appointed, must comply with the procedures for operating plant.
Upon arrival on site, all plant is to be checked for defects and damage. The delivery note is to be checked and signed detailing any damage or defect, this is especially important if the plant has been directly transferred from another site. If the plant is to be used for lifting, then the lifting certificate must accompany the delivery note.
The operator must check that the following are in an efficient working order every day and record the findings on the Daily pre-use checklist;
Lights
Horn
Windscreen Wipers (If provided)
Brakes & handbrake function.
Steering (Either by a wheel or use of levers)
Quick Hitch (Safety pin, lynch pins, leaks, bucket retaining pins etc)
Any Safety features provided that are operational (Safety cut out/warning devices etc)
Seatbelts
Flashing warning beacons
Condition and pressure of tyres
All fluid levels should be checked
Check the function of all controls prior to operation
In the interests of safety, check that the equipment is in a tidy condition and free from rags, tins of oil etc to prevent any possibility of fire.
Machinery must be kept in a serviceable condition
All accessories must only be used in the manner that they have been designed for.
All accessories/attachments must be attached to, or removed from, the equipment in the correct manner as laid out and described in the manufactures literature. If in any doubt ask for assistance from a competent person.
All accessories should be visually inspected before use for serviceability. If in doubt do not use. Request an inspection by the Lifting Accessory Inspector.
Broken/damaged unserviceable accessories are not to be used. Request repair from the plant division.
Banksman: Where necessary a Banksman should be employed to ensure the risk of an incident occurring is reduced to a minimum. Before starting any work an understanding of any signals to be used either verbal or hand is clearly understood by both the Banksman and the Operator.
Reversing Machinery: Mirrors should be fitted and maintained to ensure good all round visibility. It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that a clear route is available before reversing. Where CCTV cameras are fitted they must be in good order and operational.
Working Areas: The operator is to ensure that a clear area is maintained in the operating area of the machine, if this cannot be achieved then a groundworker must be in attendance to maintain the clear area for the machine and to ensure that any interface with pedestrians is controlled and supervised.
Lifting: When an excavator is to be used as a crane it will follow and fully comply with the requirements detailed in The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and the site’s Lifting Plan.
The Machine Operator: The operator should hold the correct certification for the machine he is operating.
Bucket Changing: All buckets must be changed in a designated ‘Bucket changing area’. This area must be set away from the working area, therefore reducing the risk of an incorrectly fitted bucket detaching and striking an operative. These areas must be enclosed on 3 sides with signage displayed. All buckets are to be fitted using the correct pins and following the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions contained within the machine cab. This is to include the use of safety pins for all quick hitches, semi-automatic or manual, fully automatic hitches do not require a safety pin. All excavators should be fitted with a visible sign on the boom and a semi-transparent sign in the cab denoting the type of quick hitch fitted. When a bucket has been changed, the security of the attachment should be checked, this can normally be done by the operator, using the controls to shake the bucket. This must only be carried out while there are no operatives in the vicinity.
Approaching the operator. If any operative needs to approach the excavator operator or pass the working area, the operative must clearly signal the operator. Only when the operative receives a clear signal back from the excavator operator he has seen his signal, can the operative approach or pass the excavator. NO PERSON MUST ENTER THE SLEW RADIUS UNLESS A SIGNAL HAS BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE OPERATOR IT IS OK TO DO SO.
Dumpers will be fitted with a flashing green beacon that flashes when the operator has engaged his seatbelt. This enables a quick and easy visual check that the operator has engaged his seatbelt.
If replacement sticker’s paint or pins are required, contact the plant yard immediately.
Training: Coinford Plant will provide quick hitch training to all sites and regular drivers and provide certification that will be held on the system. Should any agency or new starter drivers arrive on site, they should receive a toolbox talk briefing on the safe procedures until such time as full training can be arranged.
All machines are to have the security shutters attached to the machine at the end of the working day.
Track locks are to be fitted to smaller machinery at the end of the working day
It is a requirement of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations that mobile plant is isolated when not in use. All drivers will ensure that the keys are removed from mobile plant when left unattended, even for short period of time to prevent unauthorised use.
Operator: The operator must ensure that he reads, understands, and fully complies with these procedures.
Managers/Supervisors: Responsible for ensuring the operators conform to the procedures. He must obtain proof of competency by means of CPCS card.
These general procedures apply for all plant (excavator, dumpers, telehandlers and rollers) and are as follow:
The operators must be in possession of a certificate of competence to operate the plant, CPCS/NPORS card.
The operators must be in possession of a DVLA licence for operating plant on the public highways (record of the DVLA licence number must be made in the Site Records folder section 5).
The seatbelts must be worn at all times when operating the plant. A green flashing beacon will indicate the seatbelt is being worn on dumpers.
When the plant is not in use it must be switched off and the keys must be removed from the ignition.
The nominated drivers/operators and the authorised drivers/operators, must carry out the daily pre-use checks before operating the plant.
The nominated drivers/operators must carry out the weekly inspections and they must record them in the appropriate registers (LOLER for lifting plant and PUWER for other plant not covered by LOLER).
No passengers are allowed to be transported on any of the above plant at any time.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015
Approved Code of Practice BS 7121 Pt 1
An excavator may be used as a crane providing it meets certain criteria as listed below;
The machine is fitted with a recognised lifting point, either a hook or a lifting eye welded to the arm that has been tested & inspected and has an in-date certificate.
The safe working load must be clearly marked on the machine, or a copy of the machines safe working load and radii tables must be held in the machine, for the operator or Slinger Signaller to refer to.
If a machine has a safe working load of greater than 1-tonne then the machine must have check valves fitted and either an acoustic or visual warning device.
Any lifting accessories should be attached to the machine at the purpose made point i.e. the hook or the lifting eye, and must never be hooked over the teeth of the bucket.
Prior to any lift a trial lift should be carried out to ensure that all devices are working correctly and are not likely to fail during the lift.
The machine should have had a thorough examination within the last 12 months and any accessory for lifting must have been examined within the last six months.
When using a 360-degree excavator as a crane both the operator and the Slinger Signaller should:
Ensure that a clear route of travel both for the load and the machine is maintained
Any accessories that are to be used in the lifting operation (chains, shackles, nylon web slings, concrete ring lift pins) should hold a current 6 monthly thorough examination certificate
Any other accessories that the excavator may use as a means of lifting or moving materials (Concrete skip, Muck skip, Block grab, Kerb lifter, Vacuum lifter) should also hold an in date 6 monthly certificate prior to use.
Along with the requirements of above an Excavator lift plan document needs to be produced for all lifting operations being completed by the excavator. This needs to be briefed to all parties involved in the lifting operation.
A weekly inspection of the machine must also be carried by the Operator and a record made of the inspection in the LOLER Register HSF 801. The criteria for a visual inspection are detailed below and should be used as a minimum guide.
Details of any damage to the windows/glass area, cleanliness for visibility.
Wipers are in working order
Check for hydraulic creep in the rams.
Inspect the structure for damage, pipes for wear, bulges, unusual rubbing that could lead to further damage, cracked welds, loose bolts and fasteners.
If a lifting hook is fitted check that the safety gate is fitted and that it is good working order.
Check for regular maintenance/servicing intervals and ensure that it is carried out.
Enter the results in the LOLER Register HSF 801 in the site office and ensure that any defects/damages are also reported to the Project Manager or Foreman. Once any repairs have been carried out, the Fitter must sign of the appropriate entry in the register.
Any telehandler/forklift that is to be used on site must have of a valid 12 monthly thorough examination certificate that should state the safe working load of the machine.
The telehandler/forklift is to be fitted with the minimum of a roll over protection structure if not already incorporated in the cab structure.
The telehandler/forklift should be checked to ensure that regular maintenance and servicing is being carried out.
The operator should have good all round vision from the operator’s seat; this is to take into account the condition and serviceability of the mirrors, glass and the wipers that are fitted.
It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that the windows are kept clean and that the cab area is kept tidy so that nothing can impair the use of any foot or hand controls. The keys must be removed from the machine when not in use.
A weekly check should be carried out of the following:
Tyres, check for damage, tread and walls
Wheels, check for security, and damage
Horn, does it work
Drivers seat, and belt, check for security, and damage
Controls, signage, repair, condition
Handbrake, does it work
Leaks, fuel and oil
Pins and locking nuts for security
Forks, condition and wear
Mirrors should be fitted, maintained and serviceable to maintain all round visibility as this is legislative under PUWER.
Ensure that the telehandler/forklift is serviced and maintained at the correct intervals.
Enter the weekly check results in the LOLER Register HSF 801 in the site office and ensure that any defects/damages are also reported to the Manager or Foreman. Once any repairs have been carried out, the Fitter must sign of the appropriate entry in the register.
When operating Dumpers, the operator should note the following;
Do not remain in the operator’s seat whilst the Dumper is being loaded. Dismount the dumper and move away from the slew radius. Dumper operator is only to return to the dumper when signalled by the 360 operator they have finished loading.
The Dumper must be switched off if being left unattended and the keys removed
The dumper must not be overloaded
In no circumstance should a dumper be used for carrying passengers
Seatbelts are to be worn at all times whilst the dumper is in motion
Weekly checks should be carried out to include:
Visual inspection ensuring that all pins and securing bolts are in place.
Check for leaks, oil, fuel and hydraulic
Brakes both hand and foot
Lights if fitted including the amber (and green where fitted) flashing light
Seat and seat belt for security
Tyres, check for damage, tread and walls
Wheels, check for security, and damage
A rollover protection system is fitted and checked for security. The Roll Bar may only be lowered or removed prior to an area with restricted headroom, and only if the ground conditions are firm and level. The Roll Bar must be immediately raised once the restricted area is cleared.
Record the findings in the PUWER Register HSF 802, and ensure either the Manager or the Foreman is informed of any defects or damages. The dumper should have regular maintenance and servicing carried out to help minimise the need for repairs
When operating Rollers, the operator should note the following;
The roller must be switched off, if being left unattended and the keys removed
In no circumstance should a roller be used for carrying passengers.
Seatbelts are to be worn at all times whilst the dumper is in motion
The operator should know and understand the capabilities of the roller.
Weekly visual checks should be carried out
Visual inspection ensuring that all pins and securing bolts are in place.
Check for leaks, oil, fuel and hydraulic
Lights if fitted including the amber flashing light
Seat and seat belt for security
A rollover protection system is fitted and checked for security. The Roll Bar may only be lowered or removed prior to an area with restricted headroom, and only if the ground conditions are firm and level. The Roll Bar must be immediately raised once the restricted area is cleared.
Record the findings in the PUWER Register HSF 802, and ensure either the Manager or the Foreman is informed of any defects or damages. The roller should have regular maintenance and servicing carried out to help minimise the need for repairs
Only operators who have carried out IPAF training and hold valid certification should operate this machinery. The correct category must be held for the type of MEWP being operated.
The operator should know and understand the capabilities of the MEWP. Operators should not be permitted to work outside of the safety platform, or to climb from the platform onto the structure on which they are working.
Weekly visual checks should be carried out
Visual inspection ensuring that all pins and securing bolts are in place.
Check for leaks, oil, fuel and hydraulic
Condition of tyres
Operation of stabilizers (if fitted)
Cradle security and condition of handrails
Isolation and interlock switches are operational
The operator has is in possession of and uses a work restraint harness and a static lanyard
Record the findings in the PUWER Register HSF 802, and ensure either the Manager or the Foreman is informed of any defects or damages. The roller should have regular maintenance and servicing carried out to help minimise the need for repairs
If mobile cranes are used on site it is imperative the ground conditions are sufficient to support the distributed load from the cranes outriggers. Well compacted fill material with a geotextile membrane may be required if the ground is unstable. A TW design will need to detail the exact depth and type of material to be used, subject to plate bearing test results. These details will need to be entered in the temporary works register. A crane of any description is only as good as the ground it is set up to work on. Check that there are no soft spots, voids or recently backfilled areas which are not adequately compacted and may cause the crane to collapse or overturn.
Segregation around the crane set up position must be established to segregate site personnel from pinch points.
Every lift should be planned and carried out by experienced personnel who are trained and competent. If our contractors do not have the experience and training to arrange crane lifts then contract lift should be arranged. If the site teams require a mobile crane then a company Appointed Person (Lifting Operations) should be contacted. See AP 21 for further guidance on lifting operations.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, has a specific requirement to ensure that traffic is managed effectively on site. Dangers are inherent where vehicles and pedestrians move about in the same limited space at the same time.
Sites should be organised in such a way to ensure as is reasonably practicable, that pedestrians and vehicles can move safely without risk to health and safety.
The project management team is responsible for implementation of this procedure.
The Contracts Manager is responsible for monitoring compliance with this procedure.
Completed by principal contractor. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic should be segregated where practicable from the site compound to each contractors working areas. As an ideal requirement, the pedestrian access to the site entrance must be segregated from the vehicular access. Measures to achieve this may include barriers, guard-rails, crowd barriers or bunting.
Visitors to site must be separated from normal site traffic, signs indicating visitors parking and the route to the office must be posted. Doors or gates for pedestrian use, which lead onto a traffic route, should be separated to ensure a place of safety is provided to view any oncoming vehicles.
On larger sites with defined haul roads the traffic route must be identified by suitable signage. Additional signs are required where segregation of traffic routes is not possible; these signs should highlight the hazards being approached.
These signs could include:
Vehicular:
Speed limits;
Road narrows;
Pedestrian crossing point ahead;
Reversing vehicles must have a Banksman;
Pedestrian:
Vehicles crossing ahead;
Vehicle emerging from the left.
Reversing vehicles cause about 25% of all fatalities from accidents involving vehicles being used at work. The majority occurs at relatively slow speed and can be prevented by taking simple precautions. All vehicles and mobile plant in use on construction sites should be fitted with an audible warning device when reversing even if fitted with closed circuit television (CCTV).
Mirrors should also be fitted and maintained to ensure all round visibility on plant such as forklifts and telehandlers. This is a legislative requirement under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.
As part of the site planning process establishing a one-way system to prevent vehicles reversing is the priority and must be achieved wherever possible.
When planning the use of vehicles on site the project management team will consider:
Avoiding the need for reversing by better design of the workplace;
What vehicle manoeuvres will be necessary;
What systems can be put in place to avoid the need to reverse;
What instructions are required for drivers on site;
If reversing cannot be avoided, what controls are in place (e.g. as a minimum, the use of a Banksman will be required).
Steps must be taken to ensure the safety of persons where the loading / unloading of vehicles involves work at height or where loads have the potential to become unstable. In addition it may be appropriate to provide additional measures (e.g. access gantry or truck mat system) in support of the arrangements; however this will be determined on a project level taking into account specific circumstance.
Vehicles need to be fitted with guard rails compliant with the Working at height regulations, i.e top and intermediate rails with no gap larger then 470mm. Where this is not possible Alsiphercha fall arrest or ‘zip’wire can be used to prevent falls from the vehicle.
Whilst standing on the trailer of a delivery vehicle, the operative must always maintain at least one foot in direct contact with the trailer bed. This ensures the operative does not place themselves above the height of the edge protection, and therefore at risk of falling over the top of the protection. At any time this cannot be achieved, then the operative must be connected to a fall arrest system.
When acting as Principal Contractor the Project Management Team must ensure a safe system of work is detailed within Contractors Risk Assessment and Method Statements supporting their activities and adequately addresses these issues.
Where possible have segregated pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes. If not, adequate warning must be in place. Ensure there are suitable pedestrian crossing points on vehicle routes. Consider introducing a one-way traffic system to reduce the risk of collisions.
Check that vehicle traffic routes are suitable for the types and quantity of vehicles that use them. Ensure they are wide enough and that floor and road surfaces are kept in good condition. Remove obstructions where possible, otherwise, make sure they are clearly visible. Avoid including sharp bends in road layouts. Provide suitable fixed mirrors at blind corners.
Check that suitable safety features are provided. Direction, speed limit and priority signs may be needed. Determine whether physical speed restrictions such as speed bumps are necessary. Edges of loading bays, pits etc., must be clearly marked and fixed with a barrier is possible.
Ensure that vehicles are maintained appropriately. Preventative maintenance programmes are required. Drivers should carry our basic safety checks before using vehicle e.g. pre-shift check of brakes and lights.
If ramps have to be used for loading spoil or for site deliveries in basement areas ensure that adequate controls are in place to take account of weather conditions. Vehicle movements can cause excessive dust in summer conditions. In winter time vehicles may have difficulty negotiating a ramp. Review the risk assessment to ensure any new hazards are identified.
Check that selection and training procedures ensure that drivers are capable of working safely. Drivers should be competent to operate their vehicles and carry out daily maintenance. Drivers should be medically fit, with good mobility, hearing and vision. Only people who have been selected, trained and authorised to do so must be allowed to drive vehicles.
Check that lighting and visibility provide safe passage through the work site (both inside and outside). Potential hazards e.g. road junctions, pedestrians and obstructions must be clearly visible. High visibility clothing may be needed for drivers and/or pedestrians if they cannot be segregated adequately.
Ensure speed limits are not exceeded, position controls (e.g. speed humps) at site entrances to ensure vehicles do not approach the site too fast.
Ensure that a safe and suitable vehicle is being used. Vehicles should be purchased with appropriate safety features and comply with required standards. There must be safe means of access to and exit from the vehicle. The driver may need protection against overturning or being hit by falling objects. Consider using audible warning devices e.g. reversing Lorries to increase awareness. Flashing beacons are mandatory on all ‘Ride-On Plant’ when operating on Company projects. If tipping is required into excavations ensure that a stop log of adequate size is in place to prevent the vehicle or plant overrunning into the excavation. When operating vehicles and plant close to any water’s edge adequate earth bunds or substantial barriers must be provided to prevent vehicles sliding into the water.
