Workplace Transport and Driving
Vehicles

Vehicles

Vehicle selection is vital - a vehicle must be suited for the actual conditions of use.

No amount of maintenance can make a conventional fork-lift truck suitable for operation on rough terrain. The extent and complexity of vehicle maintenance required for safety will depend on the type of vehicle and its conditions of use, but should generally be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Some potentially dangerous vehicle faults may not become apparent until they cause an accident. The responsible manager must therefore need a simple documented system for checking each workplace vehicle's mechanical condition at specified intervals of time, mileage or hours used, using manufacturer's instructions as a guide.

The responsible manager has to make sure that work equipment is in good working order. This includes workplace vehicles. Vehicles should be maintained so that they remain mechanically sound. Certain equipment, such as fork-lift trucks, tail lifts and lifting slings must be thoroughly examined by a competent person and a report kept.

Privately owned vehicles on a workplace site

The BBC does not have much control over private vehicles (such as employee's cars) brought into the workplace. Nevertheless, their use can be regulated by restricting the type of vehicle allowed onto the site, restricting their routes, providing clearly signed parking areas away from main routes and dangerous areas, enforcing speed limits, and requiring visiting drivers to report to the site office.

Make it clear to everyone that driving in the workplace calls for the same or a higher standard of care as on public roads.

Fork Lift Trucks

See the information in the Production Vehicle page.

Vehicles with Extendible Masts

Equipment in radio cars, including the mast and satellite kit, must only be operated by authorised personnel, i.e. trained in its use.

Training must be given to any staff member who is going to work on a different type of vehicle. However they will be expected to be familiar with the basic safety rules which are common to all radio cars. For further information see the Production Vehicle page.

Hydraulic Hoists

Because hydraulic hoists present certain hazards that require very careful control it is essential that all factors are thoroughly addressed & assessed. The hoist should only be hired from a company on the vetted list risk assessment must take into account all factors that may influence the safe use of a hydraulic hoist.

This assessment will obviously be based on the significant findings passed onto you by the hydraulic hoist contractor from their risk assessment, it should also deal with the interaction of the hoist with other activities, personnel, contractors etc.

To be suitable and sufficient, the contractor's risk assessment/lifting plan should meet your safety requirements and also be checked to ensure it identifies the following precautions:

use only on level, firm ground
jacks/stabilisers are deployed and secure
the operator is competent/trained; He should have his operators certificate with him for you to see
a safety harness will be worn at all times by those in the platform
The safe operating parameters of the platform will be observed (e.g. max. loading, max. working radius, etc.) allowing for the effects of the wind
consideration of the proximity of overhead obstructions e.g. overhead power lines, etc.

For further information see the information on Lifting Equipment.

Workplace Transport and Driving Vehicles

Workplace Transport and Driving
Vehicles