GC2 Element2 Answers

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End of Lesson:- Movement of People & Vehicles - Answers

A1 The following factors are at the forefront of the management of (fork)-lift truck
operation:
 select suitable staff: they need to be at least 17 years old (other
requirements apply in industry-specific regulations), medically fit and with
the right disposition
identify vehicles: different types of lift truck and attachments will require
additional training
identify work: the workplace environment, materials to be handled and work
activities will impose additional training requirements
identify training needs: by matching the individuals selected with the type of
vehicle, work activity and workplace environment, a training programme can be
developed in accordance with the Approved Code of Practice
(Remember that experienced operators may require conversion training.)
provide training:
» either in-house or via a training centre
» ensure instructors are competent and adequate facilities are available
» training should cover: basic training, specific job training and familiarisation
keep records: record the training undertaken by individual operators and
certification awarded along with continuous assessment and test results
authorisation: provide written authorisation to those allowed to operate lift trucks.
monitor performance:
» keep an eye on operating procedures etc
refresher training: provide as and when necessary
health surveillance: provide routine medical checks for lift truck operators,
particularly for those in middle age and above

A2 Design and layout of vehicle traffic routes, checklist of key points:


 ensure roadways are wide enough for the largest vehicle likely to use
them.
take account of the maximum number of vehicles and pedestrians entering or
leaving the premises at the beginning and end of each shift.
design road systems to provide minimum travel distances between places where
vehicles have to visit.
where possible eliminate the need for vehicles to reverse by, for example, the
introduction of one-way traffic systems.
where possible eliminate sharp bends and blind corners; where this is not
possible provide suitable warning signs and mirrors
keep road junctions and rail crossings to a minimum
ensure entrances and gangways are wide enough to provide sufficient space to
accommodate vehicles stopped for checking from causing obstructions
ensure there are clear direction signs and identification markings on doors and
buildings to help avoid driver error and unnecessary traffic movement
A3 Pedestrian routes need to be kept clear and unobstructed. The following key
points, outlined in the free HSE Publication Officewise (INDG 173), are worth
stressing with regard to pedestrian traffic routes:
 do not allow trailing leads to create tripping hazards
do clear up spillages quickly
do replace or repair torn floor coverings etc
do provide handrails on stairways and ensure stairs are well lit
do not block passageways or corridors
Obviously, the above precautions refer to ‘in the office’; management must also
ensure that risk assessments also extend to encompass:
pedestrian routes into and out of the building: do doors ‘suddenly’ open on to
pavements, or on to vehicle routes
car parking arrangements, and so on

A4 General Requirements concerning the conditions of floors and traffic routes:


 sound construction
sufficient strength and stability to meet the required demands
surfaces should be even and free of faults
special attention must be paid to surfaces which are liable to become slippery, for
example in a machine shop with its oils and lubricants; in such an environment,
floors should be non-slip and every effort should be made to contain the
inevitable spills by mounting the machines in ‘trays’ and carefully designing the
system of pipes and valves by which the machines can be drained of coolant oils
and other fluids
when any spills or a leakages do occur, they should be cleaned up immediately
floors and traffic routes which are open to the elements should have ‘non-skating
rink’ surfaces which may need to be gritted in spells of freezing weather

A5 People and vehicles, requirements of The Workplace Regulations:


 separation of pedestrians and vehicles
careful design of crossing places
signposting and the use of floor markings to indicate routes to be followed by
internal vehicles
‘restraining’ barriers at sites where pedestrian routes suddenly emerge onto
vehicle routes
doors and gates
» use of transparent viewing panels
» safety features with power-operated doors
» safe use of upward opening doors

consideration to be given to disabled people


suitability of routes used by vehicles
signposting of restrictions (headroom, presence of pedestrians, slopes, blind
bends and so on)
shielding and marking of dangerous obstructions such as overhead electrical
cables or pipe work
 protection of pillars and pipe work from impact by vehicles (fork-lift trucks
are very heavy the author once saw such a truck drive into a set of
storage racking at a snail’s pace, but still causing an amazing amount of
damage).

A6 During vehicle maintenance, special attention needs to be followed for the


following checks:
 Brakes.
 Steering.
 Tyres.
 Exhaust system.

A7 The daily checks to be carried out by the driver, before driving the vehicle
would include:
 Fluid levels.
 Horn.
 Lights.
 Tyres.
 Mirrors.

A8 Items to aid driver protection include:


 Air bags.
 Seat belts.
 Anti-roll bars.
 Hard hats (for open cab, such as dumper truck).
 Fall arrest system. (Worn on MEWPS).

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