LOAD SAFETY POLICY

During an average year there are around 2,000 prohibitions issued for unsafe loads. The maximum fine is £5,000. So, as well as the obvious safety implications, it pays to make sure you’ve got it right – An unsafe loading/unloading offence carries 3 penalty points and a licence endorsement for you. The court may also give you an unlimited fine

As with all RJC Lowloaders Policy’s load safety is critical in the safe and efficient running of the operation. It’s vital to make sure you secure the load on your vehicle correctly as not to endanger other road users, yourself, not to cause damage to the load. Most shed loads are preventable: make sure you know how to handle your vehicle correctly and safely, and that the load is properly secured.

Before leaving the yard it is your responsibility to make sure that you have the correct vehicle and trailer for the load and that you have the right and serviceable securing equipment. If it is faulty get it replaced! If you are the driver but did not witness the vehicle being loaded / unloaded then you should check that the load is in a safe condition before you commence / continue your journey

Different loads will need to be positioned and secured in different ways. As a general rule, the weight of the load should be distributed evenly over the axles to increase stability of load, with the centre of gravity of the load kept as low as possible.

You’ll need to think about

• What the load is, its weight, height, shape and volume
• Whether the vehicle is suitable for carrying the load
• How stable the load is
• What type of restraint to use
• The payload of your vehicle (Payload is the maximum load your vehicle can

  carry)

• The maximum permitted gross axle weight (You’ll need to calculate the gross

  axle weights so you can make sure your vehicle isn’t being overloaded).

• Protecting the load from the weather, theft and damage

  If you’re new to driving a particular type of vehicle, ask the Office for information and training to help you operate it safely.

  Make sure you use a suitable device to secure the load on your vehicle and that you attach it to the correct anchoring points

  The load restraint system must be strong enough to withstand a force of

ENGINE IDLING POLICY

Except for exemption 4, if in the above exemption cases equipment can be run from the battery alone i.e., tail lifts, drivers must refrain from idling unless there is a significant concern of draining the battery.

Vehicles Tyres and Fuel Policy Statement

Vehicle tyres and fuel usage are monitored by the business, by the Transport Manager. In accordance with your LGV Drivers handbook you must notify the Transport office should you require a tyre to be replaced or repaired who will speak to the workshop. This is important as it creates a traceable log of tyre usage which we use as part of our fleet operation responsibilities.

Routine replacement of tyres and tyre condition is monitored through the 6 weekly PMI checks with documentation retained by the Maintenance office.

Fuel usage is also important to the business as we monitor the amount of natural resource used by the company to keep the fleet operational.

You must disclose the vehicle mileage when filling up.

The amount of fuel used is monitored by the Transport Manager and excessive fuel usage or uncharacteristically low MPG readings shall be followed up with you in person.

This Policy will form part of the company induction with copies being given to every member of staff during the induction.

IN-VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY POLICY

RJC Low Loaders Ltd is committed to reducing the risks that our staff face and create when using in-vehicle technology whilst driving at work. Staff using in-vehicle technology for work must ensure that they always use it safely.

Examples of in vehicle technology include – Televisions, (ACC) Adaptive cruise control, (BLIS) Blind Sport Information System, Driver Fatigue Monitoring Systems, Reversing and parking aids, Adaptive Front Lighting systems, Satellite Navigation systems, Speed warning systems & speed limiters and Electronic Braking and Stability systems etc

Persistent failure to comply with the policy will be regarded as a serious disciplinary matter.

Drivers must ensure:

• ❖  Ensure they do not use in-vehicle technology inappropriately, (e.g. entering datawhile the vehicle us moving)
• ❖  Read the instruction manual to understand how the system works
• ❖  Report any problems about using the equipment to their line manager
• ❖  Report road safety problems, including crashes, incidents, fixed penalty notices,summons and convictions for any offence, including vehicle defects, to their linemanager.
• ❖  Present their driving licence for inspection regularly and on request
• ❖  Co-operate with monitoring, reporting and investigation proceduresManagers must ensure:

• ❖  Lead by personal example
• ❖  That any technology provided is provided is suitable for the needs of staff
• ❖  Staff understand their responsibilities about in-vehicle technology
• ❖  Staff receive appropriate training and advice periodically to ensure they can use in-vehicle technology safely
• ❖  Regular visual inspections are conducted of nomadic technology to ensure that theyare located and can safely be used by the driver
• ❖  Work related road safety is included in team meetings and staff appraisals andperiodic checks are conducted to ensure our vehicle policies are adhered too.
• ❖  They follow the monitoring, reporting and investigation procedures to help lessonswhich could help improve our future road safety performance
• ❖  They challenge unsafe attitudes and behaviours and encourage staff to take care oftheir vehicles
  We have identified that of all the technology that falls within scope, mobile phones and satellite navigation equipment is of particular risk. To help address this, we have produced separate policies for these equipment types.

ACCESS TO VEHICLE POLICY

RJC Low Loaders Ltd has established an Access to Vehicle Policy to minimise the risk of trips, slips of falls when accessing/egressing vehicles, under the requirements of The Working at Height Regulations 2005.

Access will be needed to the cab, trailer, catwalk and fifth wheel during normal operations such as loading/unloading and for maintenance/cleaning.

RJC Low Loaders Ltd is committed to sourcing vehicles from approved manufacturers which meet the required safety standards & guidelines.

Steps should:

• Be at a suitable height and spacing.
• Allow the foot to sit fully on the step.
• Of suitable strength and free of damage
• Be fitted with anti-slip if the risk assessment identifies that this would be appropriate.Handholds should:

• Be at a suitable height and spacing.
• Be suitable for use with a gloved hand.
• Be of a suitable strength, secure and free of damage.
• Be anti-slip if the risk assessment identifies that this would be appropriate.Access and Egress from vehicles:

• All staff should follow the Safety System of Work RJC/SMS/SS01
• Additional care should be taken in poor weather conditions – rain, wind etc.
• Adequate P.P.E should be used – nonslip safety footwear and hi visibility jacket – dryboots if necessary.
• Ground should be clear from obstructions when egressing vehicles.
• Steps and handholds/handrails to always be used.
• No jumping onto or from vehicle
• Check for pedestrians when opening doors.Revision
  The Vehicle Access Policy will be amended and brought up to date as necessary following improvement opportunities identified through implementation of the principals outlined above, changes to legislation and changes to scope, scale, and nature of our operation. Any corrective and/or improvement measures will be implemented as soon as is reasonably practicable based upon the element of risk, timescale and cost involved.

CARRYING OF PASSENGERS POLICY & PROCEDURE

RJC Lowloaders Ltd is committed to driver and passenger safety. It is our policy that for safety and insurance reasons, under no circumstances are drivers permitted to allow unauthorised passengers in any vehicles owned or operated by RJC Lowloaders.

A driver must gain authorisation for the carrying of passengers (this includes customers hitching a lift) this is to be obtained from RJC Transport Office unless the passenger is employed by RJC and on official RJC business.

Company Vehicle Health & Safety Policy Statement

This policy covers any employee whose normal place of work is considered to be their company car or other vehicle such as HGV/LGV/PSV. It is supported by current legislation and HSE guidance INDG 382. All vehicle owners and drivers (whether leased/provided by RJC or owned outright by an employee) will be issued with a copy of this statement and are responsible for becoming familiar with its contents. It applies to all direct employees, sub contractors or contracted staff.

RJC will ensure the competence of drivers, and their capability to undertake their work safely, whilst not endangering any other person in the car, or likely to be affected by its use, movement, parking or presence. To this end, RJC will:

• Provide (or ensure the undertaking of) adequate Training where required by law, risk assessment or circumstance.
• Ensure the Fitness and health of drivers so as not to put themselves or others at risk.
• Ensure that all vehicles are suitable for purpose.
• Provide only vehicles which are maintained in a safe and fit condition.
• Provide safety equipment, and ensure it is properly fitted and maintained.
• Provide access to Safety critical information that will help them reduce risks.
• Never knowingly put the health of the driver at risk
• Ensure that all routes are planned thoroughly:
• Allow sufficient time to complete journeys safely
• Take consideration of risk from fatigue and the impact of weather conditions

  Should any employee receive points, or be prosecuted for any driving related offence, it is their responsibility to provide such details to the HR Manager at the earliest opportunity. Copies your driving licence will be required every six months for this to be checked, and the terms of the company insurance scheme to remain valid.

  All employees will be made aware, through the briefing process, of the need to inform their supervisor or manager if they are taking any prescribed or over the counter medication that could affect their ability to drive safely and responsibly. Advice on prescribed or over the counter medication can be sought through any of the approved medical establishments used by RJC for medical examinations or Drug and Alcohol testing.

  RJC aim to eliminate any foreseeable hazards, which may affect the working environment or result in personal injuries or illnesses. Safety objectives will be set (as part of the company targets, policies and objectives) for regular review to satisfy this aim.