AGL 2024 - ToolBox Talks - Mobile Plant

Mobile Plant

Overview This talk will cover: the dangers associated with mobile plant and how they can be overcome.

The dangers

1 Certain items of plant, such as dumpers and forklift trucks, are particularly prone to overturning if used unsafely.
2 Groundwork activities account for the greatest number of accidents including mobile plant.
3 Many accidents are caused by plant being used unsafely by untrained, unauthorised operatives.
4 Many people are injured or killed by mobile plant that is reversing without the assistance of a signaller.
5 The very nature of some mobile plant means that the driver has only limited visibility from the driving position.

General precautions for drivers

1 Never be tempted to use mobile plant unless you have been properly trained, hold a CPCS card and have been authorised.
2 Operators of mobile plant should carry out daily pre-use checks of their vehicle and report any defects notices.
3 In most cases, it will be necessary for a signaller to assist the driver during reversing.
4 Ideally, sites will be planned so that the need to reverse is kept to a minimum; if so, do not reverse unnecessarily.
5 Obey site speed limits and one-way systems.
6 When parked, ensure the parking brake is on and the wheels are chocked if necessary. Runaway plant causes accidents.
7 If mobile plant is left where children might congregate after working hours, ensure it is immobilised and in a safe state.
8 Use stop-blocks were provided to prevent over-running.
9 Mobile plant should only be refuelled at designated refuelling points by operatives who have been trained to do so.
10 Don’t carry passengers, unless the plant is designed to do so.

General precautions for others
1 On some large sites, the route of mobile plant and private vehicles may cross; make sure you know who has priority.
2 Try to keep well away from operating mobile plant; on well organised sites, mobile plants and pedestrians are segregated.
3 It is your safety at risk from any item of mobile plant when you are doing your job, stop work and report to your supervisor..
4 Be aware of other hazards such as noise, you may need PPE such as ear defenders or plugs because of plant working near you.

REMEMBER MOBILE PLANT IS THERE TO HELP YOU, DON’T LET IT HARM YOU.

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Please report to your supervisor to discuss your concerns.