Leading Enfield-based construction equipment hire company Mr Plant Hire summarises (in a two part article) the guidance from the Health and Safety Executive, outlining the key questions users should be asking themselves before deciding on the right plant to hire.
Choosing the safest vehicle for the job is an essential part of effective vehicle management today. It is paramount that the vehicle selected is capable of performing its designated tasks safely. Good plant hire companies, like Mr Plant Hire, can help you make the right choice.
Four Key Specific Safety Checks
The Guidance recommends users particularly check:
- What the condition of the ground is?
Manufacturers’ specifications need to be considered when choosing vehicles for construction and civil engineering work. In particular, load and stability limits need to be taken into account when choosing vehicles for use on uneven and sloping ground.
If you are looking for lifting equipment hire in the Enfield area, Mr Plant Hire can advise on the best and safest for your job. Some vehicles, especially those involved in lifting operations (such as some lift trucks and telescopic handlers) require flat, compacted surfaces to operate safely. - Will the braking systems be effective in the job conditions?
Effective braking systems, including parking brakes, are essential for the safe use of vehicles. Parking brakes should be fitted on trailers over 0.75 t maximum gross capacity. Where parking brakes are not fitted, trailer wheels need to be chained or locked to prevent movement when the trailer is parked. Wheel chocks should be used to prevent unintended vehicle and trailer movements when parked on sloping ground. Trailers with maximum gross weights between 0.75 t and 3.5 t should have at least an overrun brake (ie an inertia brake), while trailers over 3.5 t should be fitted with braking systems linked to the towing unit. - Do you need extra protection against overturning?
Where the risk of vehicles overturning is significant extra protection may be required. For example if you are looking at dumper hire dumpers used on sloping ground should be fitted with roll-over protective structures (ROPS). And, where there is a significant risk of falling materials endangering the driver – for example, with excavators used in demolition work – vehicles should be fitted with falling- object protective structures (FOPS). - Is visibility adequate?
Adequate visibility for the driver is a key factor in the safe use of vehicles on site. Adequate visibility from the driving position is judged on the basis of risk. Visibility aids such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) and convex mirrors should be fitted to vehicles to overcome significant blind spots along the sides and at the rear of large vehicles, particularly where pedestrians are at risk.
Choose Mr Plant Hire for comprehensive safety advice
Whether you are looking at dumper hire, lifting equipment hire or other construction equipment hire across Enfield or the London area, Mr Plant Hire should be your first port of call.
The long-established Mr Plant Hire plc was founded in 1981 and has always been determined to ensure top quality plant, an excellent level of service and an unequivocal commitment to safety continuing as a top priority.
Members of the team are available to visit customers either at their offices or on site upon request, thus providing a personal service with the confidence of getting things right first time.
We pride ourselves on both pre-hire and post-hire service which we employ to ensure our customers’ full satisfaction throughout our partnership. Contact the Mr Plant Hire team now for safety advice on your next plant hire.
Click here to read part 1 – The Need for Checks
Source: www.hseni.gov.uk