DUMPTRUCK DRIVERS

DUMPTRUCK DRIVERS

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Every year the operation of plant in quarries leads to fatal accidents, alll of which were preventable. Official figures show that 125 of the 210 deaths in quarries were caused by vehicles. Dumptrucks are the largest hazard in most quarries, ready to catch out the unaware.

HAZARDS

• Poor direct all round visibility from the driving position of most dumptrucks
• Changing road conditions due to warther and dust suppression activities
• Large changes in level next to working zones e/g haul roads and tipping areas
• Falls of materials from both ground and from other vehicles

HEALTH AND SAFETY POINTS

• You must not operate and dumptruck unless you have been authroized in writing, which will include the type of dumptruck you can operate
• Only dirve at a speed that is appropriate for the prevailing conditions, running surfaces can change character dramatically with the addition of water either naturally or from dust suppression activities and gradients and crossfalls or cambers can effect vehicle handling
• Drivers are responsible for the safe condition and operation of their vehicles, so before moving off check
• The dumptruck for any damage, that the tyres are not damaged or under inflated, that the windows and mirrors are clean, that the lights and indicators and cameras are clean
• Once in the cab check that all the controls feel right before and after starting the engine, check that the rear-view system is working, that all the electrical equipment is working (wipers, reverse bleepers, lights etc.), that all the mirrors are adjusted for you driving position. Be fore moving off make sure that there are no pedestrians near you vehicles and use your horn as a warning
• As soon as you move of check that the brakes work and that the steering feels "right".
• If diring your shift faults develop get them seen to or make a note if they are minor and tell your supervisor
• Remember your own safety, wear the seatbelt provided, no matter how uncomfortable, it might save you life, use ear muffs to protect your hearing and remember you hi-vis and safety helment when you get out of the cab
• Always remain in your cab whilst being loaded and in loading area
• Drive on the maintained roads whenever possible, in dry conditions follow the route laid down by the dust suppression plant
• Always consider smaller plant when driving (forward or reverse) they will have little chance in an accident
• Give way to loaded vehicles, particularly on gradients
• If you notice that edge protection to a drop is missing then tell your supervisor or tip some material to protect others
• When carrying a load drive so that you do not promote spillage, which can be a serious danger to pedestrians, take care on corners and on steep ramps
• Look out for falls of materials and avoid driving over them, tell your supervisor as falls can have more serious implications
• Once you have finished work follow the correct shut down procedure for the vehicle you are operating
• Make sure you park your vehicle correctly, remember service personnel or fitters may need access; do not park where your vehicle may cause an obstruction
• Your vehicle should be left in a safe condition with respect to trespassers and other unauthorized personnel
• Before driving any vehicle on a quarry you must make yourself familiar with the "Quarry Managers Transport Rules" and the general site rules

QUSTIONS

• What speed is it safe to drive at?
• What is provided for driver safety?
• What is the most important check before moving off?

SAFETY REMINDER

If you are in any doubt as to the safety of the dumptruck then do not use it until it has been checked and the faults put right - its you repsonsibility! Always dirve with regard to the prevailing conditions - its you responsibility