Roadside repair
Protection of workers and members of the public from traffic risks on public roads is mostly a matter for road traffic law, which is enforced by the Police and other Agencies. However, existing health and safety legislation requires employers and self-employed persons to protect workers and safeguard others put at risk by their work activities. For example –
- safe systems of work should be devised to ensure the safety of workers and the occupants of vehicles being recovered/repaired
- vehicles and/or attachments e.g. winches, cranes etc. may be subject to health and safety legislation, particularly those parts not covered by MOT examinations
Essential precautions
Ensure that –
- all risks, particularly from other road users, have been properly assessed and safe systems for working at the roadside prepared
- vehicles and equipment of an appropriate standard are provided and maintained
- appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) e.g. high visibility/weatherproof clothing; footwear; gloves, is provided and used
- employees have been adequately trained by a competent trainer to work safely at the roadside and to advise the occupants of casualty vehicles on the precautions they should be taking.
Repair or recovery of buses and coaches fitted with air suspension
For many years, passenger service vehicles (PSVs) have been fitted with rubber bellows (also known as airbags) supplied with air from the vehicle's air compressor. These allow the height to be varied to suit certain needs, for example lowering the step for improved access.
Vehicle ground clearance can suddenly and unexpectedly change due to a drop in air pressure. This presents crushing and trapping hazards to technicians recovering or repairing vehicles, especially if working beneath them.
In addition, recovery of casualty PSVs can be made more difficult because of reduced ground clearance. Comprehensive guidance is available in the free HSE publication PM 85 Safe recovery (and repair) of buses and coaches fitted with air suspension
Automotive glazing
Repair and replacement of glazing is extremely common and often carried out away from the company premises so instruction and training are key factors to safe working.
Particular hazards include:
- cuts from broken glass or cutting tools. Long knives are responsible for numerous serious accidents – use a safer alternative;
- manual handling injuries (commercial vehicle and public service vehicle glazing can weigh up to 100 kg, and access to the windscreen area of the vehicle can be difficult);
- working at height;
- contact with hazardous chemicals (e.g. sealants);
- environmental hazards (working at the roadside, adverse weather etc).
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