Zone control is an important part of safety in many industrial settings. References to zone control for the purposes of this article refer to loading and unloading of materials in zones which can be dangerous. Machinery in these zones can seriously hurt people leading to injuries and possibly death if they are in the way of vehicles with heavy loads, moving, overturning and working at height. The following is guidance that should help avoid problems in these dangerous zones.
Loading and unloading of zones should consider the following guidance:
- Clear of unnecessary pedestrians, traffic, and people not involved in loading or unloading.
- Clear of electric cables so there is no chance touching them, or of electricity jumping through machinery, payloads or people.
- To maintain stability, trailers should be parked on firm level ground, and be for all intents and purposes;
- Unevenly distributed loads can make the vehicle or trailer unstable so all loads should be spread as evenly as possible, during loading and unloading.
- Loads should be arranged or secured so that they do not slide around. Racking may help stability.
- Mechanical equipment and heavy moving loads are dangerous so safety equipment must be considered.
- There may be other mechanical dangers and safety procedures to be considered
- Guards or skirting plates may be necessary if there is a risk of anything being caught in machinery.
- The vehicle should be as stable as possible. Ensure the trailer or vehicle has brakes applied and all stabilizers are used.
- In some workplaces it may be possible to install a harness system to protect people working at height.
- No-one should be in the loading/unloading area if they are not needed.
- Drivers should not remain in their cabs if this can be avoided.
- Provide a safe place where drivers can wait if they are not involved
- Overloaded vehicles can become unstable, difficult to steer or be less able to brake, So it’s important that vehicles are never overloaded.
- Always check the floor or deck of the loading area before loading to make sure it is safe.
- Look out for broken boarding, debris etc.
- Loading should always allow for safe unloading.
- Loads must be suitably packaged and when pallets are used, the driver needs to check that:
- Loads are properly secured and safe on the vehicle. They may need to be securely attached to make sure they cannot fall off.
- They are in good condition
- Tailgates and sideboards must be closed if possible and any overhang outside of tailgates should be kept to a minimum and should be clearly marked.
- If multiple companies are involved with materials, vehicles, and personnel, they should agree in advance how loading and unloading will happen.
- If visiting drivers unload their vehicles themselves, they must receive the necessary instructions, equipment and co-operation for safe unloading.
- Arrangements need to be agreed in advance between the haulier and the recipient.
- Haulers and recipients will need to exchange information about loads in advance so that they can agree safe unloading procedures if loads difficult to secure during transport.
- Checks must be made before unloading to make sure loads have not shifted during transit, and are not likely to move or fall when restraints are removed.
There must be safeguards against driving away too early especially if there are communication problems or foreign drivers. Safeguard measures could include:
- Traffic lights.
- Trailer restraints.
- Holding vehicle keys or paperwork until it is safe for the vehicle to be moved.