When introducing a new safety procedure, it is vital for it to be realistic and to go for what is achievable. Tarmac recognised this when developing a drum entry procedure for its truck mixers. Drivers were required to remove inspection hatches prior to entry to avoid climbing above the handrails.
However, the SHE committee at Westbury Concrete was concerned that drivers would be reluctant to do
so due to the frequency and time-consuming nature of the task.
The area fitter, therefore, designed an access platform with input from drivers and management, complete with a trap door entry system, wide access steps, power points and water. The design also incorporated an acid cleaning platform that raises the drivers above ground level to prevent hydrochloric acid running down the handles of the brushes used to clean the outside of drums and discharge chutes. So successful is the design that it has been rolled out to a number of other sites. |