| Ensuring the competence of mobile plant contractors |
A load and haul contractor was introduced at Torcoed Quarry in April 2008.
After an initial period it became apparent that the full competence of externally sourced mobile plant operators, especially agency operators, was often difficult to assess using current systems.
Although fully trained in the specific vehicles they were to operate, they were not always experienced in the operations of a quarry.
After discussions with the contractor it was decided to develop an additional training system, over and above the existing system of induction.
A series of site specific competence assessments were drawn up which incorporated risk assessments for the particular machines in question.
A regime was introduced that required every individual to take and pass the assessment criteria for the machine they would be operating, before being authorised to work. The assessments are carried out by fully trained, competent and authorised Tarmac personnel. |