SHEETING & UNSHEETING OF DUMP TRUCKS
www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/information/sheeting.htm
The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published on its website new information with regard to safe driving and the sheeting and unsheeting of dump trucks.
According to the HSE, 44% of falls from dump trucks occur during sheeting and unsheeting operations.
The HSE says that many tipper sheeting accidents could be prevented through the use of automated sheeting devices on dump trucks and through better co-operation between the parties involved.
Sheeting is used for a variety of reasons:
- to keep materials dry
- to prevent loss of load during transit
- to keep materials hot
- to comply with authorisations issued under the Environmental Protection Act.
Falling may occur as a consequence of:
- slipping or tripping on the material or strappings and ropes when climbing on the load
- trimming the load when the level is uneven or too high
- spreading or unfolding the sheet over the load
- pulling the sheet tight
- inadequate access to the body of the tipper resulting in poor positioning of the worker
- high winds creating a sail effect with the sheeting.
The new information provided by the HSE outlines:
- what the law requires
- the solutions for controlling risks associated with sheeting and unsheeting operations
- general points to consider
- safety issues relating to general access to vehicles
- references for further reading.
A range of illustrative figures are also provided on the web page:
www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/information/sheeting.htm
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