Lorry loaders crush risk from powered tilting stabilisers
HSE Safety Alert
The HSE has recently issued a safety alert in relation to the crush risk when operating powered tilting stabilisers on some lorry loaders. The alert is intended for lorry loader operators, owners and hirers, service and repairers, installers, manufacturers, Appointed Persons and sites receiving lorry loaders.
Issue
The HSE identified that on some lorry loaders with powered ‘tilting’ stabilisers, operators and other people can be "crushed against the bodywork of the vehicle when the stabilisers are being retracted".
There is a risk of serious injury or death when a powered tilting stabiliser is being rotated to a vertical position. If a stabiliser is retracted towards the vehicle when not vertical, the operator or others positioned in the danger zone can be crushed.
Action Required
For Lorry Loader Operators, Owners, and Service Providers:
The safety notice should be shared with all personnel involved in lorry loader operations.
Owners should engage with manufacturers to seek safety improvements on existing machines.
Seeking Safety Improvements
Owners’ Responsibilities:
Owners should engage with manufacturers to enhance safety features and reduce the crushing risk on existing machines. Improvements may include software modifications, interlocks, or the use of remote controls only.
Record Keeping:
Keep detailed records of discussions with manufacturers.
Full Risk Assessment and Control
Key Measures:
The potential crushing hazard from tilting stabilisers should be included in risk assessments.
Ensure appropriate control measures are included in all lorry loader procedural documentation, highlighting lift plans.
Decals:
Owners should ensure the presence of residual risk warning decals. Consult manufacturers for new or replacement decals where necessary.
Safe Operation Guidelines
Operators Must:
Be fully competent and familiar with stabiliser functions. Operators should be trained in correct use.
Tilting stabiliser legs must be locked in the vertical position before deploying or retracting the horizontal stabiliser beam.
Fully observe all stabiliser movements during deployment and stowage.
Training and Legal Compliance
Training Requirements:
Ensure training materials are updated to incorporate information on powered tilting stabiliser hazards.
Any familiarisation training should include coverage of this safety notice.
For the full HSE Report, see: Safety Alert
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