Hazards and controls of vehicles on construction sites

Many of the hazards and controls required for vehicle movements on construction sites have been covered earlier in this chapter. Common vehicles found on construction sites include site dumper trucks, fork lift trucks with telescopic handlers, all terrain and rough terrain vehicles, excavators and tipper lorries. On larger construction sites various types of earth moving equipment may also be used. 

The most common hazards are those which cause loss of control of the vehicle, overturning and collision 

Clear routes should be set out across the site. These routes should avoid sharp bends, blind corners (unless suitably placed mirrors are located at the corner), narrow gaps, low head room and adverse cambers or steep gradients. Road surfaces should be inspected regularly and repaired using hardcore if necessary. 

All vehicle drivers should be properly trained on each of the vehicles which they are expected to drive. Banksmen, wearing high visibility clothing, should be used to direct movement of lorries and excavators. Site rules should cover the use of vehicles on site and site management systems should include details of each driver and renewal dates for refresher training to ensure continued driver competency. A vehicle code of practice should be issued to all drivers. This code should include 

A level parking area should be provided for vehicles and although they should be drained of fuel overnight this must not be done while the engine is still hot or running. Finally, mud should be cleaned from the wheels of a vehicle before it enters a public highway. 

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