The Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group (SFPSG) have launched a good practice guide for the safe use of forward tipping dumpers. These are commonly used on construction sites to move soil and material around site.

There are a number of hazards associated with all types of construction plant for example collisions between moving plant and pedestrians.

As well as the general risks there are some specific risks associated with particular types of plant and operations for example operating dumpers on spoil heaps can lead to instability and overturning. Many dumpers have open operators’ position protected by a roll over protection system which, in the event of an overturn, relies on the operator wearing a seat belt to keep them within the protected area, however the wearing of seat belts is not always fully complied with.

Dumpers with enclosed cabs are becoming more common, while these may increase protection for an operator in the event of an overturn they may have restricted vision especially when compared with open versions.

It is important that all of the risks are managed when using dumpers.

The latest guidance covers a number of topics including:

·         Planning and supervision of the use of dumpers

·         Selecting dumpers, including the features of different types

·         Stability

·         Dumper operators and familiarization

·         Driving, segregation, loading and discharging.

The Safe Use of Dumpers Good Practice Guide can be downloaded from the Construction Plant Association’s website at: https://www.cpa.uk.net/sfpsgpublications/

Please speak to your normal PIB Risk management contact or get in touch using [email protected]  if you have any questions about the safe operation of plant on construction sites.