CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > May 2022 23 Technical & SAFETY The CPA-led Plant Safety Group (PSG) recently held a meeting of a sub-group to look at the devising an operational protocol for the 180-degree reversible seating (RSD), or ‘dual-view’ types of forward tipping dumpers. This follows concerns from some of the contractors and users where instructions are given to the operators of these machines by site supervisors on which way they should be facing, but is not in line with good practice. The group have in essence now devised a straight-forward protocol from which a new training course, specific to RSD types, is being written. In essence, the PSG are recommending the following protocol for reversible seating dumpers: 1. Travelling • At all times, travel with the skip behind the operator. Exceptions are: a) when travelling up and down inclines which in each case, whether being loaded or unladen, the operator should always be facing the direction of travel; b) where operational circumstances dictate that, following a risk assessment, there is a need to travel facing the skip; c) during loading and discharging operations. 2. Loading/Discharging • Face the skip when approaching the loading machine and when being loaded; • Face the skip when approaching the discharging area and discharging loads. Graphics to support each scenario have also been produced. Advancements have also been made to a Publicly Acceptable Standard (PAS) for ‘cab-strike’ strength which may allow the operators of dumpers to remain seated when being loaded. It is hoped that the PAS will be available to the industry by the end of June fromwhich point, dumper manufacturers have the opportunity to prove that their cabs fall within the parameters of the PAS and will be able to state their cabs are compliant with ROPS, FOPS and OPS (Operator Protection System). However, it will be the end user to decide whether their operators can remain seated during loading via their own RAMS, as there may be times when this would not be advisable. The PSG intend to produce the protocol and RSD-specific training items initially as a supplement to the safe use publication until the PAS has been released, fromwhich the Safe Use of Dumpers publication will be revised accordingly. Lifting of Loads with Integral Lift Points The Tower Crane Interest Group, in conjunction with the industry’s Lead AP Group, have produced a Technical Information Notice (TIN) - 053 on the lifting of loads with integral lift points. This TIN provides clarity as to the types, checks, inspections and examinations of integral lift points and who takes responsibility for ensuring that integral lift points that come with the load are suitable and safe for lifting. The TIN is available as with all CPA TINs as a free download on the CPA website. Plant Sector Representative Organisation (PSRO) Update The Board of the Plant Sector Representative Organisation met in early March 2022 to continue the development of the PSRO. The partner federations now have a number of representatives listed as a PSRO Director for Companies House registration, underpinning the establishment of the PSRO as a limited company. CPA continue to chair the Board and provide the secretariat function to the PSRO. Board Members also agreed to the building of a dedicated website and confirmed that, out of a choice of provided domain names, that web domain name www.psro.org.uk is adopted accordingly. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CITB was further ratified by the Board, which establishes the working relationship with them and now both parties will engage on the various projects, such as the development of the plant operations training standards programme. Following release of the Plant Occupations Competency Framework, the application process is now open to non-CSCS approved certificating bodies and card schemes who are seeking CSCS approval. In conjunction with CSCS, the current CSCS-approved card schemes such as CPCS and NPORS will be required to meet and be mapped against the requirements of the competency framework. A timetable for compliance will be devised accordingly. Safe Use of Dumpers Guidance Review TECHNICAL & SAFETY