CPA Bulletin

24 CPA Bulletin > May 2024 www.cpa.uk.net SKILLS & TECHNICAL: 1 SKILLS & TECHNICAL Revised Design Standards and Dumper Cab Fitment The European CEN designs standards for earthmoving machinery - EN 474 - went through an update during 2022 and come into effect from February 2025. The updates include a requirement for the operator’s station of all seated ride-on machines, including forward tipping dumpers, to be fitted with a cab. However, there are some variations which require additional clarification as this requirement does not apply to compact dumpers - which are machines up to and including 4.5 tonnes operating mass. The definition of operating mass (OM) being the base or unladen weight of the machine plus 75kg to account for an operator and filled with relevant fluids and fuel. Dumpers however are marketed (and hired) by payload and this means that some commonly-hired dumpers of up to and including a 6 tonne payload can fall within the definition of a compact dumper and therefore technically do not to be fitted with a cab under EN 474. Within part 6 of the standard that is specific to dumpers however, machines between 3.5 and 4.5 tonnes OM need to be fitted with a restraint system that in essence prevents the operator from being ejected from the overall dimensions of the machine in the event of a roll-over. In discussion with dumper manufacturers, they see that the only feasible method of compliance will be the fitment of a cab. A CEN standard is a technical document designed to be used as a rule, guideline or definition and in essence, are created by bringing together interested parties such as manufacturers, consumers and regulators of a particular product, material, process or service. The benefits of standardisation should be understood within our sector and include increased product safety, quality and harmonisation, etc. with many CEN standards applied though the British Standards Institute (BSI). CPA has representation on both earthmoving and lifting equipment-based working groups. However, some parts of the media described the change to the design standard as a legislative requirement - this is not the case and the legislative requirements for correct selection of equipment rests with the user under PUWER. Irrespective, the Construction Industry Plant Safety Group, managed and chaired by CPA, fully advocates the use of cabbed dumpers for operator protection and welfare and continues to liaise with the manufacturers to devise a ‘cab-strike’ standard to allow the operator to remain seated during the loading activity. Human FormRecognition and Human Detection Systems Issues around the subject of human form recognition (HFR) and human detection systems (HDS) was raised at the recent CPA Council Meeting from which it was agreed that CPA should seek to devise industry-wide guidance in order to highlight a number of operational aspects, as well as providing consistency and clarity on the application and management of these systems. An exploratory online meeting consisting of CPA Council Members and representatives from several Tier 1 contractors, along with the HSE, was held to define what the issues were, what needs to be done, who to involve and what the intended outcome is in a bid to scope and plan the project. A number of issues were raised and the attendees at the meeting felt that guidance should include topics such as fitment specifications, what the systems do, and how information is reported and interrogated. All agreed that the main function of these systems is to enhance safety but was noted that with different systems entering the market, that operators of plant would need further information on the function and uses of the various systems they may come across. The need to involve OEMs, third-party HDS suppliers, plant hirers - especially SME- type organisations - and clients, as well as Tier 1 contractors was recommended from which it was agreed to undertake this project through the Construction Industry Plant Safety Group - chaired by CPA in co-operation of the HSE – to allow greater ownership of the issue across the sector. If any CPA Member - especially from SME-type organisations - wishes to be involved in this project, please contact Peter Brown at peter @ cpa.uk.net Apprenticeship Developments The new apprenticeship for Plant Technicians continues its development through the industry-led group and facilitated by CPA, with the skills, knowledge and behaviours for the