VEHICLE ROLLS WHEN LOADING STARTS
WHAT HAPPENED . . .Driver prepared his vehicle for loading at Brinsworth. Driver moved to the Safe Zone, as loading started. As the crane positioned the coils on the trailer, the tractor and trailer rolled forward approximately 3metres. The potential for Harm was High with the loading point on a slight camber and a down ramp only metres away.
CONCLUSIONS
- Driver had signed to confirm he had applied the handbrake
- Handbrake had NOT been applied
- Handbrake alarm was not heard
INITIAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Drivers must check, check and check again – visually and physically that they have applied their handbrake before turning off ignition and removing keys
Handbrake Alarms should be fitted to all tractor units:-
- The alarm must operate regardless of ignition key state
- The alarm must sound if the handbrake is OFF and the driver door is opened. Activation if the passenger door is opened recommended but not mandatory
- The internal alarm sounder must be a minimum 90dB
- The alarm must be clearly audible outside the vehicle. In practice this will normally require an external sounder as an internal sounder will not be clearly audible if doors are closed.
- The only action to stop the alarm sounding must be to put the handbrake ON.
