INSIGHT
A FOCUS ON
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
By Nico Pienaar
A
SPASA recommends that it is
imperative to develop a traffic
management plan and to
focus on minimising or eliminating the
following issues:
• The need for reversing of large
mobile equipment.
• Light and heavy vehicles interaction
by reducing the number of pit
permits or providing segregated
transport routes.
• Follow the site’s established safe
work procedure regarding exclusion
zone requirements for pedestrians
and vehicles when equipment is
operating.
• Only park in approved locations.
• The operators of large mobile
equipment should ensure that the
wheels stop, spoon drains, or tyre
humps are provided where there
is potential for uncontrolled vehicle
movement when parked.
• Avoid parking light vehicles close
to large items of mobile plant if
possible, and never leave them in the
blind spot of a large machine. Beacon
lights must be left on at all times.
In addition, people who have reason to be
near large mobile equipment must:
• Contact the operator and obtain
permission before approaching any
earthmoving equipment.
40
SEPTEMBER 2019
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Take every precaution to ensure the
operators can see them at all times
(especially at night).
Remain alert to the danger of placing
themselves in the path of a machine
while the operator’s attention is
focused elsewhere.
Be aware of the danger of entering
the blind spots of this equipment
and have a thorough appreciation
of the location and size of these
spots.
Avoid overtaking haul trucks. Contact
drivers by radio and obtain their
permission if you are required to
drive or work in their vicinity.
Pienaar
Unfortunate accidents and death can be avoided through proper traffic management.
ASPASA provides some tips on how to be aware of large mobile equipment.
ASPASA director, Nico Pienaar.
What can happen:
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Light service vehicles and their
occupants parked near large items of
mobile equipment can be seriously
damaged or crushed when the larger
machine is moved.
The operator of a large machine
may be unaware that service
personnel are working near the unit
if they have not been informed, or
if service personnel are not clearly
visible.
Light vehicles overtaking heavy
equipment are at risk of being run
over if the larger machine turns.
People are at risk of being run over if
they are in the operator’s blind spot.
Light vehicles
overtaking heavy
equipment are at
risk of being run
over if the larger
machine turns.”
www.equipmentandhire.co.za