Behaviour Based Safety: Guidelines For The Safe Loading & Unloading of Road Freight Vehicles
Behaviour Based Safety: Guidelines For The Safe Loading & Unloading of Road Freight Vehicles
ISSUE 2 M A RC H 2007
The issue of these Guidelines was realised with the financial support (Reference TREN-SUB-2003-SQAS-S07.30607)
of the European Commission - Directorate General for Energy and Transport.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Objective and Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Appendix 1: Roles and tasks for load securing in Cargo Transport Units (CTUs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Appendix 2: Example of checklist for observation of loading/unloading operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 16
INTRODUCTION
Continuous efforts to improve safety during the transport and the associated handling of chemicals
are part of the overall aim to improve safety performance of both the chemical industry and the
transport industry.
Analysis of accident statistics indicates that a majority of transport-related incidents and accidents
do happen during loading/unloading operations. Further detailed analysis shows that the human
factor is by far the most important cause. It is therefore essential to increase safety during loading
and unloading by influencing human behaviour.
These guidelines aim at offering guidance regarding the safety of loading/unloading operations
by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the different parties involved and by introducing the
principles of Behaviour Based Safety (BBS).
Separate BBS Guidelines for the Safe Driving of Road Freight Vehicles have already been published
in October 2003.
The objective of these guidelines is to provide assistance in the prevention or elimination of unsafe
conditions and situations during loading/unloading operations, recognising the need for interaction
between the different parties involved.
The scope of the current guidelines includes the safe loading/unloading of chemical products by
operators and drivers at production sites, storage terminals, warehouses and customers, and covers
the loading/unloading of bulk as well as packaged goods.
In all circumstances, the applicable national or international regulations should always be complied
with and take precedence over the recommendations made in the present guidelines.
The guidelines are of a voluntary nature. Individual companies may decide to apply the guidelines
either in full, or partly, according to their own judgement and in light of their specific circumstances.
QD RIVER
The person who is actually carrying out the transport.
QS ITE
The site where the actual loading or unloading takes place, including production sites, storage
terminals, warehouses and customers premises.
QO PERATOR
The site employee who is physically carrying out the loading/unloading operation.
1.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
In certain areas there are joint responsibilities of operators and drivers. In these cases the same
text has been repeated for both operators and drivers in the table.
In all circumstances, the applicable national or international regulations should always be com-
plied with and take precedence over the recommendations made in the present guidelines.
OPERATOR DRIVER
1/ TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT
Before the (un)loading operation starts, operators should check Before entering the site, drivers should check that the vehicle
that the transport equipment offered meets all the require- and all ancillary equipment are fit for the operation to be car-
ments for the operation to be carried out. ried out and meet all requirements as specified in the driver’s
instructions for the operation.
2/ SITE INSTRUCTIONS
Operators should always adhere to the site instructions and be Unless specifically agreed otherwise, drivers should always re-
an example for drivers. port at the gate or site entrance and ask for instructions. These
Operators should witness the whole (un)loading activity, unless instructions may include emergency procedures, required PPE,
site procedures stipulate otherwise. parking restrictions, route to loading or unloading point and
general info such as the prohibition of smoking, alcohol and
drugs, prohibition of the use of mobile phones, driving speed
limits etc. Drivers should always adhere to the site instructions.
Drivers should witness the whole (un)loading activity, unless
site procedures stipulate otherwise.
Where possible operators should ensure that vehicles are driven Drivers should proceed to the (un)loading area and park the ve-
and parked according to site instructions and should report any hicle according to site instructions. It is important to constantly
observed unsafe situations to the site management. assess the safety situation, not only whilst driving on site but
also when arriving at the (un)loading point.
Drivers should always take the necessary precautions to pre-
vent any movement of the vehicle during loading/unloading.
Operators should wear PPE as required by site instructions and Drivers should wear PPE as required by site instructions.
must ensure that the driver does the same. As a minimum the driver should have the following PPE avail-
able in his vehicle: safety helmet, safety shoes, safety glasses,
suitable working gloves and clothing covering the whole body.
5/ EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Prior to the start of the operation, operators should indicate Prior to the start of the operation, drivers should check the
the location of the site safety equipment to the drivers, e.g.: fire location of the site safety equipment, e.g.: fire extinguisher(s),
extinguisher(s), eyewash, safety shower, first aid equipment, eyewash, safety shower, first aid equipment, emergency escape
emergency escape routes, emergency alarm activation, emergen- routes, emergency alarm activation, emergency stop, decon-
cy stop, decontamination equipment and absorbent materials. tamination equipment and absorbent materials.
The operator should check that all data on the transport docu- The driver should hand over all relevant documents to the
mentation are in line with the goods to be loaded or unloaded operator. Documents may include: weighing ticket, delivery
and that the hazard marking, labelling and placarding of the note, certificate of analysis, cleaning certificate and transport
goods and the transport equipment is in accordance with the document, if necessary with the required dangerous goods
regulations. information.
Operators should sign all relevant documents to confirm that The driver should ensure that arrival/departure times, number
the operation was satisfactorily completed. If there are any of packages, temperature, pressure, volume and weights, as
remarks, these should be written on these documents. applicable, are noted and that signature(s) are obtained on all
copies of the transport document. Customs and other docu-
mentation should be completed as per job instructions. Any
deviations noted at the (un)loading point should be communi-
cated by the driver to the site and be written on the transport
documents before departure.
The driver should ascertain that the correct hazard markings
and placards have been affixed to the vehicle.
OPERATOR DRIVER
7/ PRODUCT SAMPLES
When required or agreed at order entry stage, the operator Drivers should ensure that the supplier’s sample is stored in
should ensure that the driver hands over the supplier’s sample. a safe way and handed over at the delivery point. Storing of
Storing of samples in the drivers cabin should be avoided at any samples in the driver’s cabin should be avoided at any time.
time. Packaging and labelling of the sample should be in accordance
Product sampling directly from road tankers or tank contain- with legal requirements. Drivers should not take samples
ers should be avoided. If the taking of samples is absolutely directly from the road tanker or tank container.
unavoidable, they should be taken by qualified site personnel
or appointed surveyors, with adequate safety precautions.
8/ WORKING AT HEIGHTS
Operators should follow the site procedures when working at Drivers should follow the site instructions when working at
heights. heights.
9/ TANK CAPACITY
The operator should check if the tank can accommodate the Before loading, the driver should check with the operator if the
quantity to be transferred. transport tank or tank compartment can accommodate the
Before loading, the operator should check the capacity of the quantity to be transferred.
transport tank or tank compartment with the driver.
Before unloading, the operator should check the capacity of the
site storage tank.
The operator should always check if the transport tank and/or The driver should always check if the transport tank and/or
equipment is under pressure before making or breaking any equipment is under pressure before making or breaking any
connections, and communicate with the driver. connections, and communicate with the operator.
Before leaving the site after loading/unloading, the driver
should seek permission from the operator to depressurise the
tank, unless otherwise required.
Operators should ensure that in filling the tanks, the regulations The driver should ensure that the operator is loading according
concerning the separation of dangerous goods in adjoining to the load plan.
compartments are complied with.
Operators should ensure that the correct product and quantity
is loaded into the designated compartment(s) according to the
load plan.
The operator should check if the equipment owned by the site, The driver should check if the equipment owned by the haulier,
e.g. product hose, vapour return or nitrogen/air pressure line, e.g. product hose, vapour return or nitrogen/air pressure
couplings, gaskets and seals, is in good condition, fit for pur- line, couplings, gaskets and seals, is in good condition, fit for
pose and product and pressure resistant. The operator should purpose and product and pressure resistant. The driver should
carry out a visual check on the internal cleanliness. carry out a visual check on the internal cleanliness.
OPERATOR DRIVER
13/ CONNECTIONS
All site connections should be properly marked/labelled. The The driver should be familiar with the equipment of the vehicle,
operator is responsible for correctly connecting/fitting product e.g. (un)loading valves, pressure/vapour return connections,
hoses and vapour return or nitrogen/air pressure lines to the number and capacity of compartments, hoses, couplings and
storage tank, whilst the driver is responsible for making the gauges. The driver is responsible for making the connections
connections to the vehicle, unless site procedures stipulate to the vehicle, whilst the operator is responsible for making
otherwise. When making or breaking connections, co-ordina- the connections to the storage tank, unless site procedures
tion and co-operation between operator and driver is of vital stipulate otherwise. When making or breaking connections, co-
importance to avoid incidents. ordination and co-operation between the driver and operator is
of vital importance to avoid incidents.
The operator should give explicit approval to the driver to operate The driver is only allowed to operate equipment on the vehicle
equipment on the vehicle such as valves, compressor and pump. such as valves, compressor and pump after explicit approval of
Operators should operate the storage tank valves, pressure the operator.
valves and the pump, as applicable. The driver should not operate site equipment.
The operator, in co-operation with the driver, should ensure The driver, in co-operation with the operator, should ensure
that the maximum permissible vehicle gross weight is not that the maximum permissible vehicle gross weight is not
exceeded. exceeded.
Operators should ensure that the minimum and maximum During loading of the vehicle, the driver should take all possible
permissible degree of filling of the tanks is observed. precautions not to exceed the maximum permissible axle weight.
16/ DISCONNECTION
Operators should ensure that before disconnecting hoses, all Before departure the driver should ensure that all hoses are
valves are closed and all hoses are free of pressure and product. disconnected, drained, blanked off (if necessary) and properly
stored. All manlids and valves should be closed and properly
tightened. The earthing cable as well as any loose equipment
should be cleared away. The driver should ensure that it is safe
to leave the (un)loading point by walking around the vehicle.
Operators should report all loading/discharge problems, unsafe Drivers should report all loading/discharge problems, unsafe
situations or conditions, near misses and incidents, as per com- situations or conditions, near misses and incidents, as per com-
pany procedure. pany procedure.
Before starting loading, operators should ensure that packages The driver should prepare the vehicle for (un)loading (i.e. opening
that are already loaded on the vehicle when it arrives at the load- doors and canvas, removing blocking and bracing material, undo-
ing site, are stowed and secured in an adequate way so that they ing the strapping etc.). When opening the doors of the vehicle,
cannot damage the goods to be loaded. the driver should always be aware of the possibility of packages
falling out.
Operators should ensure that packages are stowed and secured
in such a way that they cannot move in any direction. Free space Before loading commences, the driver should ensure that pack-
between packages should be avoided and sufficient lashings ages that are already loaded on the vehicle when it arrives at the
should be applied. Special precautions should be taken when loading site, are stowed and secured in an adequate way so that
packages of different types are stowed on the same vehicle. they cannot damage the goods to be loaded.
Operators should ensure that the regulations on prohibition of Drivers should ensure that packages are stowed and secured in
mixed loading and the regulations concerning separation of food such a way that they cannot move in any direction. Free space
stuffs, animal feedstuffs etc, are followed, taking into account the between packages should be avoided and sufficient lashings
goods that are already loaded in the vehicle. must be applied.
Operators should not allow the vehicle to leave the loading/ Drivers should not leave the (un)loading site without checking
unloading site in an unsafe condition. stowage and securing.
More detailed guidance concerning the roles and tasks for load More detailed guidance concerning the roles and tasks for load
securing are included in Appendix 1. securing are included in Appendix 1.
2 BBS OBSERVATIONS
OF LOADING/UNLOADING OPERATIONS
2.1 PROCESS
The process for implementing BBS should reside at the loading/unloading site (for the opera-
within the company responsible for the loading/ tors) and at the transport company (for the
unloading site in close co-operation with the drivers). The operators and drivers should
transport companies, as an important element receive a copy of the report.
of their continuous improvement programmes.
It should include the following steps:
The results of the BBS observations should
be used by the management of the loading/
unloading site and the transport company
The management of the company respon-
as input for continuous improvement pro-
sible for loading/unloading develops a BBS
grammes.
implementation plan based on the prin-
ciples described in these Guidelines. The management of the site and of the
transport company should ensure that there
The management selects BBS observers
is a system in place to report all near misses,
and ensures that they obtain training in ac-
incidents, loading/discharge problems and
cordance with the principles set out in these
unsafe situations or conditions, including
Guidelines.
follow-up. Operators and drivers should
BBS observers carry out observations of report all near misses, incidents, loading/dis-
loading/unloading operations using a charge problems and unsafe situations or
checklist (see example in Appendix 2) and conditions, as per company procedure.
communicate findings to operators and
drivers.
Note. In the case of unsafe situations observed
BBS observers report their findings to the during unloading operations at customer sites, the
management of the site and the transport BBS observation should be initiated by the supplier
company. The reports should be kept on file in co-operation with the customer and the haulier.
2.2.1 Management
MANAGEMENT SHOULD:
• Prepare a document describing the company's approach towards BBS and the implementation
plan for all components of the loading/unloading operations.
• Communicate this plan to all personnel involved and review it at least annually.
• Initiate, implement and provide ongoing support for the BBS programme.
• Define roles, provide resources, resolve issues and remove barriers for a successful
implementation.
• Set targets, monitor status and results.
• Keep records.
• Manage and continuously review the improvement process based on BBS data analysis.
2.2.2 Operators/drivers
OPERATORS AND DRIVERS SHOULD:
• Understand the purpose of the BBS programme and be committed to participate.
• Report unsafe conditions to the observer.
• Discuss performance weaknesses with the observer and help in finding solutions.
• Implement improvement actions as a result of the BBS analysis.
2.3 OBSERVATIONS
The observation should be interactive, without interfering with the actual loading or unloading
process except to stop an unsafe situation. The interactive part consists of the coaching the ob-
server may deem necessary to increase safety awareness and behaviour of the operator and/or the
driver. Coaching must always take place in a positive way in order to obtain full acceptance and thus
maximum results.
A checklist (adapted to the type of loading or unloading operation) should be fully completed for
both the operator and driver involved (see example of a checklist in Appendix 2). For any significant
finding, either positive or negative, a brief explanation of the remark made and the subsequent
coaching that was provided should be specified.
After the observation is finished, irrespective of the fact that remarks were made or not, the ob-
server should take time to communicate the results of the observation to both operator and driver
involved. Preferably a copy of the completed observation form should be handed over to both.
The loading/unloading site should register all observations and ensure that the transport company
involved receives a copy of the observation report.
APPENDIX 1: ROLES AND TASKS FOR LOAD SECURING IN CARGO TRANSPORT UNITS (CTUs)
Paul Lancaster
BP European Acetyls Peter Saey
CMO DSV Road NV
Saltend Schoonmansveld 40
Hull 2870 Puurs
HU12 8DS Belgium
United Kingdom T +32 (0)3 897 27 82
T +44 (0) 7810071393 F +32 (0)3 897 27 89
F +44 (0) 1482 892219 [email protected]
[email protected]
Chris Boland
Jos Verlinden DuPont (UK) Ltd
European Chemical Industry Council Wegwood Way Stevenage
Avenue E. van Nieuwenhuyselaan 4 SG1 4QN Hertfordshire
1160 Brussels United Kingdom
Belgium T + 44 1438 734370
T +32 2 676 73 95 F + 44 1438 734371
F +32 2 676 74 32 [email protected]
[email protected]
Rose-Marie Pype
Wolfgang Neumann European Chemical Transport Association
Degussa AG Avenue de Tervuerenlaan 270
Weißfrauenstraße, 9 1150 Brussels
60287 Frankfurt am Main Belgium
Germany T +32 2 741 86 67
T + 49 692 182743 F +32 2 741 86 82
F + 49 692 183508 [email protected]
[email protected]
Andreas Zink
LKW Walter Peter Räuchle
I.Z. Süd Objekt 14 Wincanton Chemical Logistics (WCL)
2355 Wiener Neudorf Antwerpener Strasse 24
Austria 68219 Mannheim. Germany
T +43 57777 2344 T +49 621 8048-306
F +43 57777 52344 F +49 621 8048-527
[email protected] [email protected]
• Recommendations on Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) Management Practices for Logistics
Services (April 2002)
• Guidelines for Safety Awareness and Behaviour in the Supply Chain (April 2002)
• Standard Rail Tank Cars for the Carriage of Liquid Chemicals in Bulk: Requirements for Design,
Construction and Testing (August 2003)
• Behaviour Based Safety – Guidelines for safe driving of road freight vehicles (October 2003)
• Industry Guidelines for the Security of the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road (April 2005)
• Guidelines for Transport Equipment used for Chemical Packed Cargo (March 2007)