Info

This document is intended for the use of Suppliers, Hauliers (and drivers), and Customers (Stockists and Construction Sites) in order to ensure that those involved in the off¬loading of reinforcement fabric from delivery vehicles are aware of the safe working practices.

The primary objective of this Code of Practice is to provide information and guidance that should ensure the safe removal of bundles of reinforcement fabric from delivery vehicles.

To achieve this objective, information is provided about :

The preparation of the load for off¬loading by the delivery driver.

Various alternative safe working procedures available to site staff for the off loading of the bundles of fabric from the vehicle.

Due to the potential risks involved, the movement of reinforcement fabric should be the subject of Risk Assessments and a Safe System of Work. This document should assist duty holders in fulfilling that obligation – it is not a substitute for assessment as many important factors will vary between offloading locations.

These procedures have been drawn up by the British Association of Reinforcement (BAR) in consultation with representatives from the HSE.

This has been done with the knowledge that in recent years, whilst off-loading at construction sites and stockists, there have been accidents and near misses. The procedures cover offloading using a range of equipment known to be in regular use.

As the person with responsibility for Health and Safety within your Company, we trust that you will find this guidance helpful in meeting your obligations to complete risk assessments and provide safe working conditions at your sites. Copies of this booklet have been distributed among hauliers and stockists to draw attention to the dangers associated with offloading reinforcement fabric and to encourage safe working practices.

This guidance covers lifting equipment and attachment methods only. Other statutory safety requirements will also apply i.e. never lift over persons. Wear suitable PPE, boots, gloves, helmets etc.

Please note that the safe procedures as described in this guidance prohibit the use of bundle ties for lifting with the exception of raising a corner of the bundle to insert dunnage. If reinforcement fabric bundles are to be moved from the original delivery point, placing dunnage between the bundles as they are stacked will facilitate the fitting of chains/slings for subsequent lifts.

	Hazards

The handling of reinforcement fabric carries the risk of serious injury if safe working practices are not adopted. Key hazards are persons falling from vehicles while preparing loads for lifting i.e. placing dunnage or attaching lifting slings.

Other potential hazards could be:

Puncture wounds from the bundle wire ends and musculoskeletal injuries from twisting bundle tying wire.

The examples detailed above are hazards but the underlying cause of accidents often lies with inadequate training and poorly planned lifting operations and not the hazard itself.

There have been serious accidents including fatalities during the off-loading and storage of bundles of reinforcement fabric, typical accidents have included :

• Vehicle Movement Accidents - people struck by a lorry or fork lift truck. Prevent by cordoning off the work area :
• Falls from Load / Lorry - often using unsafe methods of access. Prevent by avoiding work at height where possible :
• Sharp Edges - puncture wounds from the exposed wire ends. Prevent by wearing appropriate PPE i.e. gloves, safety glasses etc.
• Lifting on Ties - despite warnings carried on bundle labels. Prevent by adhering to instructions.
• Lifting other than on 4 secure points - involved in many of the most severe accidents.
• Prevent by using correct lifting equipment and adhere to the off-loading plan. Poor planning of lift / inadequate supervision - no risk assessment or clear plan of action.
• Bad Practice - people under load, unstable ground, poor environment
• Lack of Training - leading to incorrect use of lifting equipment and/or any of the above errors.
• Accidents are preventable if working procedures are adhered to, suitable PPE is issued, and suitable training and adequate supervision is provided. Combined with an attitude of ‘THINK SAFETY’, the number of accidents can be substantially reduced.

DO NOT climb up the fabric on the vehicle – use a ladder or another appropriate means of access i.e. gantry platform. If a ladder is to be used ensure the ladder is secured.

The wire shall be wrapped around the intersection of the cross and line wires and twisted five (5) times, each twist being turned a full 180°. Care must be taken to ensure that both ends of the wire are rotated when carrying out this operation. After twisting, the ends of the wire shall be folded in a downward manner towards the reinforcement fabric. The resulting twisted tie wire should then be pushed down and folded inwards towards the centre of the reinforcement fabric.

The “RECOMMENDED SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES FOR REINFORCEMENT FABRIC” booklet describes the methods which may be followed for the safe off-loading of bundles of reinforcement fabric.

You should find and follow the method of handling for the equipment that you will be using. In addition to following your chosen method, continue to observe routine safety precautions for:-

• Working at height
• Working with cranes and lifting equipment
• Handling steel
• Construction site work i.e. Stand clear of the lift
• Do not lift over people
• Wear the appropriate protective equipment
• Do not exceed the Safe Working Load of your equipment