A Complete Guide About Mobile Plant Risk Assessment

Safety of the workplace site is the responsibility of the contractor. Risk assessment is a protocol which every contractor needs to follow. It is important as this helps in reducing the risk that workers might encounter while working on the site. Companies must comply with the safety regulations to ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

A mobile plant comprises of equipment such as forklifts, elevated work area, delivery vehicles, equipment to move earth, order picking machinery, cranes, prime movers etc. All these possess the potentials to severely wound or even cause death at workplaces if people are running over by these. A mobile plant risk assessment hence is mandatory to be made by the contractor to create a safe working environment for the workers. If a contractor compromises on the safety assessment of mobile plants, it cannot just prove fatal to human life but also can lead to huge penalties with legal burdens for the firm.

Definition of mobile plant risk assessment

Mobile plant risk assessment is a systematic analysis of every element associated with mobile plants. The risk assessment checks if the mobile plant is in good working condition and the construction site is safe for the workers to work in it. An effective mobile plant risk assessment involves minimizing the risk and making the mobile plant work efficient and safe for all.

Mobile plant risk assessment steps:

The entire process of assessment is divided into four steps:

• Identification of hazards – The first step is identifying the contributing factors or the potential risks that can be hazardous. It involves assessment of the placement of the mobile plant components. Care must be taken to identify whether there will be any interaction or collision of the components of the mobile plant with the pedestrians or workers. Implementing control to limit the risks – Based on the mobile plant risk assessment made, you can design the workplace in such a manner that the vehicles and pedestrians walking, or movement path is separated. The risk areas which are detected are made risk free and constantly reviewed and monitored.
• A review is needed regularly – The final step involves a detailed assessment of the implemented steps to check if they are adhering to the quality standards at all times. It involves reporting and feedback of the control measures, identifying new changes or control measures needed, identifying alternative control measures and implementing them as required.

Dos and don’ts of assessment protocol that every company must follow:

While mobile plant risk assessment is conducted, the assessors need to follow the following dos and don’ts.

Do’s:

• The assessor must be competent and have the necessary experiences in the same field.
• Regular upkeep and maintenance of plants is a must. The user must follow the instructions mentioned in the guide.
• Set of protocols to be implemented where the worker must be allowed and encouraged to report faulty equipment and risks promptly.
• Training of workers on safety measures is a must.
• Placing a notification mentioning “Work under progress” is needed to be implemented wherever it is needed.
• Regular reporting and feedbacks on mobile plant maintenance and repair are required.
• Replacing the old equipment or worn out parts with new ones is recommended.

Don’ts:

• Don’t settle with an average assessor. Untrained and inexperienced risk assessment personnel can lead to bigger problems.
• Ignoring the reports of unsafe and faulty equipment.
• Continuous use of faulty equipment.
• Not following updated safety measures and standards.

A qualified mobile plant risk assessment company will stick to all the above recommended steps in order to maintain the safety standards in mobile plants. A proactive approach is a must when it comes to risk assessment and management in mobile plants.