Safety Checklist: Essential Recommendations For RCVs

Refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) are a common sight on the high street, in residential neighbourhoods and in our rural communities. Every day, RCVs handle thousands of tons of waste, collecting, transporting and disposing of it to make towns and cities safer and cleaner. RCV fleet operators understand the need for safe, efficient and cost-effective vehicles to carry out these essential tasks. Read on for a brief checklist of safety considerations for choosing and using RCVs.

Safe Use of Equipment

Waste collection equipment includes the vehicles themselves along with the components which make refuse collection possible, including the vehicle hoists, bin lifters and the bins. All these items must be used in the correct manner to ensure safety for workers and the public. Work systems for safety should complement the technical specifications and controls for safely using hoists, lifts and bins, as well as the practical considerations related to the work environment. 

Written Method Statements

Work systems statements should be created that cover the following: manual handling, restrictions, different tipping modes, work sequences, safe standing, and safe bin retrieval. 

For manual handling, look at how to move bins safely over the terrain, including how to manage heavy bins over obstacles such as steps and cobbles. Restrictions should include guidance on when a bin should not or cannot be moved and tipped. This would be in cases where the bin is seriously overweight, or when the waste is not sufficiently compacted or the bin is overfull. The different tipping modes include decisions on when to use the manual, automatic or semi-automatic modes. 

Work sequences look at how to place the bins onto the hoist, including how to handle multiple bins and when to remove bins from the vehicle. Considering safe standing includes guidance on where to wait while the tipping procedure is being undertaken and how to minimise injury by standing away from moving parts. 

And one of the most important procedures to document and train workers on is the safe retrieval of bins that may fall into the hopper or get stuck at the top of the vehicle. In all cases, these procedures should eliminate the need for workers to climb on the vehicle to retrieve the bin.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Selecting the right refuse collection vehicle is of paramount importance to achieving a safe and reliable waste collection system. Preferred waste collection vehicles from, for example, https://cpdavidson.co.uk are engineered to a high standard and include features that make waste collection simpler and safer. An effective vehicle has a high fuel economy to reduce CO2 emissions. It also has a robust body and strong internal components. The lifting mechanisms are engineered to enhance manoeuvrability and maintain integral strength. 

Maintaining Safety Standards 

Managing safety in waste collection is an ongoing process. The checklist of safety standards must be followed and updated regularly. Operators should follow any new and relevant guidance to provide a safe working environment for operatives and security for members of the public.