Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash (FY21 012) – Double Deck Trailers Load Restraint Straps Safe Stowage

Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash (FY21 012) – Double Deck Trailers Load Restraint Straps Safe Stowage:

Audience:

All Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail and Parcelforce) staff who operate, drive, load and unload ‘Double Deck Trailers (DDTs).

Overview and Background:

Royal Mail Group Safety Health and Environment Group have issued ‘Safety Flash’, number FY21 012, (copy attached), which urgently advises all staff who operate, drive, load and unload ‘Double Deck Trailers’ to adhere to the DDT Safe System of Work (SSoW) and to ensure correct and safe stowage of straps/buckles and that all damaged straps are replaced.

Description, Issue, Impact and Effect:

Load restraint straps not correctly stowed away can become entangled in the moving, upper deck, causing significant damage to the trailer and straps and buckles, preventing safe use of the trailer and leading to damaged trailers being removed from service, failing services and costly repairs/downtime.

Key Management Activities, Learning Points and Messages to Drivers:

• Communicate and display the SHE Safety Flash on the SHE notice board.
• Straps not correctly secured after use can become entangled in the moving upper deck, significantly damaging vehicle.
• When releasing a load restraint strap, stow it away correctly to prevent it becoming entangled in the moving deck.
• The trailer moving deck is designed to lift 12t in weight, if a strap is entangled it can rip the load restraint out of the floor anchor point, causing the deck to tilt and damage.
• Stow straps away correctly to prevent entanglement in the moving deck.
• Report defective straps for their replacement.
• Ensure vehicle maintenance checks importantly identify damaged straps requiring replacement.

Attachment:

• Copy of RMG SHE Safety Flash FY21 012.

Conclusion – Key Activity – Unit PiC Action Required

Unit PICs to ensure the SHE Flash is cascaded/briefed/shared with all DDT drivers, loaders/unloaders and is clearly displayed in key locations.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 376/21 – Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash (FY21 012) – Double Deck Trailers Load Restraint Straps Safe Stowage

Att: SHE Flash FY21 012 DD Trailer Strap Stowage

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