O5GENERAL VEHICLE ISSUES
O5.1GENERAL
O5.1.1 Production vehicles are rarely suited to site work in their standard form, so before purchasing a vehicle, consideration should be given to the model’s suitability for modifications and its ability to carry the necessary equipment. The ease with which an operator can move from the off side seat to the near side door should also be considered.
O5.1.2 The choice of vehicle type, engine size and gearbox should reflect the acceleration and manoeuvrability required of that vehicle during normal working conditions.
O5.1.3 All vehicles and equipment shall be checked for correct operation before work commences. All checks should be documented and all faults reported prior to work commencing. If necessary, the vehicle or equipment should be taken out of service until faults are rectified. Basic vehicle checks should always include fuel, lights, oil, water, electrics and tyres.
O5.1.4 All site vehicles should, where practicable, have all round visibility, for example, estate cars should be used in preference to vans. Where this is not practicable, additional mirrors should be fitted to eliminate blind spots.
O5.2CONSPICUITY
O5.2.1 Any vehicle engaged in works on the highway not in an established works zone should be of a conspicuous colour.
O5.2.2 Subject to the specific requirements of the following sections, any works vehicles that are used to protect the workforce or form part of the signing of the works should be of conspicuous colour and appropriate marking. This is particularly important for that part of the vehicle visible to drivers and prescribed as part of any sign mounted on the vehicle.
O5.2.3 In addition, on high-speed roads, all vehicles stopping on the highway for works purposes or inspections shall be equipped with high visibility rear markings. High visibility rear markings should comprise either:
a) signing to diagram 7403, or
b) the alternative light arrow sign in accordance with Section O10.8, or
c) chevron markings comprising alternate strips of fluorescent orange-red retroreflective material and fluorescent yellow non-retroreflective material, of not less than 150 mm width each, inclined at 45-60° to the horizontal and pointing upwards, or
d) a solid block of fluorescent orange-red retroreflective material.
The markings described in (c) and (d) above should cover as much of the rear-facing portion of the vehicle as possible without obscuring windows, vehicle lighting or registration plates.
Where the main body of the vehicle being used is not a recognised conspicuous colour (yellow or white) then the above markings should be supplemented by a high visibility fluorescent yellow retroreflective strip, of not less than 50 mm wide, along the side of vehicle as a minimum.
O5.2.4 Red retroreflective tape shall also be applied to all rear facing edges of open doors, guardrails and equipment lockers.
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