Use of Banksman

SAFE WORKING WITH BANKSMAN

Selection of a banksman

Care must be taken when selecting personnel to train as Banksmen. They should be alert and reasonably intelligent. They must be medically fit, have good eyesight and good reflexes. They should be sufficiently experienced in working with plant and should possess enough confidence to give clear instruction to plant and vehicle drivers.

TRAINING OF A BANKSMAN

When potential Banksmen are receiving “On Site” training, the following points should be stressed:

1. No vehicle may reverse unattended where pedestrians are likely to be.
2. When Banksmen controlling earth-moving plant will be safety used.
3. The system of clear signals that understandable to all which will be used.
4. Banksmen must stand well clear to reversing vehicles.
5. Potential risk apparent on-site.
6. Where the turning areas are established close to the “tipping point” as vehicles should not be reversed great distances.
7. The driver’s “Code of Practice” for the site and report on any contravention of the code by offenders.
8. The ground conditions on the site, the location of the haul roads and crossing points where appropriate.
9. The location of all overhead and underground services that may affect his operations and must be properly instructed in how to cope with these hazards.
10. The location of mandatory vehicle stops i.e. at trench edges, batter edges etc.
11. The system for reporting traffic management violations.
12. The appropriate personal protective equipment to be worn i.e. safety helmet, boots, high visibility jacket, and waterproof where appropriate.

PLANT OPERATIVES WORKING WITH A BANKSMAN

• Do not move unless instructed to do so by the banksman.
• Stop as indicated by the banksman.
• Obey the banksmans instructions at all times.
• If in doubt of what is being communicated to you by the banksman stop the machine and seek clarification.
• As a double check continue to check mirrors / reversing camera when banksman in place. If in doubt stop and seek clarification.
• If you see a hazard / dangerous situation that has not been highlighted to the banksman, inform them immediately.

WHAT TO DO IF A BANKSMAN IS ABSCENT WHEN THE SITE RULES INDICATE ONE IS REQUIRED

• Your plant should not be moved without said banksman.
• Wait until banksman present.
• If instructed to move regardless, stop and inform the site management team.
• Only use a trained, inducted and site approved banksman. Do not improvise.