The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Institute for Vehicle Recovery (IVR) have collaborated to publish new guidance on the safe recovery (and repair) of buses and coaches fitted with air suspension, which is free to download from HSE’s webpages http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/pm85.pdf

There have been a number of incidents where air bellows have suddenly and unexpectedly ruptured or deflated with the technician beneath the vehicle, resulting in serious injury or death.  And following the death of an employee in such circumstances, a vehicle recovery company and its managing director were found guilty of health and safety offences in Crown Court in October 2006.

The new 12 page guidance, which applies to the majority of makes and models of single and doubledeck PSV’s, reflects good working practice and has been endorsed by the industry. It describes safe recovery methods, safe working on vehicles and provision, maintenance and inspection of specialist recovery equipment

Geoff Frackelton, one of HSE’s Principal Specialist Inspectors (Mechanical Engineering) who was instrumental in the investigation of the accident and chief author of the guidance said:
“Recovery of vehicles fitted with air suspension can create particular problems for technicians who may already be under time-pressure to move the casualty vehicle because of resulting traffic congestion.  Recovery companies need to ensure that they have the correct procedures in place and this becomes vital when their employees have to work underneath vehicles at the roadside.  We realize that each type of vehicle presents its own unique hazards so technicians will need specific knowledge to ensure they can work safely.  But technicians who follow the guidance will be better prepared and should have improved control of on-site risks.”

Steve Kirton, IVR’s Chief Executive Officer welcomed the new publication - “IVR have been designated Caretaker Administrator of the National Training Scheme for the Rescue and Recovery Industry so have a special interest in improving standards for the training and certification of recovery operators and technicians working on Britain's road network.
“We have been working with HSE for a number of years to help improve safety during vehicle recovery and are already incorporating the new guidance into our training courses.  It is practical and down-to-earth with plenty of helpful illustrations and we are pleased to have been involved in its production.”