Posted By Renny Thomson Has anyone had to fit Roll Over Protection Systems to ride-on mowers that are used on slopes? Or did your risk assessment show that the stability of the machines, along with the competence of the operators, mean that the risk of overurning was acceptable?

Posted By Peter J Harvey Hang on I would agree with Renny - Risk Assessment is the answer to the problem. Manufacturers normally give good guidance on working on banks and slopes, this gives maximum degrees of banks and direction of work. ROPS are not required on all Ride on Mowers, however risk assessments for all mower operations is required.

Posted By Kevin West My last paragraph in my original response summed up my thoughts on this. Rather than quote the regs verbatum I was paraphrasing the intentions of the regulations and the ACOP. Where there is a risk of a vehicle 'rolling over' precautions and control measures should be put in place. This is the intention of the legislation mentioned in my response. The final paragraph mentioned that a risk assessment should have identified that (especially on a bank) sit down lawn mowers are at a risk of 'rolling over' and so ROPS protection should be installed unless the need to mow banks can be eliminated of course. Maybe it would be wise to consult the HSE on this subject to get it from the horses mouth so to speak. It may also be wise to look at past cases where vehicles without ROPS have killed people and the company has correctly been fined. (recent article in site safe news provides such a case) I hope this clears up my view on this thread. I am sorry if it appeared that I was saying "By law ALL machines MUST have ROPS". We all know the law isnt that definitive, especially in health and safety law. Kev