Does anyone have any good guidance for the safe loading of van roof racks? I can find loads on how to secure the load safely with regards to ensuring the load does not create a hazard during a crash scenario, but very little about how to get the load up onto the roof rack safely (i.e. working at height risks). Obviously I understand the hierarchy of controls when working at height, but does anyone have any safe practical methods they adopt? Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

What are you trying to load and secure? There are several gizmos and gadgets on the market to make life easier for ladder storage. (EZ load, Loadsrite etc.)

Hi Tinkerbel 7, I have had the same issue recently with securing ladders. I suggested that the operative should put them to the side instead of the middle and, as there was 2 of them, access using an additional footed ladder to secure instead of climbing up onto the wet slippery roof. It worked in this instance but as the operative said there will not always be 2 people. Did you come up with any other ideas that I could try? Regards Stuart

I hope this won't be seen as advertising (as it's not yet commercially available, but in the development stage) but given the recent cases against Anglian Windows and Travis Perkins, Can I suggest all of the guidance you may need will be found on the 'Links' and 'law' pages of www.veps.co.uk website. As an EX HSE construction inspector, and product designer by training, I recognised that LCV loading practices were not receiving the same attention as the heavy haulage industry fall from vehicles, and the vehicle edge protection system has been developed as a result. Again, I trust this will be treated as a response to an enquiry by a fellow IOSH member, rather than a sales pitch (as it has in the past)

I does look good, but the access ladder needs to be longer or perhaps part of the design. You had to grasp the swinging gate to get up as the top step of the access ladder seemed to be level with the top of the van roof. But a good idea Perhaps IOSH could have an innovation part, not advertising but new product design recognition. Chris

Just a quick update on the project for those who contacted me. Following lot of further design development work I am hopeful that I will shortly be producing a run of 'production' prototypes for field trials. All being well this will be before the end of the year, moving it closer to becoming a reasonably practicable solution. Once these are ready I my be looking for organisations who would be interested to participate in field trials, so if any members are interested, do please let me know. Al

For those interested in this subject area, there is relevant article in the new issue of Commercial Vehicle Dealer (p.26-27) http://www.cvdealer.co.u...ines/issue175/index.html