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jmaclaughlin  
#1 Posted : 27 March 2020 12:08:10(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
jmaclaughlin

Does anyone know what the minimum distance from the pavement edge a street surveyor taking readings from nearby buildings on a commercial/semi resdential rd such as Euston square must be?

All the HSE and other guidance I have been through says "suitable & sufficient" but I would like to put a precise distance in my RAMS.

Roundtuit  
#2 Posted : 27 March 2020 12:35:41(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

Are you really sure you want to be prescriptive - just look at all the posts on here where 2m is not feasible so "what can I do"?

Depending on the pavement being directly on the edge is unlikely to be a good idea given the passing traffic particularly poorly loaded vehicles e.g. the car with a load protruding from the passenger window like the lance of a jousting knight or the cycle courriers trying to squeeze past stationary vehicles.

Or you state 12" and then end up in protracted debate because that is where the pedestrian railings or other street furniture are fixed preventing the use of the equipment.

Then there is the proverbial how wide is the pavement - in some back streets it may only be half a paving a slab others could be sweeping thoroughfares.

It is written as "suitable and sufficient" so that a judgement call can be made dependent upon the multitude of influencing factors which the surveyor should consider as they are setting up to take measurements.

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
aud on 27/03/2020(UTC), aud on 27/03/2020(UTC)
Roundtuit  
#3 Posted : 27 March 2020 12:35:41(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

Are you really sure you want to be prescriptive - just look at all the posts on here where 2m is not feasible so "what can I do"?

Depending on the pavement being directly on the edge is unlikely to be a good idea given the passing traffic particularly poorly loaded vehicles e.g. the car with a load protruding from the passenger window like the lance of a jousting knight or the cycle courriers trying to squeeze past stationary vehicles.

Or you state 12" and then end up in protracted debate because that is where the pedestrian railings or other street furniture are fixed preventing the use of the equipment.

Then there is the proverbial how wide is the pavement - in some back streets it may only be half a paving a slab others could be sweeping thoroughfares.

It is written as "suitable and sufficient" so that a judgement call can be made dependent upon the multitude of influencing factors which the surveyor should consider as they are setting up to take measurements.

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
aud on 27/03/2020(UTC), aud on 27/03/2020(UTC)
jmaclaughlin  
#4 Posted : 27 March 2020 12:54:35(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
jmaclaughlin

Its because currently from time to time they are standing on the very edge, heavily engrossed in their task.

And you are correct there are a lot of cavalier delivery drivers etc in the area.

So in addition to getting the chainman/person to watch out for traffic and pedestrians would like to state they must be a mimum of xxx mm from the pavement edge, if they cannot achieve that distance would have to set up elsewhere.

chrisfromtaunton  
#5 Posted : 27 March 2020 13:19:00(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
chrisfromtaunton

If the survetor had a small road cone he could deploy when he was at particular risk, that might improve his situation.

aud  
#6 Posted : 27 March 2020 15:58:58(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
aud

Why not ask the surveyors to say what they think the rules should be? Don't accept the 'never had an accident yet gov', see if there are any close call anecdotes - you may be surprised. Definitely do not try to say a particular distance. Maybe talk about margins and different scenarios affecting level of risk.

In the ideal world all safety procedures would be developed from experienced users input, with only the legal or industry standard from safety practitioner. I wish I had learnt this sooner in my career than I did, and implemented it better than I may have.

thanks 2 users thanked aud for this useful post.
Kim Hedges on 29/03/2020(UTC), Kate on 30/03/2020(UTC)
Roundtuit  
#7 Posted : 27 March 2020 20:31:03(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

I take it your employer does not want to pay for (or may not be permitted) a roadway suspension whilst the surveyor works.

How's about an assistant similar to a mobile camera operator - the assistant constantly watching behind (or to the flow of traffic) for approaching hazards whilst the task is completed?

Appreciate this takes the task from two to three people but in a busy metropolis where your RA is meant to reflect what can be considered suitable and sufficient controls rather than a piece of paper to try and vindicate the employer from any liability in the event of...

Roundtuit  
#8 Posted : 27 March 2020 20:31:03(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

I take it your employer does not want to pay for (or may not be permitted) a roadway suspension whilst the surveyor works.

How's about an assistant similar to a mobile camera operator - the assistant constantly watching behind (or to the flow of traffic) for approaching hazards whilst the task is completed?

Appreciate this takes the task from two to three people but in a busy metropolis where your RA is meant to reflect what can be considered suitable and sufficient controls rather than a piece of paper to try and vindicate the employer from any liability in the event of...

Acorns  
#9 Posted : 28 March 2020 08:01:19(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Acorns

Originally Posted by: jmaclaughlin Go to Quoted Post

Its because currently from time to time they are standing on the very edge, heavily engrossed in their task

Perhaps you have already answered your question,! Assuming they know the current advise and, potentially ignoring it, what makes us think they will be less engrossed n their task if the form in the office says " suitable and sufficient" or any other measurement.     perhaps education, communication and discussion of your current guidance is what will really achieve the goal!
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