Hi all, I'm after a few ideas on how to control access to plant keys on construction sites, the idea being that any person or operative cannot obtain a key for a piece of plant that he/she is not qualified or permitted to operate. Does anybody have any suggestions of how to practically achieve this or have examples of their successes or pitfalls that they can share? Thanks in advance.

It has been a while since I was involved in heavy construction, however I seem to recall that some plant such as dumpers have a generic key which anyone can use if they so wish. I think the real issue is site rules being enforced, where those who are not authorised to use such equipment do not use it and those who do so are suitably disciplined. This aspect of the site rules needs to be enforced by senior management, otherwise they are in effect condoning poor practice.

some have a key safe on the vehicle/forklift with pin code on it, (masterlock do one) if you have a requirement for keys staying with vehicle, otherwise it could be on driver of machine, or locked up in cabinets strategically placed around site for various areas, (site cabin/manager's office/canteen area), labelled with tag of what it's for. 

all drivers have training record to show what they are allowed to drive, defect books for start of shift and end of work on the machine, transfering to new driver as and when to do their checks of the machine. 

supervisors monitor and ensure everyone knows rules and don't just need to move x... also need to think about appropriate parking areas to get away from he's put it here and need it shifting/ access to get to this thing or lift x of vehicle whilst on dinner...

don't go off site with keys in pocket. 

there was a seminar at the institute for civil engineers on cable strikes about 6 months ago, look in past events and ask them if they have the notes, or ask if they could tell you when they are next doing one. 

hse have had some prosecutions recently that i think i saw in shp/iosh magazine so perhaps do a search in google then look for the statement from them about what were appropriate measures. 

from discussing with people doing the work, check accuracy of drawings, cat scans before and during work,  after they got to a certain level, - when the saw dolomite I think and especially on seeing some of the electric cable tape they were only using hand shovels/hand tools to go lower which are non-conductive, such as plastic shovel, and there was a policy of "if you hit a cable" you get sacked. (no if's no buts). 

so those controls were in place at that organisation and were understood by the guys on the ground, and communicated to me.

a specialist in trenches etc would advise you properly, as you also need to consider the excavation falling in, placement and selection of supports etc.