Posted By Lance Morgan We used to have an electric tug with a cab for pulling waste containers etc around the site. Unfortunately the tug has broken down and is uneconomical to repair. An old mini tractor has been supplied for the waste operative but it is open to the elements, is petrol driven and the driver has complained of exhaust fumes. I have made my views known to management and they have asked for a risk assessment to be completed. Aside from the driver comfort issues, powerdrive on the tractor etc. Can any body advise on any other aspects which will support my view that the tractor is unsuitable for this type of use. Thanks in anticipation Lance

Posted By Ken Urquhart Lance, Look at HSE web site, go to Press Releases and select Press Release E005:02 of 14/01/02. It relates to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and identifies why Work Equipment needs Protective measures and suggests type and reminds folks that old equipment must comply by December this year, (2002) to be compliant. New equipment, eg: equipment made/supplied since 1998 must already be compliant. So if your tractor is older than 1998 and it sounds as though it is, it is going to have to be compliant by December anyway with Roll over protection, Cab etc and the time/cost/trouble etc may far outweigh the aquisition of a new item of Plant/Equipment which is also Safety and Operator friendly. Another way to look at this issue however might be Outsourcing. How is your Waste handled and by whom, is it an internal operation or do you pass it on to a specialist contractor who perhaps currently only deals with the process from your premises gates rather than within your premisies. Hope this helps. Regards. Ken