Posted By Lewis T Roberts Happy new year tio every one. My first question for the year is has any body got a simple format or template for yard procedures. The issues are loading and unloding, forklift operations contaner stacking. I have carried out the risk assessments but a template for particular procedures would be useful. Lew.

Posted By Sean Fraser Lew, It all depends on what you mean by "yard activities" - each yard will have different activites and requirements. For example, ours not only has a forklift onsite but also has occasional major crane lifts. The approach to the latter differs significantly from the former, where we only require that the forklift is operated by trained personnel. We also have gas cages and bottles, pressurised sample containers, various cargo containers and a number of vans and trucks. Not to mention that the gases and samples are classified as "hazardous" and "dangerous cargo"! All of these activities are performed under the auspices of our Materials Co-ordinator to ensure that activities are being carried out safely. There is no need for a procedure as such as long as basic principles are followed, although individual activities are subject to procedure and risk assessment and we do have a lift plan for the major lift which requires a lift controller to be in charge, the lift area to be defined and marked off to prevent unauthorised access during the lift, adequate area for stabilisation of the crane and swing area to be kept clear of any personnel once under load and/or moving, lift performed by a competent individual operating the crane, etc. etc.. All of this follows HSE and industry guidelines. Could you give us the nature of the activities involved?

Posted By Lewis T Roberts Dear all, My question still remains with respect to a simple template. Does anybody use such a procedure template for the activities described that wouldn't mind me having a gander? In addition with the lack of response would I be correct in assuming that others perhaps with the same or similar situation have for pehaps good reasons not developed such procedures. Lew