Posted By Steve Clark
Ian,
split coupling is an activity with inherent risk. It could be argued that if drivers follow strict coupling procedures, including ensuring that parking brakes are applied then crushing incidents (where the driver is crushed by the trailer rolling forward into the cab of the tractive unit) will not happen. This could be seen as folly as some companies operate an 'automatic parking brake' system that doesn't use the traditional valve or ratchet trailer parking brake. The HSE/SOE guide is in my personal view on thin ice. However, there may be instances where split coupling cannot be avoided, for example when couping reefer trailers with bulkhead mounted chillers in close couple combination. It would be essential to have a wheel chock AND robust safe working procedure in place. I hope that this thread gets a lot of responses as this topic is worthy of input from the wider membership, many of whom work in logistics/distribution/haulage. I will look in to see what develops !!!

Steve Clark CMIOSH
R&D SG: Chair Transport & Distribution Committee
http://www.iosh.co.uk/in...=specialist.news&sgid=13