Posted By SLS
We are in the process of setting up a SMART repair van (initially to go round our own dealerships to carry out necessary work).

We already operate numerous bodyshops, so I have risk assessments in place that I can refer to and/or adapt etc.

What I'm after is a little advice on what things I should be considering due to the fact it will be a mobile unit.

I'm thinking along the lines of:
- safe location for work to be undertaken
- fire extinguisher in van
- first aid kit/eye wash in van

Any advice and/or example risk assessments on this subject would be appreciated.

Posted By SLS
It's not a new bodyshop that we are opening, we are venturing into running a SMART (Small and Medium Area Repair Technique) van. This van will travel round numerous sites, set up, and carry out small paint repairs on various vehicles. The work will be outside (not in designated/restricted internal departments), constant changing locations, all equipment storred/mixed etc. in the back of a van.

I dont see this risk assessment being the same as those i have produced for our bodyshops, although i am open to being corrected...

Posted By Ian_P
You're right, there are obvious additional risks and you're risk assessment will need to address these. Initial things that spring to mind are:

Lone Working. If van man is travelling around on his own what arrangements are in place to ensure his safety (from accident reporting to ensuring he gets home at night).

Customers Rules. Need to be followed, RA should detail need to sign in, following customers rules such as wearing of PPE (hi-vis etc.) If you are using flammables then there will be restricted areas on customers' premises in line with their Fire RA.

Chemicals. Do the amount of chemicals transported in the van (especially flammables) comply with the relevant regs?

Enviromental Issues. If chemicals etc. are transported then are there facilities to deal with spillage or disposal?

Road Working. Is repair work conducted road side (if so get hold of BS PAS:43) or is it just touch up work at depots?

Apologies for ramble, just issues to consider off the top of my head.

Home time,
Ian

Posted By John A Blease
Hi SLS,

I have recently carried out risk assessments on a SMART repair organisation where they carried out both SMART repairs outside the van,and also inside the van (re-spraying alloy wheels in a "mini spray booth").
In addition to the good points noted by A Campbell and Ian_P, consider also the following.
power supply to the van - generator or 240volt from client premises. - RCDs - arctic cable - inspection regime - protection from vehicles running over the cable - warning signs ref trip hazard from other employees
Paint spraying - two pack ? - air fed mask - compressor on board - clean air supply to compressor - effect on other employees
Electrical equipment - near spray area ? intrinsically safe?
PPE/RPE - correct type - storage

There are other issues to cover.
You may not be aware, but the HSE have started to focus on SMART repair organisations. They have issued a guide to SMART repairs.
Have a look at the limk:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web33.pdf
Some good information, but some I disagree with.
If you would like further information please contact me.