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Banksman and Signaller Training Courses

Nearly a quarter of all deaths involving vehicles at work occur while vehicles are reversing

  • Many reversing collisions that do not result in injury cause costly damage to vehicles, equipment and premises
  • The most effective way of reducing the risks from reversing is to remove the need for it altogether by setting up one-way systems. Drive through loading and unloading is safe practice. Where reversing is unavoidable, organise routes to minimise the need for it. Any single measure is unlikely to be enough to ensure safety - you will probably need a combination of measures.

In the interests of safety it is important that drivers and pedestrians understand the rules of the site on which they are working or visiting.

There is a duty of care placed on the employer and employee under the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Safety Signs and Signals Regulations to ensure the workplace is safe and that signs and signals are effectively communicated.

  • Ensure all visiting drivers report their arrival and receive instructions regarding the site layout and rules. If visiting drivers are unfamiliar with English you should provide safety information in languages they use, or as graphics
  • Careful consideration must be given to using appropriately trained Banksman/Signallers to assist in the safe movement of vehicles while reversing.

On sites where reversing is unavoidable:

  • Reversing areas should be planned out and visible to drivers and anyone else in the area.
  • People who do not need to be in reversing areas should be kept well clear.
  • Portable radios or similar communication systems can be helpful on some sites

Increase visibility for drivers and pedestrians by:

  • Increasing the area allowed for reversing
  • Installing fixed mirrors in smaller areas
  • Keeping vehicle mirrors clean and in good repair
  • Fitment of refractive lenses to rear window or using rear view CCTV to assist drivers view to the back and sides of the vehicle.

Vehicle reversing alarms may be fitted

  • These should be kept in working order and be loud enough to be heard among background noise.
  • In some circumstances, where a reversing alarm may not be easy to hear, visible systems such as flashing warning lights should be used.
  • Other safety devices may be fitted to vehicles such as a sensing or trip system which either warns the driver or stops the reversing vehicle when it comes close to or touches an obstruction.
  • Physical stops such as barriers or buffers at loading bays may be used. They should be highly visible and sensibly positioned
  • Lateral white lines on the floor can help the driver position the vehicle accurately. Where a vehicle reverses up to structures or edges, barriers or wheel stops can be used to warn drivers they need to stop

Banksman/ Signaller training courses are available for delivery by our accredited Road Transport Training Industry Training Board (RTITB) trainer.

  • Four hours in duration and may accommodate up to six students.
  • Identifies responsibility and communication.
  • Personal Protective equipment requirements
  • Actions in the event of emergencies
  • Signalling
  • Duties of a driver and banksman
  • Those who complete the course are certificated for a period of three years.

Cost: £28.75 per person / Max 6 per course

To reserve a place on the course, please fill in the online form.