Key Safety Messages:

• Before approaching any moving parts, or starting any maintenance task, follow the safe stop procedure: handbrake on, controls in neutral. engine off, and keys out.

• Ensure any work to be undertaken is suitably planned and risks are appropriately managed.

• Before carrying out any maintenance, ensure that stored energy is released and loads supported appropriately.

• Never work beneath an unsupported load.

• When working under raised parts of machinery such as trailers or booms, always ensure that the raised load is properly supported e.g. using props, supports or scotch mechanisms.

• Ensure that maintenance is carried out by someone who has the necessary training, skills, knowledge and experience to carry out the work safely.

• Ensure that maintenance work on machinery is carried out in a safe place away from vehicle routes and other potential hazards.

Guidance can be found in the HSE’s leaflets

• Working under vehicles

• Safe maintenance

• Crushing hazards