Safe Working Practices
Banksman (Reversing Assistant) Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence v1.0’. Š Accrington & Rossendale College MMXIII - HB
Banksman
BANKSMEN (REVERSING ASSISTANTS)
Banksmen (reversing assistants) are defined as trained employees who play an active part in reversing manoeuvres by giving prearranged hand signals to the driver. (www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/waste04.pdf)
Their role is to:
Banksmen (Reversing Assistants)
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signal the vehicle driver to stop when necessary to prevent the vehicle colliding with pedestrians and other road users; warn approaching vehicles or pedestrians; assist trained and competent drivers to safely manoeuvre the vehicle. They do not take responsibility for the manoeuvre.
Additional training is essential for reversing assistants wherever they are expected to indicate clearance distances between the vehicle and obstructions on the street.
Only trained reversing assistants should assist reversing vehicles.
The banksman (reversing assistant) should stand 5 -10 m back and 1 m out from the side of the vehicle, on the pavement wherever possible, so that the driver can see them.
Banksmen (reversing assistants) should never stand directly behind the vehicle.
If the driver loses sight of the reversing assistant they MUST stop the vehicle at once. The driver should not reverse until the banksman (reversing assistant) is in position and have signalled that it is ok to start reversing.
Loading should never take place while the vehicle is reversing.
Banksmen (reversing assistants) should never walk backwards while giving signals (this poses a slip/trip risk) and should be sure the driver can see them at all times.
Before making the manoeuvre the driver and banksman (reversing assistant) should agree who will stand where. The final decision to reverse or not is the driver’s reponsibility. (www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/waste04.pdf)
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Reversing Assistant
CRUSH ZONE
Banksmen (reversing assistants) must: • avoid distractions when assisting a driver to complete a manoeuvre.
• be alert and aware of pedestrians and warn them that the vehicle is reversing.
CLEAR VIEW
Poor all around visability can cause accidents or collisions with other vehicles.
Banksmen (reversing assistants) must be able to see the driver in the mirror and ensure the driver can also see them.
Drivers must keep the Banksman (reversing assistant) in full view when manoeuvring the vehicle.
CLEAR AGREED SIGNALS
It is vital that the banksman (reversing assistant) and driver use correct and clear agreed signals.
Consistency and the use of correct hand signals throughout is essential for maintaining safety.
Drivers should not start reversing until they are given a clear signal to do so by the banksman (reversing assistant).
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Banksmen (Reversing Assistants)
The crush zone is highlighted in red on the picture. Picture: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/waste04.pdf
• ensure that both they and other people are not in the crush zone during reversing, ie between the rear/sides of the vehicle and fixed objects such as walls, lamp posts or cars.
Banksman
Banksman (Reversing Assistant) Signals
With reference to your practical training, identify the banksman (reversing assistant) signals pictured below.
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Reversing Assistant
Restricted S p ace
When guiding a reversing vehicle in a restricted space the banksman (reversing assistant) should stand on a pavement or walkway. If this is not possible the banksman (reversing assistant) must have sight of the crush zone at all times. The manoeuvre must not start until the banksman (reversing assistant) is in place and visible.
Guiding a Reversing Vehicle
In A Strai g ht Line
When the vehicle has to make a straight reverse, the banksman (reversing assistant) should be positioned to make sure no-one enters the crush zone. The banksman (reversing assistant) may need to progressively move as the vehicle reverses, but should remember to do so with extreme care, and not to walk backwards while signalling.
Around Corners
This reversing procedure may vary depending on whether the side road is on the left or right. In the right-hand option, the banksman (reversing assistant) may need to take up a position on the nearside corner. Once the manoeuvre has begun, they can move to a safe distance in preparation for reversing in a straight line as above.
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Banksman Describe the role of a Banksman (reversing assistant).
Knowledge and Understanding
Why is it important to agree a clear set of signals with a driver?
When guiding a reversing vehicle, where should you position yourself and why?
When guiding a reversing vehicle, what should you be aware of?
As a Banksman (reversing assistant), what should you never do?
If a driver loses sight of a Banksman (reversing assistant), what should the driver do?
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Reversing Assistant Why is it important to be consistent and use standard signals?
What is the crush zone?
Knowledge and Understanding
What personal protection equipment (PPE) should you wear and why?
You are guiding a reversing vehicle and have positioned yourself 9 metres away. The vehicle reverses at 0.75 metres per second. In the box below calculate how long will it take the vehicle to reach your position if you do not move.
Assessor Statement of Com p letion
I confirm that ................................................has successfully completed a short course on Banksman (reversing assistant) signals.
He/She has been able to demonstrate standard signals to guide a reversing vehicle in a restricted space and should be able to perform this task satisfactorily in his/her workplace. Assessor:.........................................Signature:....................................Date:......................
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Accrington & Rossendale College Driving Academy Broad Oak Campus Broad Oak Road Accrington Lancs BB5 2AW Telephone: 01254 389933 e-mail : info@accross.ac.uk