Chapter 8 of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 discusses the importance of vehicles that stop on the side of the road either for maintenance or work reasons to be clearly visible to pedestrians and other road users. It is for this reason that you will see highway maintenance vehicles and police vans and ambulances fitted with fluorescent chevrons at the back of the vehicles. It is important if you are working with large vehicles perhaps as a Same Day Courier Birmingham company that you check to see whether your work means you should be complying with this section of the Health & Safety at Work Act. If a claim was made as a result of an accident your business would need to be able to prove that they took all reasonable measures and were compliant with the guidance in Chapter 8.
Here are some of the ways in which you can ensure your vehicles are compliant:
- Have high visibility markings on the back of your vehicle that are in a visible colour such as yellow or white.
- The making must be made of a reflective material in an orange-red or yellow colour.
- Maintenance vehicles must be clearly marked with ‘motorway maintenance’ or ‘highway maintenance.’
There are many more ways that you need to ensure you are compliant with Chapter 8 and you can find more information at the government website and their documents on traffic signs and health and safety guidance.