Health and safety in motor vehicle repair and associated industries

Figure 92 Pedestrian
segregation using
designated footpaths
Figure 93 Clear layout of
site entrance and marshal
for directing traffic
Health and Safety
Executive
412 Since 1 July 2007, it has been illegal to smoke in virtually all enclosed public
places and workplaces in England, including most work vehicles. Similar legislation
exists in Scotland and Wales.
Cleanliness
413 Interior walls and ceilings should be tiled, painted or otherwise treated, so they
can be kept clean. Absorbent floors (eg untreated concrete or timber), which are
likely to be contaminated with oil or other substances that are difficult to remove,
should preferably be sealed or coated. Remove any dirt and refuse that is not in
suitable receptacles daily.
Floors and traffic routes
414 ‘Traffic route’ means a route for pedestrian traffic, vehicles, or both, and
includes any stairs, fixed ladders, doorways, gateways, loading bays or ramps.
415 There should be an adequate number of traffic routes, of sufficient width and
headroom, to allow people and vehicles to circulate safely with ease.
416 To allow people and vehicles to move safely, the best approach is to keep
vehicles and pedestrians apart by ensuring they use entirely separate routes.
If people and vehicles have to share a traffic route, use kerbs, barriers or clear
markings to designate a safe walkway and, where pedestrians need to cross a
vehicle route, provide clearly marked crossing points with good visibility, bridges or
subways (see Figure 92). Make sure the shared route is well lit.
417 It is often difficult
for drivers to see behind
their vehicle when they
are reversing; as far as
possible, plan traffic
routes so that drivers do
not need to reverse, for
example by using oneway
systems and drivethrough
loading areas.
418 Set appropriate
speed limits, and make
sure they, and any other
traffic rules, are obeyed.
Provide route markings
and signs, so drivers and
pedestrians know where
to go and what rules
apply to their route and
so they are warned of
any potential hazards (see
Figure 93).
419 Floors and traffic
routes should be sound
and strong enough for
the loads placed on them
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