Posted: May 2022
The latest Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations were introduced in 2015. Here, we look at what the regulations mean for vehicles and how you can ensure your construction site is safe.
What are the CDM Regulations for construction vehicles?
The CDM Regulations for vehicles state where a person may be endangered by the movement of a vehicle, suitable and sufficient steps to give warning to any person who is liable to be at risk from movement of the vehicle must be taken by either or both:
Large construction vehicles are notorious for having complex and numerous blind spots and visibility has long been an issue for drivers and workers on the ground.
What do the CDM Regulations for construction vehicles mean?
While the CDM Regulations don’t indicate precisely what the suitable and sufficient steps operators should take to prevent incidents are, it is clear that operators and their drivers have a legal obligation to ensure people are not endangered by vehicles under their control. In the event of an incident, an operator or driver could be prosecuted and face hefty fines if they were found to be in breach of these rules.
How can operators and drivers ensure they do not violate CDM regulations for construction vehicles?
Standards introduced by the industry, such as CLOCS, specify fitting vehicle safety equipment to address such safety concerns. This equipment includes technology like 360-degree cameras, radars and warning alerts.
Construction sites can be extremely challenging and unpredictable environments. Therefore, maintaining safety at all times can be very difficult. On construction sites, the need for safety is paramount, particularly as the slightest mistake can have devastating consequences.
Construction vehicle safety systems featuring the latest technology
Smart technology is helping to address the problem of restricted visibility and blind spots on vehicles operating on construction sites. Brigade’s ZoneSafe proximity warning system features the very latest RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology.
Ideal for construction sites, ZoneSafe uses vehicle-mounted antennas that communicate with detection tags, which can be worn by workers, set up in restricted areas or placed on objects or property. When a tag enters a detection zone, the vehicle operator will automatically receive a visual and audible alert via the in-cab control unit, which will enable them to take the necessary action. Tags worn by workers on foot will also vibrate to warn of an approaching vehicle.
Due to the RFID technology, which does not require line-of-sight, tags will be detected regardless of obstructions, blind spots, adverse weather conditions or poor visibility. Each tag can be uniquely identified and linked to individual people.
This technology is ideal for all types of construction vehicles that frequently operate within close proximity of workers and other machines. The system provides fast, reliable, and accurate data exchange without any limitation on the number of tags or antennas in operation, making it perfect for large areas like busy construction sites.
While driver training is key to ensuring safety standards are adhered to, vehicle safety technology, such as Brigade’s, can add an additional layer of security and peace of mind for operators who are keen to ensure that their workplaces remain hazard free.
Brigade Electronics will be attending Hillhead 2022 at Hillhead Quarry Buxton Tuesday 21st to Thursday 23rd June and exhibiting its range of plant and construction vehicle safety systems, including ZoneSafe. Find them at Stand RF1.
For further information about Brigade and our range of commercial vehicle safety products, please speak to one of our friendly team on 01322 420300 or email [email protected].
