Raising The Bar Guidance - Site Tow Bowser Equipment Requirements

Raising The Bar Guidance - Site Tow Bowser Equipment Requirements

The Site Tow Bowser is a mobile water or fuel storage tank mounted on a trailer, used for refuelling machinery, providing water for dust suppression, or delivering other essential liquids on construction and highway sites. Due to its towable nature, the bowser can be transported to different areas of a site to serve equipment and personnel efficiently. However, site tow bowsers present specific operational risks, such as stability challenges, spill hazards, and towing-related risks. National Highways’ "Raising the Bar 1" guidelines outline essential safety and operational standards to ensure the safe and compliant use of site tow bowsers on all projects.

General Minimum Requirements

The General Minimum Requirements (GMR) provide foundational safety and operational standards for all types of equipment, including site tow bowsers:

1. Daily Inspections: Site tow bowsers must undergo daily pre-use inspections. Operators should complete a checklist to identify any potential issues, such as leaks, damaged hoses, or issues with the tow hitch and braking system.

2. Compliance with Legislation: Site tow bowsers must meet UK regulatory standards, including UKCA certification and compliance with the European Commission Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC), with a declaration of conformity.

3. Safety Decals and High-Visibility Markings: Safety decals should be legible and visible on the bowser, particularly near control panels, hoses, and access points. High-visibility markings must also be applied to handrails, access points, and the tow hitch.

4. Secure and Functional Couplings: Tow bowsers must be securely coupled to the towing vehicle with fully functional safety chains or brakes, ensuring stability during transit.

5. Public Highway Compliance: When used on or near public highways, site tow bowsers must be equipped with registration plates, flashing amber beacons, and operational lights as specified in Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual.

Equipment-Specific Safety and Compliance Standards

Given the risk of spills, towing instability, and the potential for high-capacity liquid transport, site tow bowsers have additional safety standards to ensure stable and safe operations:

1. Amber Beacon and Visibility Enhancements: An amber beacon is required to increase visibility. Reflective tape and high-visibility markings should also be used on the bowser body and tow frame.

2. 360° Visibility for Towing Vehicle: The towing vehicle for a site tow bowser must meet 360° visibility standards, achievable through mirrors, cameras, or other visual aids, to provide operators with a clear view, especially when reversing or maneuvering the bowser.

3. Reversing Alarm: A directional, white-noise reversing alarm should be installed on the towing vehicle to alert nearby personnel when the bowser is reversing. This alarm should be clearly audible outside the cab.

4. Secondary Coupling and Safety Chains: Bowsers must have a secondary coupling or safety chain as a backup to prevent accidental detachment. Operators should check the coupling and safety chains before each use.

5. Spill Prevention and Containment: Site tow bowsers should be equipped with spill containment features, such as drip trays, to prevent environmental contamination from fuel or water leaks.

6. Secure Hose and Nozzle Storage: Hoses and nozzles should be stored securely when not in use to prevent accidental spills or leaks. Operators should check that all valves are closed and secured before transport.

7. Emergency Stop Button: If the bowser has an integrated pump system for dispensing fuel or water, an emergency stop button should be accessible to shut down the pump immediately in case of an emergency.

Liquid Storage, Handling, and Transport Standards

The liquid transport capabilities of a site tow bowser require specific standards to ensure safe handling, stability, and spill prevention:

1. Liquid Load Stability and Even Distribution: The bowser’s tank should be filled evenly, and liquid should be properly secured to avoid sloshing, which can destabilize the bowser during transport.

2. Secure Tank Lid and Valve Locks: The tank lid and valves must be securely locked to prevent accidental spillage, especially when transporting hazardous liquids like fuel.

3. Avoiding Overloading: Operators must adhere to the bowser’s maximum load capacity, ensuring that the tank is not overfilled, as overloading can compromise the tow vehicle’s stability and braking performance.

4. Ground Condition Assessment for Stationary Use: When setting up the bowser for stationary use, operators should assess the ground condition to ensure stability, especially when filling or emptying the tank.

5. Clear Exclusion Zones: Exclusion zones should be established around the bowser, particularly when dispensing fuel or water, to ensure personnel safety and prevent unauthorized access to flammable or hazardous materials.

6. Drainage and Environmental Protection: Operators should ensure that the bowser is positioned away from drainage systems to prevent contamination, especially when handling fuel. Spill kits and containment measures should be available in case of leaks.

Operator Competency and Requirements

Competent and trained operators are essential for the safe and effective use of site tow bowsers, particularly when transporting and dispensing fuel or water. The following standards apply:

1. Licensing and Certification: Operators must hold the appropriate certification for towing, particularly if they are transporting hazardous liquids like fuel, which may require additional qualifications under ADR (European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road).

2. Bowser-Specific Training: Operators should receive training covering safe towing practices, spill prevention, hose handling, and emergency response for the specific bowser type and model.

3. Understanding of Load and Liquid Dynamics: Operators should understand how liquid movement within the tank affects stability, particularly during transport on slopes or uneven ground.

4. Safe System of Work: Operators must be briefed on the site’s Safe System of Work (SSoW) and sign onto the Plant, Vehicle, and People Management Plan (PVPMP) for each specific worksite.

5. Emergency Procedures: Operators should be trained in emergency stop procedures, spill containment, and safe evacuation techniques in the event of equipment malfunction or leakage.

Desirable Features

Additional features are recommended to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance for site tow bowsers:

1. Automatic Spill Detection System: An automatic spill detection system alerts operators to leaks, enabling rapid containment and reducing environmental impact.

2. Stage V Emission Compliance: For bowsers with fuel pumps or other motorized components, Stage V-compliant engines are recommended to minimize emissions, especially on environmentally sensitive projects.

3. 360º Camera System for Towing Vehicle: A 360º camera system enhances visibility, helping the towing vehicle operator monitor the surroundings and avoid obstacles, especially when manoeuvring the bowser in confined spaces.

4. Anti-Slosh Baffles Inside Tank: Anti-slosh baffles within the tank can help control the movement of liquid, improving stability during transport and reducing the risk of spills.

5. Lockable Valves and Hoses: Lockable valves and hose storage prevent unauthorized access and ensure all dispensing points are secure when the bowser is not in use.

6. Containment Bunding: For bowsers transporting fuel or hazardous materials, containment bunding around the tank provides an additional layer of protection against environmental contamination in case of leaks.

Hazard Identification and Mitigation

Operating a site tow bowser involves specific hazards, and hazard mitigation is essential to ensure safe operation:

• Stability and Tipping Risks: The movement of liquid within the tank can destabilize the bowser. Anti-slosh baffles, secure tow couplings, and even load distribution help mitigate these risks.

• Spill and Leakage Hazards: Leaks or spills pose environmental risks, particularly with fuel. Spill detection systems, secure hose storage, and readily available spill kits help contain and manage leaks.

• Visibility and Blind Spots: The bowser’s size and towing configuration create blind spots. A 360º camera system and reversing alarms on the towing vehicle help improve visibility and prevent accidental contact.

• Noise and Vibration Exposure: Towing and dispensing systems can generate noise and vibrations. Operators should use hearing protection, and anti-vibration equipment is recommended for prolonged use.

• Overloading and Mechanical Strain: Exceeding the bowser’s capacity or improper load distribution can lead to mechanical failure or increased tipping risk. Adherence to SWL and secure load management help prevent overloading.

• Hose and Valve Safety Risks: Hoses and valves can present hazards if not properly secured. Lockable storage and regular inspections help ensure these components are secure and functioning correctly.

Summary

The Site Tow Bowser is an essential tool for mobile liquid storage and distribution on construction and highway projects. However, due to its high-capacity tank, towing nature, and liquid handling requirements, strict adherence to National Highways' "Raising the Bar 1" guidelines is essential. By following protocols for daily inspections, visibility standards, spill prevention, and secure coupling, operators and site managers can ensure the safe and effective operation of site tow bowsers. Additional features such as anti-slosh baffles, spill detection, and containment bunding further enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the safety standards, operator requirements, and hazard management strategies for site tow bowsers, ensuring compliance with National Highways’ standards for safe and efficient project execution.