Raising The Bar Guidance - Highway Tow Bowser Equipment Requirements

Raising The Bar Guidance - Highway Tow Bowser Equipment Requirements

The Highway Tow Bowser is a mobile tank used for transporting water, fuel, or other essential liquids directly on highways and public roads. It is commonly utilized for refuelling equipment, dust suppression, or delivering water to remote sites. Unlike site-only tow bowsers, highway tow bowsers are designed to be transported on public roads and, therefore, must adhere to strict road safety and regulatory standards. National Highways’ "Raising the Bar 1" guidelines provide essential safety and operational standards to ensure the safe, compliant use of highway tow bowsers on all projects.

General Minimum Requirements

The General Minimum Requirements (GMR) establish baseline safety and operational standards for all equipment, including highway tow bowsers:

1. Daily Inspections: Highway tow bowsers must undergo daily pre-use inspections. Operators should complete a checklist to detect any potential issues, such as leaks, damaged hoses, tire wear, and proper functionality of lights and brakes.

2. Compliance with Legislation: All highway tow bowsers must meet UK regulatory standards, including UKCA certification and compliance with the European Commission Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC), as well as roadworthiness requirements under DVSA regulations.

3. Safety Decals and High-Visibility Markings: Safety decals should be clear and visible on the bowser, particularly near control panels, hoses, and access points. High-visibility markings should be applied to handrails, steps, and the rear of the bowser to enhance visibility.

4. Tow Hitch and Coupling Security: The tow hitch and couplings must be secure and compatible with the towing vehicle. All tow hitches must be checked daily to ensure they are locked and stable for road use.

5. Public Highway Compliance: As highway tow bowsers operate on public roads, they must have appropriate registration plates, amber beacons, fully functional lights, and reflective markings, adhering to Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual.

Equipment-Specific Safety and Compliance Standards

Highway tow bowsers present additional safety considerations due to their mobility on public roads, load-bearing capacity, and potential for transporting hazardous liquids:

1. Amber Beacon and Reflective Markings: An amber beacon is required for visibility in traffic, and reflective tape or markings should be applied to the bowser body and tow frame to improve night-time visibility.

2. 360° Visibility for Towing Vehicle: The towing vehicle for the highway tow bowser must meet 360° visibility standards with mirrors or cameras, ensuring the operator can see around the bowser, especially when reversing or manoeuvring.

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

4. Secondary Coupling and Safety Chains: Highway tow bowsers must have a secondary coupling or safety chain as a backup to prevent accidental detachment. These must be inspected regularly for wear and secure attachment.

5. Spill Prevention and Containment: Highway tow bowsers should be fitted with spill containment measures, such as drip trays, to prevent leaks from contaminating public roads or the environment.

6. Secure Hose and Nozzle Storage: Hoses and nozzles must be securely stored when not in use to prevent accidental spills and damage during transit.

7. Braking and Suspension Systems: Highway tow bowsers must have an efficient braking and suspension system compatible with highway speeds and towing conditions, ensuring safe stopping capability and stability at higher speeds.

Liquid Transport and Handling Standards

The transport of liquid on highways requires specific standards to prevent instability, spills, and hazards to other road users:

1. Load Distribution and Stability: The bowser’s liquid load should be evenly distributed to prevent instability. Anti-slosh baffles inside the tank are recommended to limit liquid movement during transit.

2. Adherence to Load Capacity: Operators must adhere to the bowser’s maximum load capacity. Overloading can impair braking and handling, particularly at highway speeds, and increases the risk of tipping.

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

4. Clearance from Traffic and Road Obstructions: Operators should be mindful of clearance when positioning the bowser, especially if operating on the shoulder of a road. Reflective markers and amber beacons should always be used for high visibility.

5. Ground Condition Assessment for Stationary Use: When setting up the bowser for stationary use on the side of a road, operators should ensure the ground is stable, preventing any shifts or tipping.

6. Road Surface Spill Management: In the event of a spill on a public road, operators should have spill kits readily available and should immediately use containment procedures to prevent environmental contamination and road hazards.

Operator Competency and Requirements

Competent and trained operators are essential for the safe and effective use of highway tow bowsers, particularly due to their potential use on public roads:

1. Licensing and Certification: Operators must hold the appropriate license 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 be trained in safe towing practices, spill prevention, hose handling, and emergency response for the specific type and model of highway tow bowser.

3. Knowledge of Load Dynamics and Liquid Handling: Operators should understand how liquid movement within the tank affects stability, particularly during braking, cornering, and high-speed travel on highways.

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

5. Emergency Procedures: Operators should be trained in emergency response procedures, including handling highway incidents, stopping in the event of leaks, and using emergency spill kits.

Desirable Features

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

1. Automatic Spill Detection System: An automatic spill detection system that alerts operators to leaks enables rapid containment and reduces environmental impact.

2. Stage V Emission Compliance: For fuel pumps or motorized components, Stage V-compliant engines are recommended to reduce emissions, especially on highways and in environmentally sensitive areas.

3. 360º Camera System for Towing Vehicle: A 360º camera system enhances visibility, helping the towing vehicle operator monitor the surroundings and avoid obstacles, particularly when reversing in confined areas or near traffic.

4. Anti-Slosh Baffles Inside Tank: Anti-slosh baffles help stabilize liquid loads by limiting liquid movement, reducing the risk of spills and enhancing stability at higher speeds.

5. Lockable Valves and Hoses: Lockable valves and hose storage help prevent unauthorized access and ensure secure containment when the bowser is not in use.

6. Containment Bunding: For bowsers transporting 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 highway tow bowser involves specific hazards, and hazard mitigation is essential for safe operation:

• Stability and Tipping Risks: Liquid movement within the tank can destabilize the bowser, especially at high speeds. Anti-slosh baffles, even load distribution, and secure tow couplings 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 manage spills.

• Visibility and Blind Spots: The bowser’s size and towing configuration create blind spots. A 360º camera system and reflective markers on the bowser enhance visibility, reducing the chance of accidents.

• 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: Overloading the bowser can impair braking and stability. Load monitoring systems and adherence to maximum load capacity help prevent overloading.

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

Summary

The Highway Tow Bowser is an essential tool for transporting water, fuel, or other liquids on highways and public roads, providing mobile liquid distribution with the flexibility to operate in diverse locations. However, due to its high-capacity tank, towing nature, and highway use, strict adherence to National Highways' "Raising the Bar 1" guidelines is essential. By following key protocols such as daily inspections, secure coupling, visibility standards, spill prevention, and load management, operators and site managers can ensure the safe and effective operation of highway tow bowsers. Additional features, such as anti-slosh baffles, spill detection systems, 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 highway tow bowsers, ensuring compliance with National Highways’ standards for safe and efficient project execution.