The "Raising the Bar" standards for plant and equipment reflect National Highways' commitment to maintaining high safety and operational standards across construction and maintenance projects. This guidance outlines specific requirements for various equipment types, emphasizing hazard elimination, isolation, engineering controls, and risk minimization. These requirements apply to all equipment used within National Highways projects and must be observed by contractors and operators to ensure a safe working environment.
Each type of plant and equipment is subject to a set of minimum standards, including daily inspections, appropriate safety measures, and compliance with regulatory frameworks such as LOLER and PUWER. The guidance further specifies conditions for safe operation, including visibility enhancements, roll-over protection, and the use of anti-crush systems. Additionally, the document addresses the use of safety technologies like 3D machine control, exclusion zones, and audible warnings to enhance operational safety.
Specific requirements are provided for equipment ranging from excavators and cranes to compressors and telehandlers. Each equipment category includes mandatory safety features, operator competency requirements, and emergency protocols, reflecting National Highways' dedication to minimizing risks associated with plant-person interface (PPI) and enhancing site safety protocols.