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Loading and Unloading of Mobile Plant on National Highways Toolbox Talk: Ensuring Safe Plant Transport Operations
The Loading and Unloading of Mobile Plant on National Highways Toolbox Talk provides essential guidance on the safe loading, unloading, and transportation of mobile plant equipment in highways work. Developed in line with Raising the Bar 35 (RTB35), this document aligns with UK health and safety legislation, including the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), and HSE guidance on plant safety. It supports businesses in implementing safe practices, reducing equipment-related risks, and ensuring compliance with national safety standards.
Mobile plant equipment, such as excavators, rollers, telehandlers, and loading shovels, presents significant hazards during loading, unloading, and transport activities. Incidents involving plant movement, unsecured loads, or improper loading techniques can lead to serious injuries, fatalities, and site disruptions. This toolbox talk addresses key safety principles for these high-risk tasks, including:
The document explains the correct use of plant-specific controls and highlights the importance of inspecting equipment for mechanical defects or load instability before transport. Workers are reminded to secure loads with chains, ratchets, and other industry-approved restraints to prevent shifting or tipping during transit. In line with Raising the Bar 35, the toolbox talk also stresses the importance of proper training for plant operators and vehicle drivers, ensuring they understand safe loading techniques and emergency procedures.
Simplifying Toolbox Talk Creation with Our Online Generator
Our online document generator makes it easy to create customised toolbox talks like this one. By entering project-specific details, you can generate a professional, compliant document in minutes—helping your business maintain consistent, high-quality safety communication across all highways projects.
Useful Resources and Links
Traffic Signs Manual – Chapter 8: Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-signs-manual
Safety at Street Works and Road Works (The Red Book):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safety-at-street-works-and-road-works
HSE Guidance on Safe Use of Mobile Plant:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/mobileplant.htm
