Free guidance published on preventing trailer rollaways

The Freight Transport Association played a role in drafting the new guidance, which focuses on the safe coupling, uncoupling and parking of commercial vehicles and trailers.

The ‘Safe coupling and uncoupling guide’ is intended to assist employers, those who control sites where coupling and uncoupling is undertaken by users of large goods vehicles, managers, self-employed drivers and driver training bodies. It has been developed by industry as a good practice guide with the aim of reducing the likelihood of a runaway or rollaway incident.

You can download the Guide here.

Andy Mair, FTA’s head of engineering, says: “Vehicle and trailer runaway incidents are a serious concern for FTA members, the consequences of which can often be fatal. This new guidance will be welcomed by members who will be able to put it into practical use for the training of drivers and used as a benchmark for risk assessment of their procedures, site and systems to ensure safe coupling and uncoupling of trucks and trailers.”

The guide includes practical information on how truck and trailer parking brake systems operate and step by step photographic sequences for the coupling and uncoupling procedures which should be adopted by drivers.

Andy Mair concluded: “Research by the Health and Safety Laboratory suggests that many drivers do not understand how truck and trailer parking brakes operate, which is a key requirement in the coupling and uncoupling procedure.  The guide aims to address some of the common misunderstandings, includes a clear and understandable explanation, and shows that in most cases drivers incorrectly believe that disconnecting the coupling air lines applies the trailer parking brake.”