WORKPLACE - 09.02.2018

Visitor fell into inspection pit

Open hazard

The accident occurred at the Wearside Service Centre in Ladywell, which provides local businesses with commercial waste and recycling services. The visitor fell into a vehicle inspection pit and struck her head. The accident was caused by the pit being left open, unprotected by barriers or coverings.

Known risk

It emerged during the HSE’s investigation that the London Borough of Lewisham (L), which is responsible for the site, had received previous warnings from its own health and safety consultant about the risks.

A recommendation to guard or cover pits was included in risk assessments but never implemented. In court, L pleaded not guilty but was convicted of breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 . L was given a £150,000 fine with costs of £65,000.

Standards

The requirements for safety in and around inspection pits can be found in HSE guidance for motor vehicle repairs (see The next step ).

Tip. Although this is guidance rather than legislation, it’s best to regard the contents as compulsory, unless you have alternative ways of keeping the workplace safe. If you’re in this industry, the document is likely to be referred to by any visiting inspector.

Note. As a local authority, L is responsible for enforcing health and safety in some motor vehicle repair settings, so it should have been familiar with the standards expected.

What’s expected?

Wherever possible restrict access to an inspection pit to essential personnel.

Tip 1. There are various serious hazards related to working in pits; not only the risk of falls, but the potential for the air in the pit to become contaminated, fire risk from petrol spills, striking the head when working, etc. If you work on light vehicles, consider changing to a vehicle lift as many garages have done already.

Tip 2. Put barriers and safety signs in place around any pit opening, or use a bespoke pit cover. The HSE’s guidance shows several examples, including portable chain and post barriers.

Tip 3. Covers should be easy to fit and remove, fit securely, be compatible with other pit equipment and durable enough to withstand the weight of someone falling on it. If you have a long inspection pit, protect exposed areas when shorter vehicles are being worked on.

Tip 4. Due to the potential for the air in the pit to become toxic, flammable or unbreathable, some activities should be avoided nearby. These include any work where petrol could spill, work with refrigerant gases, allowing vehicles to idle without exhaust extraction fitted, using standard electric handlamps and allowing LPG-fired equipment to be used or stored. Apply the precautions set out by the HSE.

For the HSE’s guidance on garages, visit http://tipsandadvice-healthandsafety.co.uk/download (HS 16.11.04).