Symmetrical Group

Policies and Procedures

OHS&E\SAFETY PROCEDURES

SG-PR-33-11 Safe Driving

1.0  Introduction

Symmetrical Group is committed to providing safe operations for all driving activity and has established procedures and guidelines to reduce risk of injury to personnel and damage to property.

This Policy applies to all Employees and Contractors. It includes all Vehicles and Mobile Equipment owned and operated by Symmetrical Group or Contractors that are employed onsite or off site for Symmetrical Group Business Purposes.

Vehicle operation has been identified as a high risk activity within Symmetrical Group. 

We will ensure Driving operations are made safe by;

• Conducting risk assessments on all vehicles

• Regular inspection and maintenance of vehicles, and conditions within the control of Symmetrical Group        

• Regular review of road rules and traffic conditions when on site’s

• Improving driver skills through training, assessment and supervision

• Continued improvement through elimination of hazards and application of current best practices

• Provision of adequate resources

Leaders will ensure;

• Objectives of this Policy are integrated into work practices

• Employees are consulted on vehicles and driving matters that may affect them

• Regular communication of vehicle and driving standards including any changes 

• Effective action is taken to meet and maintain the intent of this Policy

Employees and Contractors must;

• Carry out their duties under this Policy

• Undertake measures introduced to eliminate or reduce driving hazards

• Promptly report or rectify any hazardous situations

• Complete driver awareness/training and competency testing

• Hold a valid licence and certificate of competency for all vehicles they operate

• Comply with relevant Rules, Regulations and Procedures

- Road Traffic Act

- Company Policies – Drugs and Alcohol

- Standard operating procedures and permits

2.0  SCOPE

These Procedures apply to all employees and contractors who are required to drive vehicles on Symmetrical Group Business.

3.0  GUIDELINES

3.1  All employees and contractors must;

• Complete the basic driver awareness course

• Hold a valid drivers license or certificate of competency, be aware of and comply with relevant rules and regulations:

-  Road Traffic Act

-  Mines Safety and Inspection Act

-  Company Policies, ie Alcohol and Other Drugs

-  Safe Operating Procedures

3.1  Drivers and passengers must;

Be aware of, and be able to identify, the symptoms associated with fatigue and respond by stopping to rest or changing drivers. Work should also be planned, wherever possible, to avoid ;

• Driving into the sunset or sunrise

• Driving excessive distances or for extended periods

• Proceed with caution when driving at night to avoid inherent risks.

3.2  The driver must ensure that:

• Seat belts are worn at all times in moving vehicles

• A vehicle pre start and safety check is conducted- pre start checks are to include checking the operation of the        parking  brake

• Any faults or damage to the vehicle are reported and repaired as soon as possible;

- Any failure or concern which affects the safe operation of the  vehicle, ie brakes, must be reported immediately and the vehicle  placed ‘Out of Service’ with the wheels chocked (if necessary)

• Any loose articles (which may become  projectiles  if the vehicle is stopped suddenly) are securely restrained

• The vehicle is safely parked when using a mobile/satellite phone, unless a hands free system is fitted

• When leaving a light vehicle unattended (A vehicle is considered to be “unattended” if the driver of the vehicle is outside of the cab at any time regardless of whether there are passengers in the vehicle)  for any reason, under any circumstance, the;

- Engine is stopped

- Manual transmission is placed in FIRST gear (parking on flat

ground or facing uphill incline)

- Manual transmission is placed in REVERSE gear (parking facing

downhill incline)

- Automatic transmission is placed in PARK

- Parking brake is fully applied

3.3  Drivers must be conscious of;

The conditions when traveling on unsealed roads and adjust their speed accordingly.

• Speed limit signs indicate the maximum allowable speed on that particular

section of road under ideal conditions, and often warn of areas of low visibility due to hills or corners etc.

• The maximum speed on any unsealed road is 80 k/ph and where the unsealed

road is only a single lane width, the maximum speed allowable is 60 k/ph.

• The speed of vehicles should be further reduced when passing oncoming traffic.

• No overtaking is permitted on unsealed roads

• Vehicle headlights must be on at all times while traveling on unsealed roads.

3.4  Employees traveling into remote areas must: • Have a structured reporting procedure in place to acknowledge arrival at a destination and/or return;

• Remain with the vehicle in the event of a breakdown, becoming bogged or

other such situation preventing reaching the destination; and

• Ensure drinking water and an approved first aid kit is carried in the vehicle.

  4.0  Communication

The Vehicle Driving Policy will be discussed at Safety Meetings during

and included in the employee induction program.

5.0 Forms Relevant to This Procedure

F-S-23- Vehicle pre start

Date published: 25/07/2013

* -25/07/2013 12:27:06 PM