Control the Risk of Accidents in Quarries

Anyone employed in the aggregates sector is all too aware of the dangers facing those who work in quarries. Transport accounts for a large share of accidents – and deaths – so improving vehicular safety on these sites has long been a Health and Safety Executive priority.

Without the right intelligent transport system (ITS), slow-moving HGVs can cause havoc as they attempt to navigate public highway exit and crossing points.

On site, the risk of congestion and collision is high on narrow, single-lane haul routes, so it’s vital that the number of vehicles using them at any one time is kept to a minimum. Traffic must be safely managed where vehicles need to cross, one-way traffic only is allowed and where pedestrians need to traverse haul routes. Access to specific routes and zones has got to be limited to authorised personnel. Awareness is key:  speed limits must be clearly communicated and HGV drivers must be alerted to maximum height restrictions.

And while they tackle all these health and safety challenges, quarry managers need also to ensure that they do so sustainably to meet their environmental targets.

SRL works in partnership with quarry managers to deliver innovative integrated, solar-powered, portable and temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) hire solutions to help them to keep staff, visitors and passing motorists safe, while allowing on- and off-site traffic to flow smoothly.

Our patented, award-winning Haul Route PLUS mobile crossing system combines RiseMaster HE safety barriers, variable message signs (VMS), ANPR and CCTV along with adaptive detection traffic signals to allow enough time for slow-moving plant to enter/exit the site and cross public highways and bridleways.

VMS communicate safety information, direct different categories of motorists and pedestrians to designated routes and zones and work in conjunction with ANPR and safety barriers to permit entry to authorised personnel only and contain vehicles in holding points.

We were one of the first companies to supply semi-permanent, fit-and-forget solar-powered SolarLight traffic signals, requiring only one battery exchange per year, minimising both carbon emissions and maintenance. The signs can be easily integrated into customers’ existing traffic management solutions.

And while these high-visibility traffic signals work to ensure that traffic flows safely and efficiently around the quarry, CCTV keeps a close eye on the site, alerting security teams when perimeters are breached and recording.

All kit is created with long-term resilience in mind, incorporating robust design features – such as SolarLight’s four stability legs – and guaranteeing reliable performance whatever the weather and however rugged and remote the location.

Whatever your needs, SRL will work in efficient partnership with you to help keep your quarry running safely and efficiently, designing and delivering the ideal solution.

To find out about how SRL can help you please email hire@srl.co.uk or call 01606 738866.