Issue Date: 22/Jan/2018 Revision No.

: 00

Operation and Safety Use of

Powered and non-Powered Ramps

WORK INSTRUCTIONS

WI-028

Prepared By: Reviewed By: Approved By:

QHSE Director General Manager Director

This procedure is the property of:

SALEH AYED BALHARITH EST. (SAB)

COPYRIGHT
No part of this procedure may be reproduced in any form by print, photocopy, microfilm or any other means wholly
or in part or disclosed to any person outside Saleh Ayed Balharith Est. (SAB) without the written permission of the
Director.

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July 2020

Table of Contents
1.0 PURPOSE 3

2.0 SCOPE 3

3.0 RESPONSIBILITY 3

4.0 WORK INSTRUCTION – OPERATION AND SAFETY USE OF POWERED AND NON-POWERED RAMPS 3

4.1 GENERAL 3
4.2 SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK 3
4.3 TYPES OF FALL PREVENTION 3

5.0 ATTACHMENT 9

TABLE 1: CHANGE RECORD

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Revision Date Section Changed Summary of Changes Authorized By

1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this procedure is to establish and define guidelines for operation and the safe Use of powered & non-
powered ramps.

2.0 SCOPE
The scope of this Work Instruction is applicable to all employees and Subcontractor employees.

3.0 RESPONSIBILITY
Operation Manager shall be responsible for the effective implementation of this Work Instruction.
QHSE Department – QHSE Department shall provide guidance and advise to the proponent site management related to this
work instruction. QHSE Department shall be responsible for the updating of this procedure as necessary.
Employees - All employees shall be made aware of and shall observe the provisions of this procedure.

4.0 WORK INSTRUCTION – Operation and Safety Use of Powered and non-Powered Ramps.
4.1 GENERAL
5.0 This Work Instruction applies ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with Use of a
Powered and non-Powered Ramps, which requires an activity hazard analysis prior to commencement of work and it must
identify foreseeable hazards and planned protective measures.
6.0 Each Driver must carry out a risk assessment for the type of operation the equipment is used for and act to
minimise the risks identified.

6.1 SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK

6.1.1 PPE TO BE WORN

 High-vis Vest / Jacket

 Safety Boots
 Safety Gloves
 Safety Helmet

6.1.2 BASIC SAFETY MESURES

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 Have the flatbed truck or trailer parked on level, stable ground and brakes set and motor turned off.
 Use an appropriate trailer and ramp for the loading/unloading of equipment (i.e. do not use make shift ramps).
 Make sure the trailer and ramp are wide enough for the mobile equipment being loaded.
 Make sure the trailer ramp is long enough to avoid steep angles when loading/unloading equipment. Refer to the
manufacturers operating manual for machine specific requirements: When collecting plant from site, be aware that
muddy or wet conditions may cause machine to slip on ramps. In these conditions, tracks/wheels must be cleaned
and/or sand be placed on the ramps to help grip.
 The equipment operator should be experienced in operating the equipment being loaded or unloaded and should be
trained in how to safely load or unload the equipment off trailers.
 Ramps to be kept free of debris, mud, oil, grease, waste, ice etc. Sand to be spread where necessary
to aid grip. Tracks/Wheels of plant to be cleaned if necessary before loading.
 Keep hands clear of pinch points and crush zones on ramps and trailers: Do not place hands or limbs into crush area on
ramps while moving them up or down.
 All loading/unloading to be carried out slowly and safely – do not rush
 Ensure site workers and pedestrians are a safe distance away from the work area, particularly at the
bottom of the ramps and to the sides of the flatbed truck or trailer. In situations where persons in proximity of work
cannot be avoided, inform site manager and inform those in proximity of work

Clear Distance
1.5 times
the length of ramp

Site workers and pedestrians risk area Exercise caution at, all times (keep clear)

 Workers on foot around equipment being loaded/unloaded should be alert to the movement of equipment.
 Have a spotter that is wearing high visibility clothing (e.g. reflective clothing) to assist the operator in positioning the
equipment while loading/unloading.
 Consider the use of warning cones/hazard tape or flagging personnel when equipment is being loaded/unloaded from a
transport vehicle to alert all those in or near the area.

6.2 POWERED (HYDRAULIC) RAMPS OPERATION:

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6.2.1 PROHIBITED APPLICATIONS

• The hydraulic operation of the loading ramps is designed to lift their own weight only. They are not to be used to
lift any object or person.
• The ramp must not be used as a bridge plate to raised platform, or loading dock
• Ramps must be securely supported by the ground before loading, both by the lowered jacklegs and at the toe
end of the ramp. Operators should ensure the ground is firm enough to support both sections without subsidence
• Do not push rear of ramps with machinery if stuck on site.

6.2.2 PLANT BODY SAFETY

 Keep yourself and all personnel clear of ‘downhill side of load’.
 Keep yourself and all personnel clear of area behind loading ramp.
 Keep yourself and all personnel clear of moving ramp.
 Unlock loading ramp.
 Do not move vehicle unless ramp is fully stowed and locking stays engaged.
 Ensure machine being loaded/unloaded cannot roll away, chock if necessary.
 Do not ride on machine being loaded/unloaded unless it technically requires driving.
 Do not allow yourself or other personnel to be positioned between load and body headboard.
 Do not walk up body alongside machine being loaded/unloaded..
 Always ensure that area to load/unload is safe and act to minimise collision risks.

6.2.3 HYDRAULIC RAMP OPERATION GUIDELINE

 Appropriate pre-start checks of trailers are conducted, including a visual inspection of the hydraulic system and where
practicable, test the operation of the hydraulic system

6.2.3.1 POWER ISOLATION: A power isolation switch is fitted on the vehicle. Ensure this is off when
the ramp is not in use. The ramp draw power from the vehicle battery. When operating either, ensure engine is
running to prevent battery discharging.

6.2.3.2 EMERGENCY STOP: Before operation locate position of Emergency Stop on vehicle. In an
emergency depress stop button, to reset twist button

6.2.3.3 . OPERATION OF HYDRAULIC LOADING RAMP: The control station for the ramp is situated at
the nearside of the vehicle. Stays are fitted to restrain ramp during travel.

 RAMP OPERATION. :STANDARD & FLIP-OVER RAMPS

 Lowering Ramps
 Lower jacklegs.
 ‘Dump’ air from air suspension.

NOTE: Never lower ramps before dumping suspension, always dump suspension first.
When ramp is in use or being deployed keep area behind ramp clear of all personnel.

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Release the stays at each side of the ramp.

WHEN RELEASING STAYS DO NOT STAND BEHIND THE RAMP, STAND TO THE SIDE
CLEAR OF THE RAMP. RELEASE OFFSIDE STAY FIRST.

 Ensure area behind ramp is clear.

 Lower ramp. Continue to lower until ramp tip is firmly on the ground. If flip-over
ramps are fitted then the feet on the end of the upper section must also be firmly on
the ground.
 The ramp is now ready for loading.

 Raising Ramp
 When ramp is in use or being deployed keep area behind ramp clear of all personnel.
 Ensure no part of the load will obstruct the ramp when, raised to the stowed
position.
 Ensure all personnel are kept clear when stowing ramp.
 Raise ramp. Continue to raise until ramp is firmly against stops.
 Keep all personnel and limbs away from moving ramp.
 Engage stay on nearside first.
 WHEN ENGAGING STAYS DO NOT STAND BEHIND RAMP, STAND TO THE SIDE CLEAR
OF THE RAMP.
 ENGAGE NEARSIDE STAY FIRST.
 Under no circumstances attempt to drive without stays being engaged.
 Return air suspensions to ‘ride’ condition.
 Raise jacklegs.

 SLIDING RAMPS
 Ensure ramps are fully vertical.
 Remove stays.
 Slide ramps.
Never use slider when ramps are lowered. Always slide ramps out level with side of
body and fit stays before travelling.

 INOPERABLE RAMPS

 Action required
1. Avoid raising hydraulic ramps by external means such as a forklift, front-
end loader or crane where possible.
2. Never stand in or near the fall zone of any unsecured trailer ramp.
3. Develop and implement a procedure for dealing with inoperable ramps, eg:
o if ramp is stuck in down position, find the cause and make repairs
before raising the ramps normally; and

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o if ramp is stuck in down position and has to be raised by external

means, ensure the ramp is immediately secured, tagged-out and
inspected and tested by a competent person before returning into
operation.
4. Provide information and training to truck drivers, yard, maintenance and
other relevant staff about:
o the risk of ramps falling down when there is a vacuum in the
hydraulic system, eg after raising ramps by external means; and
o the procedure to follow when a ramp is inoperable.
5. Develop a reporting system for hazards associated with ramps, and deal with
these reports with high priority.
6. Ensure causal factors of hydraulic failure, such as a flat battery or hydraulic
oil leak, are identified and controlled.
7. Conduct appropriate pre-start checks of trailer, including a visual inspection
of the hydraulic system and where practicable, test the operation of the
hydraulic system.
8. Display signage on trailer warning people to remain clear of ramps at all
times.
9. To prevent ramps falling down in other situations, such as hydraulic hose
failure, consider fitting appropriate safety devices such as an over center
valve to hydraulic systems.

6.2.3.4 Ramp Inspection & Maintenance

 Ram rods are chromed against corrosion and will give a long life under normal conditions. However, they should be
kept clean and free from dirt, which can damage the seals. Road salt in particular should be wiped off regularly to
prolong the life of the chrome coating.
 procedures to deal with hydraulic system malfunctions, loss of hydraulic oil, hydraulic oil leaks, damage to
hydraulics or structural failures are in place and followed
 ramps are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
 ramps and their ancillary equipment are regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person
 clearly visible signs at the rear of the vehicle warning people to remain clear of ramps at all times help to highlight
the risk

6.2.3.5 Training
 Persons undertaking the lowering and raising of loading ramps have received adequate information and
training and are supervised to the extent necessary for safe operation

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6.3 NON-POWERED RAMPS (MANUAL-OPERATED RAMPS):

This type ramp type is manually operated. When transporting, they are either rested on the back of the trailer,
stored upright, or stored in a holder, it is much safer for two people to lift the ramp together rather than one
person attempting to lift it alone. Position yourself on the side of the ramp and remember to always lift with your
legs and keep your back straight.

6.3.1 PROHIBITED APPLICATIONS

 Don’t let the ramp fall to the ground; gently set it down. A lot of trailer manufacturers add springs to
assist the ramp to the ground or off the ground, and some add springs for both directions.

 Avoid standing directly behind the ramp and make sure that area is clear of persons or objects.

 If the ramps are stored someplace on the trailer rather than connected to the trailer, make sure there are
two people lifting out the ramps and placing them onto the trailer. Watch so that your feet are not below
the ramp in case it slips and falls.

 Don’t against the ramp to reduce tension in the chain and assist in the removal of the over-center dog
(chain tensioning device).

o These devices can release violently and cause injury to the operator, particularly if the chain has
been over tensioned. In this case,
o The sudden release of the tensioned dog can cause the ramp to spring back quickly then drop at
a much faster rate than we expected.

6.3.2 ACTION REQUIRE OPERATIONAL ISSUES

 Keep yourself and all personnel clear of area behind loading ramp.
 Keep yourself and all personnel clear of moving ramp.
 Workers should never stand where they could be struck by a falling ramp.
 Ramps should not be secured for travel with over-center dogs.

o Load tensioning devices that have either ratchet or turnbuckle tensioning systems are fixed length
and specifically designed tie bars can also be used.

 Clearly visible signs at the rear of the vehicle warning people to remain clear of ramps at all times help to
highlight the risk.
 Always remember to secure the ramps when they are in transport position.

7.0 ATTACHMENT

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