HS2 Vehicle Safety – Can Your Vehicles Go On Site?

HS2, also known as High Speed 2, is a super-fast railway project that is currently being built in the UK. The project requires contractors and businesses to transport materials to and from the construction site, which means they need vehicles to access the area safely. However, to ensure everyone’s safety, there are some necessary rules that contractors and operators must follow. These requirements include specific access routes and times, additional equipment installed on vehicles, and driver training to ensure safe travel on the site.

Table Of Contents

Vehicle Safety Requirements

All vehicles are regulated under CLOCS standards. CLOCS standards have been aligned to a FORS Silver accreditation since June 2015. This should not be forgotten as access is only permitted in authorised UK vehicles when the vehicle safety requirements have been met. Failure to comply will result in denial of access onto HS2 sites and drivers may face suspension from all the HS2 sites.

DAF ex day tippers

HGV HS2 Requirements

All Heavy Goods Vehicles working on HS2 sites will need to be powered by Euro 6 engines. This will help reduce harmful emissions from combustion engines considering the scale of the project.

Vehicle Safety Requirements For Vehicles Over 3.5t

As an addition, any vehicles over 3.5t will need:

  • Audible left turn warning alerts
  • Side under run protection (For sites where this is possible, must be agreed on site-by-site basis with HS2)
  • Warning stickers

Side under-run guards are required on both sides of the vehicle unless the contractor has showed that the site conditions mean that they are not capable of being installed.

HS2 Site vehicles
DAF ex day tippers with beacons and lightbars

Beacons

All vehicles on an HS2 Site are required to have beacons, which must be compliant with Chapter 8 standards. Depending on the type of vehicle lighting you have, you may need two units or just one if you have a light bar in most cases. We understand that this may be confusing for some, but we are here to help. Our team of experts is available to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have about vehicle beacons and lighting on HS2 sites. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need any assistance.

Vehicles Will Also Require Blind Spot Driver Aids.

  • Class IV, V and VI mirrors

and at least one of the following safety equipment

  • Blindspot camera systems
  • Side Scan detection system
  • Left turn sensor system fitted to the front nearside
  • Collision avoidance system fitted to the front nearside.

Require assistance with the installation of any item from the above list? Contact us today to receive prompt support.

Need Installation?

For Vehicles Over 7.5 tonnes

The below requirements apply for vehicles over 7.5t such as Muck away tippers. Employers have the right to request this.

Mobile Video Digital Recording (MDVR)

MDVRS are a requirement for vehicles carrying out mass haul movements. Vehicles will also require digital video recording such as 360-degree cameras to capture activities happening around the vehicle. Footage must be stored for a period of at least 2 weeks. The footage can be used:

  • To provide evidence in the event of a collision.
  • To record near missed and provide digital witness for these events.
  • Training and to help reduce risk of future incidents.
rear camera

Warning Stickers and Signs

Warning stickers will be required for all vehicles accessing HS2 sites. The stickers must have an approved design that is appropriate for the scheme or as specified by the contractor. These stickers should be properly attached to at least the back and side of the vehicle in a clear and visible manner. It’s important to maintain them in a clean condition and replace them when required.

Other Vehicle Safety Standards

It is important to note that there are additional vehicle safety standards that must be followed on HS2 Sites. It is imperative for all vehicles to comply with these additional standards, failure to do so may result in vehicles being turned away from the worksites although a driver suspension policy would not apply in this case. The additional standards are:

  • Vehicles must not have tinted windows, other than factory fitted tinting
  • They must also have clean, standard number plates
  • They can only carry passengers for the number of seats fitted
  • Under no circumstances should a vehicle carry alcohol
  • All vehicles must carry a first aid kit (with the exception of visitor vehicles or single/infrequent visit delivery vehicles)
  • Vehicles must not carry pets or children
  • Where it is specified by an agent/employer on site, vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional vehicle safety equipment is required to help protect and warn vulnerable road users. This equipment also helps keep workers on site safe. Safety equipment is a vehicle safety measure that will help minimise harmful people vehicle interface (PVI) events.

According to the Health and Safety (HSE) Executive – In the UK, seven workers die every year from accidents involving mobile plant and vehicles on construction sites. A further 93 are seriously injured. Therefore, you can see why vehicle safety measures are a necessary investment.

All the vehicle safety measures are required to be in working condition at the start of every working day. It is important to have all your vehicle safety equipment working properly, as it will be checked. Therefore, it is crucial to make sure you have a supplier who can provide reliable and high-quality products. This will increase your uptime and decrease the chance of being denied entry to a worksite. We offer both installation and supply of top-quality safety equipment for your vehicles. Our mobile engineering team is also available to come to you in case of equipment malfunctions.

Need help to ensure your vehicles meet HS2 compliance requirements?

Are you ready to ensure your vehicles meet HS2 compliance requirements? We offer consultation and installation services to help you avoid bans and suspensions and give you peace of mind knowing your vehicles are ready for the job. Plus, if you have any questions, our team is always here to help. Contact us now to find out how we can assist you.

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