SURVIVEBEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES V3.15

Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 1

CONTENTS

Disclaimer 1. SCOPE 6 2. INTRODUCTION 7 The advice contained in these guidelines is The SURVIVE Group and the publishers of a general nature only and is not tailored to accept no responsibility for any loss occasioned 3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS 8 any particular factual situation. The attending by any person acting or refraining from acting 4. GENERAL GUIDELINES A Vehicle/Equipment/Personal Protective Equipment Checks 11 Technician should assess the individual as a result of anything contained in, or absent WHEN ATTENDING CARS AND B Breakdown/Removal Details 11 circumstances on each occasion and decide on from, these guidelines. LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES C Safety Advice to Motorists 12 the most appropriate course of action. Information contained in these guidelines is 1. Vehicle on a single carriageway road, lane one of a 12 The Road Recovery Operator and, if believed correct at the date of going to print dual carriageway/motorway or on the hard shoulder applicable, the Technician are responsible for but the SURVIVE Group, and the individual 2. Vehicle in any other lane of a motorway 12 taking appropriate advice and for ensuring that members of the SURVIVE Group (from time or dual carriageway they fulfil any legal obligation they may have in to time), can give no guarantee in this regard. 3. If the motorist has already exited the vehicle 12 relation to working on the roadside. D Priority/Allocation of Resources 13 E Risk Assessments 13 F Arriving At The Scene of The Breakdown or Removal 13 1. If intending to repair the casualty vehicle 13 2. If intending to immediately recover/remove 14 the casualty vehicle 3. Going past the location of the Casualty vehicle 14 G Protecting The Scene of The Breakdown: The ‘Fend’ Position 14 1. The main elements of the ‘fend’ position 14 2. Positioning the road recovery vehicle 14 in front of the casualty vehicle H Removal to a Place of Safety/Awaiting a Second Resource 15 1. The Technician 15 2. Road Recovery Operator 16 I Working at the Roadside 17 1. High Visibility Reflective safety garment 17 2. Exiting the Road Recovery Vehicle 17 3. Reassure the motorist 17 4. Advising vehicle occupants 17 5. Advising occupants to wear seatbelts 17 6. Vehicles are always a hazard 17 7. Conduct activities with affective urgency 17 8. Transfering to the Road Recovery Vehicle 17 9. When to move the casualty vehicle 17 10. Dangerous Zones for recovery 17 11. What equipment to fit to casualty vehicle 18 12. Waiting for further assistance 18 13. Requesting Police or HE Traffic Officers 18 J Where the Motorist is Required to Assist in 18 The Repair/Removal of The Casualty Vehicle K “Incident” Management 19 L Recovery Back onto The Hard Shoulder or Verge 19 M Removal from The Hard Shoulder or Verge 20 N Leaving The Scene of The Breakdown or Removal 20 1. Recommended procedures for moving off from the scene 20

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CONTENTS

2. If the casualty vehicle is to be removed using either 21 J Hazardous Substances or Dangerous Goods 36 a tow strap or rigid tow pole K Working on Hybrid/Electric Vehicles 37 3. If the casualty vehicle is to be recovered 21 L Additional Resources Attending a Breakdown 37 on the road recovery vehicle 1. General 37 Removal of equipment etc. 21 4. 2. Recovery/Removal Contractor 38 Procedures for re-joining the main carriageway 21 5. 3. Taxis 38 O Road Traffic Collisions 22 4. Tyre Repair/Replacement Technicians 38 1. Clearance of Debris 22 39 2. Rentention of vehicles for forensice examination 22 7. ACCIDENT AND 3. Spillages 22 ‘NEAR MISS’ REPORTING

5. GENERAL GUIDELINES A Replacement of Wheels/Tyres 23 8. ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF GUIDANCE A PAS 43 40 B National highways sector scheme for 40 WHEN ATTENDING LARGE B Overturned LGVs on Bridges 24 GOODS VEHICLES vehicle Recovery 17/17b C Load Continuation 24

6. SPECIFIC GUIDELINES A Disabled and Vulnerable Customers 25 1. Disabled Customers 25 2. Vulnerable Customers 25 LETTER FROM THE B Additional Guidelines Specific to Motorways 25 CHAIRMAN General 25 1. The SURVIVE Group was founded 15 years I am delighted to introduce the updated 2015 Breakdowns/Removals in a Live Running Lane 25 2. ago and is now comprised of the major version of our Best Practice Guidelines, which Breakdowns/Removals in ‘Free Recovery’ Areas 26 3. Motoring Organisations, Highways England, have been extended from the 2012 publication Working within Areas of ‘Managed Motorways’ (formerly 26 4. the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the to now include best practice guidelines for known as Active Traffic Management - ATM) Recovery Industry Trade Associations and dealing with breakdowns, recoveries and Working With Highways England Traffic Officers 27 5. many other groups and individuals, all of whom removals when working on the Smart Use of the Hard Shoulder to Access 28 6. have a vested interest in the safety of those Motorway system, especially when the hard Breakdowns/Removals people who either work on or use the public shoulder is being used as a running lane or C Additional Guidelines Specific to Motorways 29 road system in the UK. where there is no hard shoulder in existence. and High Speed Dual Carriageways We have also taken the opportunity to update 1. General 29 Since its foundation, the Group has worked the Guidelines to reflect the recent change 2. Breakdowns/Removals in Lanes 2 or Above 30 unceasingly within the breakdown/recovery in name of the Highways Agency to that of D Additional Guidelines Specific to Single Carriageways 31 industry to help promote best practice when Highways England. working on motorways and high speed roads. E Breakdowns in Car Parks 31 This has been achieved by working in We believe that these guidelines, together with F Breakdowns on Blind Bends or Brows of Hills 32 collaboration with the British Standards PAS 43 and the National Highways Sector G Working within Areas of Active Traffic Management 33 Institute to develop the first British publically Scheme for Vehicle Recovery 17/17b, will 1. Prior to entering an area of roadwork’s 33 available specification (PAS: 43) on “Safe continue to make a major contribution to road 2. Entry into an area of roadwork’s 33 working of vehicle breakdown, recovery and safety. 3. Driving within an area of roadwork’s 33 removal operations – Management system 4. Working on casualty vehicles within an area of roadwork’s 34 specification”. The SURVIVE Group wishes to acknowledge 5. Exiting an area of roadwork’s 34 the efforts of Steve Ives, the members of The SURVIVE website (www.survivegroup.org) SURVIVE Working Group 1 and Chris H Working on Bridges, Viaducts and in Tunnels 34 has now been in existence for some years and Wiltshire in the production of these Guidelines. 34 1. Bridges and Viaducts provides information for those organisations Please take the trouble to read and learn from 2. Tunnels 35 and technicians involved in assisting drivers on them and help to keep our industry working to I Working on The M6 Toll Road 35 Britain’s roads as well as the motoring public. ever safer standards. 1. Calls received for assistance on the M6 toll road 35 2. Breakdowns or removals located on the hard shoulder 35 SURVIVE also continues to campaign for high Rob Gifford 3. Breakdowns or removals in a live running lane 35 standard conspicuous materials to be applied 4. Breakdowns or removals located near or 36 to vehicle and clothing used by those involved Chairman - The SURVIVE Group within the 2 main toll plazas in such potentially hazardous operations. Now September 2015

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1. SCOPE 2. INTRODUCTION

These Best Practice Guidelines have been high speed dual carriageways, they have now Motorways and high speed dual carriageways Breakdown, Recovery and produced to help assist Road Recovery been extended to include working on other are amongst the safest roads to travel on per Removal Technicians have to deal Operators and Technicians types of roads or locations where a casualty vehicle mile in the UK. However this statistic with breakdowns, recoveries and when dealing with:- vehicle may be situated. should not be allowed to disguise the very real hazards of working on these roads and removals on all types of road, - Vehicle breakdowns on all types of roads It should also be noted that Highways England the severity of accidents that can occur there. including single carriageways, including motorways (with or without a hard (HE) is currently responsible for managing and Accidents on other types of roads/area tend to high speed dual carriageways and shoulder) and high speed dual carriageways. maintaining all of the motorways and some of be more frequent but generally less serious. motorways. the key ‘A’ class high-speed dual carriageways Breakdowns and removals on all types of roads The primary objective of these - The recovery and/or removal of vehicles in England. The HE Traffic Officers patrol all carry an element of risk and Technicians should from all types of roads including motorways these motorways but only some of the ‘A’ class therefore be very aware of their own safety, “Best Practice Guidelines” is to (with or without a hard shoulder) and high dual carriageways within HE responsibility. as well as that of motorists and other road help try to improve the safety of all speed dual carriageways. users, whilst dealing with vehicle breakdowns, concerned whilst Technicians are In some circumstances a Technician may recoveries or removals. working on all types of road. When or where a vehicle breaks down is largely require assistance from a Traffic Officer in a matter of chance, but once it has done so it dealing with a breakdown or recovery on a It must be understood that even when immediately becomes a potential hazard and HE road - See Section 6B5 (Working with Best Practice Guidelines are followed, These guidelines are not intended to replace the risk of it being involved in an accident Highways England Traffic Officers). there can be no guarantee of safety. PAS 43 or, where applicable, Sector Scheme 17 increases the longer it remains a potential but should be seen as complementary to them. hazard. Contact information for Highways England However, if Technicians are made aware of Funding for the production of these guidelines Regional Control Centres “RCC” is set and, where appropriate, follow these guidelines has been provided by the AA, RAC, Green It should be noted that whilst these best out in a separate booklet entitled “Areas of then it is hoped that the risks to both themselves Flag, Allianz Global Assistance and Highways practice guidelines were initially produced for Responsibility” which is available from and other road users will be reduced. England. Technicians working on motorways or www.survivegroup.org Working Group 1 of SURVIVE, which is It should be noted that these Best Practice chaired by Steve Ives and has representation Guidelines do not contain any details of the When or where a vehicle breaks down is largely a matter from the motoring organisations, contractor training requirements as these are identified of chance, but once it has done so it immediately becomes associations, Highways England and the and included within PAS 43. a potential hazard and the risk of it being involved in an National Police Chief ’s Council, has produced these best practice guidelines in consultation accident increases the longer it remains with members of the Breakdown and Recovery a potential hazard. Industry and other members of the SURVIVE Group. These guidelines are intended to be read, and used, in conjunction with the current version of PAS 43 (which relates to “Safe working of vehicle breakdown, recovery and removal operations – Management system specification”) and, for those working under the Highways England removal scheme, the National Highways Sector Scheme for Vehicle Recovery and Removal Sector Scheme 17.

Breakdown, Recovery and Removal Technicians have to deal with breakdowns, recoveries and removals on all types of road, including single carriageways, high speed dual carriageways and motorways. The primary objective of these “Best Practice Guidelines” is to help try to improve the safety of all concerned whilst Technicians are working on all types of road.

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3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of these ‘Best Practice’ in the same direction, the lane that is furthest setting signals and variable message signs, with a suitable training scheme (whether Guidelines the following definitions will apply: from the centre. deploying on-road Traffic Officer Patrols and externally or internally provided). liaising with the Emergency Services and BREAKDOWN LARGE GOODS VEHICLE (LGV) other incident responder organisations. TRAFFIC OFFICER A situation where a vehicle is immobilised A vehicle that is over 3,500 kgs Gross Vehicle Highways England Traffic Officer Service through a failure that is not the result of an Mass (‘GVM’). RISK ASSESSMENT patrols England’s motorways, helping to keep accident. A careful examination, pre-assessed or dynamic, traffic flowing smoothly. Traffic Officers help to LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE (LCV) of what in any work being undertaken, could manage incidents by: CASUALTY VEHICLE A vehicle that is up to 3,500 kgs GVM. cause harm to people or property, so that the A vehicle that is to be repaired, recovered or person undertaking that work can weigh up - coordinating the resources of the removed. LIVE RUNNING LANE whether they have taken enough precautions or emergency services The lane of a road that is either in use or should do more to prevent harm. - managing traffic to reduce incident DUAL CARRIAGEWAY available for use by the general public. related congestion A dual carriageway is a road which has a ROAD RECOVERY OPERATOR - clearing debris from the carriageways central reservation to separate the carriageways. NEAR MISS Any organisation, company or other trader who - re-opening routes as soon as it is An incident which, whilst not actually causing undertakes the provision of vehicle assistance, safe to do so EMERGENCY REFUGE AREA any injury or damage, came very close repair, removal or recovery at/or from the - support the police An ERA provides a place of relative safety to doing so. roadside. - remove damaged and abandoned vehicles away from the live lane on sections of smart - provide mobile and temporary road closures motorway. They are positioned at maximum NEARSIDE OF VEHICLE ROAD RECOVERY VEHICLE interval distances of 2.5km from each other The left side of a vehicle (when facing Any vehicle that is capable of carrying out Role and powers: and are typically 100m long and up to 4.6m forwards), normally the side nearest the kerb either breakdown, recovery or removal Under the Traffic Management Act 2004, wide. ERA’s provide space for emergency use when driving. activities. Traffic Officers have the power to: by motorists and for incident management and maintenance purposes and contain: an OFFSIDE OF VEHICLE SAFER SIDE - stop and direct traffic emergency roadside telephone (ERT), dedicated The right side of a vehicle (when facing The side of the vehicle which is exposed to the - close lanes and carriageways CCTV coverage to detect vehicles stopped forwards). least amount of passing traffic, allowing for any - manage traffic there and a driver location sign other hazards that exist in the vicinity. POLICE CONTROL ROOM (PCR) You must obey directions from a Traffic Officer. EMERGENCY ROADSIDE TELEPHONE A control room set up and operated by the SMART MOTORWAY Failure to do so is an offence and carries a fine Emergency Roadside Telephones (ERT) or SOS Police to respond to requests for assistance via As part of the ‘Smart Motorways’ programme of up to £1,000 along with possible driving phones are free to use and are monitored 24/7. emergency 999 calls, deploying Police Officers Highways England has introduced two new licence endorsement or disqualification. They are for emergency use and are positioned and liaising with the other Emergency Services road designs: to help relieve traffic congestion by the roadside, most commonly on motorways and incident responder organisations, for on some areas on the motorway network in Under the Removal and Disposal of Vehicles and all-purpose trunk roads (APTR). The example fire, ambulance, Traffic Officer Patrols, England. (Traffic Officers) (England) Regulations 2008, telephones connect directly to Highways Incident Support Units, Environment Agency. a Traffic Officer can legally require a vehicle to England Regional Control Centres. - Dynamic use of the hard shoulder as a be moved if they believe it is blocking traffic or RECOVERY running lane (as and when required) endangering road users. This is called statutory HARD SHOULDER Any operation or activity required to facilitate - All lane running (permanent conversion of removal. A hard shoulder is a place of relative safety, vehicle removal. the hard shoulder to a running lane) – all A Traffic Officer may require a vehicle to be present on most motorways, and where breakdowns in the carriageway will be live removed if: road users can stop out of a live lane in an REMOVAL lane breakdowns emergency. However hard shoulders are Any operation or activity which deals with - vehicle recovery is not arranged within a not present around obstacles or on smart removing a broken down, abandoned or Under these arrangements Emergency Refuge reasonable time motorways with all lane running sections, accident damaged vehicle which cannot be Areas (ERAs) have been set up to provide places - they believe the vehicle recovery repaired in situ and driven away unaided. of relative safety for broken down vehicles. arrangements you propose are unsuitable or HIGH SPEED DUAL CARRIAGEWAY unsafe Dual carriageways with a maximum speed limit REGIONAL CONTROL CENTRE (RCC) TECHNICIAN - a vehicle is left unattended of 50mph or more. A control centre set up and operated by A person who has received training in the repair - a vehicle breaks down or is damaged in a Highways England to manage and respond and/or recovery or removal of motor vehicles live lane and it is not possible to clear it to a NEARSIDE LANE to incidents on its road network in England and who can demonstrate the competence to safe area. On a road that has two or more lanes travelling by answering emergency roadside telephones, work alone and unsupervised in accordance

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4. GENERAL GUIDELINES WHEN ATTENDING CARS AND LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Traffic Officers must be present at the scene They must check if possible whether suitable in order to invoke their Statutory Powers to private recovery arrangements have been made - The Road, Motorway or Dual Carriageway remove a vehicle. before deciding to remove a vehicle. A name or number;

If the vehicle is not causing an obstruction or TYRE SPECIALIST VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT/PERSONAL - If on a Motorway or Dual Carriageway immediate danger, they must allow the driver A person who is predominantly involved in the PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT CHECKS also get the nearest Emergency Roadside a reasonable period of time to arrange suitable mobile repair and/or replacement of wheels Telephone Number or Marker Post Number private recovery. Once this period has elapsed, and tyres for motor vehicles and who can Before starting duty Technicians should carry (if available): See Note 1 (next page); the Traffic Officer is permitted to remove the demonstrate the competence to do such work out the following checks: vehicle if it remains in situ. alone and unsupervised in accordance with a - The junction numbers on a motorway or suitable training scheme. - Road Recovery Vehicle - “FLOWER” dual carriageway that the casualty vehicle is check (Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics and between or, if at a junction, the number of Rubber (i.e. tyres)); that junction, or, if applicable, the name of the service area where the casualty vehicle is - Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”) - located; All PPE issued should be kept in a clean and serviceable condition; - Direction of travel;

- Ensure vehicle livery/lights and markings - Whether the motorist considers that the are clean, to help make sure that, where casualty vehicle is in a safe location. If relevant, these are clearly visible/reflective. the motorist indicates they are on a hard shoulder, in an ERA, the verge of a high Equipment checks: The Technician should speed dual carriageway or in a live running check all equipment, either contained within or lane or the hatched area of entry/ exit, fitted to the road recovery vehicle, prior to use blind bend or brow of a hill then these to ensure it is in a serviceable condition and fit would normally be considered a higher risk for purpose. location See Note 2 (next page);

Any damage, defects or defective or missing - Description of casualty vehicle, including items should be reported immediately to the registration number; Contact mobile phone Road Recovery Operator who, along with the number where available; Technician, is responsible for the condition of the Road Recovery Vehicle, equipment and any - Number of passengers and if anyone PPE issued. The Road Recovery Operator is travelling has any special requirements or responsible for ensuring that PPE and any other concerns, for example any person present equipment issued meets any relevant standards/ with a disability who may require special requirements which apply to it (see PAS 43 for arrangements, a lone person, small children, further detail). Defects in any critical and/or etc. See Section 6A (Disabled and legally required items should be rectified, or Vulnerable Customers). the item replaced, before the Road Recovery Vehicle is used. In most cases the caller will be able to supply sufficient information for the casualty vehicle’s location to be established. However, if the B caller has been unable to provide the above BREAKDOWN/REMOVAL DETAILS information to locate the casualty vehicle, then a different approach may be required When a call for assistance is received, the to help establish its location. For example the following information can help to establish the caller could also be asked for a description of location of the casualty vehicle and get details any distinctive features that can be seen near about those who are with the vehicle:- to the casualty vehicle, such as nearby signs, buildings, structures or geographical features. Alternatively the caller could be asked where

10 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 11 they are travelling to, or from, and for how long 2. VEHICLE IN ANY OTHER LANE OF A working at the roadside represents risk for they were travelling prior to the breakdown. MOTORWAY OR DUAL CARRIAGEWAY D themselves, those they are assisting and other road users. All activities at the roadside should, Note 1: The motorist should not be advised Please make your vehicle as conspicuous as PRIORITY/ALLOCATION therefore, be conducted with an appropriate to walk to the nearest Emergency Roadside possible by putting on the sidelights and hazard OF RESOURCES sense of urgency, whilst at all times maintaining Telephone or Marker Post unless all other warning lights, if working. Whilst you are safe working practices. As a general rule, methods of establishing their location have best placed to identify any particular hazards All casualty vehicles that are considered by the if it seems likely that it will be significantly failed (noting that they should not be advised to where you are located, and you and your party Road Recovery Operator to be in a dangerous quicker to repair the casualty vehicle than to do this at all if it requires walking in a live lane). will need to make your own decisions about location on a road, or located on motorway or a remove it, then the Technician should repair safety, due to your vehicle’s location we would high speed dual carriageway should be treated it. Alternatively, if it appears likely to be Note 2: If the casualty vehicle is located in the generally advise against attempting to leave as a priority. The allocated Technician and the significantly quicker to remove the casualty running lane of a motorway or the offside lane the vehicle and suggest that you and any other road recovery vehicle should, as a minimum, be vehicle than to repair it, then the Technician of a dual carriageway then the motorist should occupants remain in the vehicle with your seat capable of recovering/removing the casualty should remove it. be advised to call 999 immediately and request belts on. vehicle from the scene (even if a repair is to be assistance. The Technician should not attend attempted). See Section 4H (Removal to a place of the scene or attempt to work on the casualty 3. IF THE MOTORIST HAS ALREADY safety/awaiting a second resource). vehicle until it has either been moved to a place EXITED THE VEHICLE of safety or the Police or Traffic Officer Patrol E 1. IF INTENDING TO REPAIR THE are present and are managing the scene. If the caller advises that they are already out CASUALTY VEHICLE of vehicle it is generally not recommended that RISK ASSESSMENTS they return to vehicle and they should only do Well in advance of arrival at the casualty C so if they believe it is absolutely necessary, for Having received the breakdown/removal vehicle, the Technician should indicate to the example to collect or advise other passengers, details, the Technician should first of all hard shoulder of a motorway or high speed SAFETY ADVICE TO MOTORISTS and only if this can be done safely. The caller carry out a dynamic risk assessment in order dual carriageway, the Technician should, if should be advised to take great care when to anticipate how they will deal with the possible, move onto the hard shoulder and use it When a call for assistance is received, then entering and exiting the vehicle, using the doors breakdown, recovery or removal of the casualty as a deceleration lane. safety advice along the following lines should be facing away from the passing traffic, wherever vehicle. If appropriate, thought should be given offered, as appropriate, to the caller: possible. If the caller feels they at under threat to the prior assembly of any recovery/removal The beacons on the road recovery vehicle from another person then they should be equipment that is to be used, to help minimise should be switched on before stopping to 1. VEHICLE ON A SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY advised to call 999 and request assistance. the time spent at the scene. the rear of the casualty vehicle. The road ROAD, LANE ONE OF A DUAL Additional Advice: All scenarios: If asked, the recovery vehicle should be parked behind the CARRIAGEWAY/MOTORWAY OR following could also be advised: Leave any On approaching the location of the casualty casualty vehicle in the ‘fend’ position unless the ON THE HARD SHOULDER animal in the vehicle or, if not possible to do so, vehicle, the Technician should carry out a surrounding circumstances of the breakdown OR IN AN ERA keep the animal with you under proper control. further dynamic risk assessment, considering dictate otherwise. the hazards that may be present so that Please make your vehicle as conspicuous as Note: For contacting the Emergency Services: any necessary actions can be taken to try to See Section 4G (Protecting the scene of possible by putting on the sidelights and hazard minimize the risk and to help ensure a safe the breakdown:- The ‘Fend‘ Position for warning lights, if working. Whilst you are best See Section 4H working area. The Technician should carry further details of the ‘Fend’ position) placed to identify any particular hazards where (Removal to a Place of Safety/Awaiting a out a separate dynamic risk assessment for you are located, and you and your party will Second Resource) each breakdown, recovery or removal in order Once stationary the road recovery vehicle’s need to make your own decisions about safety, to help ensure the safety of all involved. The hazard warning lights should also be switched our advice is that normally the safest place to See Section 6B2 risks should continue to be assessed until the on, together with any other warning lights wait for help is away from moving traffic and so (Breakdowns/Removals in a Live job is complete; this is commonly referred to as considered necessary (and permitted under that they can see the rear of the vehicle and if Running Lane) ‘dynamic risk assessment’. the relevant current Road Vehicle Lighting possible, a safe distance behind a crash barrier, Regulations). For example amber strobes may if one is present and can be reached safely. See Section 6C2 also be activated, but only if they will not Take great care when exiting the vehicle, using (Breakdowns/Removals in Lanes 2 or F inconvenience other road users. the doors facing away from the passing traffic, Above) wherever possible. If, for any reason, you cannot ARRIVING AT THE SCENE OF THE See Section 6B5 (Working With Highways England Traffic Officers). or you believe it would be unsafe to exit the BREAKDOWN OR REMOVAL vehicle, you and any other occupants should remain in the vehicle with your seat belt on. Technicians should be aware that time spent

12 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 13 2. IF INTENDING TO IMMEDIATELY 1. THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE ‘FEND’ B. There is a high probability that removal of relevant regulatory requirements in force at RECOVER/REMOVE THE CASUALTY POSITION ARE: the casualty vehicle will be required and to the time of use. If working on the casualty VEHICLE park the road recovery vehicle in the fend vehicle, or its recovery/removal, is likely to - Park the road recovery vehicle forward position and then move it to remove the obstruct traffic flow or to present a significant On approaching the casualty vehicle, the facing, at least 18 metres behind the casualty casualty vehicle would heighten risk and danger, then the Technician should request Technician should turn on the road recovery vehicle; could seriously endanger the safety of the the assistance of the Police or, if appropriate, vehicle’s beacons, start to reduce speed and Technician, the motorist and for other road Traffic Officer patrol. See the booklet entitled indicate, as appropriate. As the Technician - Park parallel or in line with the carriageway users; or ‘Regional Control Centre (RCC) and Police passes the casualty vehicle, they should pull over or live running lane, so that the lights and Control Room (PCR) Areas of Responsibility’ and stop rear livery of the road recovery vehicle are C. The road recovery vehicle needs to be in for details of the RCCs and PCRs which is in front. facing the approaching traffic. (The road front of the casualty vehicle to repair/ available from www.survivegroup.org. The recovery vehicle’s livery and other markings remobilise it and can only be affected with Technician should not attempt to start working Once stationary the hazard warning lights are more clearly seen if the vehicle is kept the road recovery vehicle located in front. on the casualty vehicle until any appropriate of the road recovery vehicle should also be clean); additional protection required is in place. switched on and, if considered necessary, other D. The casualty vehicle is in a lay-by or an ERA When working on the M6 Toll Road, the warning lights (as permitted by the relevant - Park so that the offside of the road recovery and there is insufficient room to fend or the Incident Support Unit should be contacted current Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations). If vehicle is, wherever possible, closer to the road recovery vehicle has been used to move should any assistance be required. the roadside recovery vehicle’s warning beacons flow of traffic than the offside of the casualty the casualty vehicle to a lay-by and it would or lights are obstructed by the casualty vehicle, vehicle. This increases the safety margin be inappropriate or impractical to fend. See section 6I (Working on the the use of external warning or traffic protection when working on the offside of the casualty M6 Toll Road). devices, if available, should be considered. vehicle; and Should the Technician conclude that it is appropriate to position the road recovery Note 4: See also Working with Highways 3. GOING PAST THE LOCATION OF THE - Once stopped, ensure that the road recovery vehicle in front of the casualty vehicle, then England Traffic Officers, Working on Toll CASUALTY VEHICLE vehicle’s front wheels are turned to full left they should be aware that the road recovery Roads (including Bridges and Tunnels) lock (away from traffic flow). vehicle will probably no longer provide If, for any reason, the Technician drives past advance warning to other road users or offer the casualty vehicle, they should continue It should be noted that this is the basic position protection to the scene; therefore the use of H on until they can safely go back and once advised for a road recovery vehicle. external warning or traffic protection devices, if more approach the casualty vehicle from available, should also be considered (See Note REMOVAL TO A PLACE OF behind. Unless carried out under the specific The Technician should carry out a dynamic 3 below). In addition, consideration should SAFETY/AWAITING A SECOND be given to maximising the conspicuity of the direction of a Police Officer or a Traffic risk assessment for each breakdown, recovery RESOURCE Officer, a Technician should keep any reversing or removal to decide how best to protect the scene through lighting and reflective material markings on the road recovery vehicle. manoeuvres along a road and/or hard shoulder scene. The location of the casualty vehicle and/ 1. THE TECHNICIAN to a minimum and as slowly as required to or other hazards or factors may make the use of Note 1: The road recovery vehicle should not reach and assist the casualty vehicle. the fend position unsuitable and/or may mean If, upon arrival at the casualty vehicle, the be parked in a live running lane of a motorway. that it may not offer the best protection. Technician decides that the location is too It should only be parked within the managed dangerous to carry out a repair and the working area of an incident under specific 2. POSITIONING THE ROAD RECOVERY Technician is not able to safely remove the G direction of a Police Officer or a Traffic Officer VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE vehicle themselves, the Technician should patrol. PROTECTING THE SCENE OF CASUALTY VEHICLE immediately contact the Road Recovery Operator and ask for a suitable second resource THE BREAKDOWN: THE ‘FEND’ Note 2: It is also important to note that the The most obvious examples of where to attend, as soon as possible, to move the POSITION Emergency Services and Traffic Officer patrol positioning the road recovery vehicle in front of casualty vehicle. the casualty vehicle could be appropriate are in may adopt a different vehicle positioning for The ‘fend’ position, as detailed below, has been situations where: their vehicles to the one described above. used by the Breakdown/Recovery Industry The Technician should then conduct a dynamic for a number of years and has been found to risk assessment to decide if it is safe for them, A. The decision has already be taken by the Note 3: Prior to, or upon arrival at the scene, be effective in helping make the road recovery and the motorist plus any passengers, to remain Technician to recover or remove the the Technician can also consider if additional vehicle more noticeable, in protecting the scene at the scene until the second resource arrives. casualty vehicle and therefore the road scene protection devices, such as cones or signs, and also in helping to absorb the impact should if available to the Technician, could aid in recovery vehicle will have to be so positioned If it is considered safe for the casualty vehicle’s the road recovery vehicle be struck by another protecting the casualty vehicle. Any additional for immediate loading of the casualty occupants to stay at the scene, or the Technician vehicle from the rear. scene protection devices used must meet any vehicle; or is unable to safely move them, the Technician

14 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 15 Recovery Operator, informing them that where there is passing traffic, they constitute a the casualty vehicle’s occupant(s) are being I hazard, no matter what steps have been taken to removed to a place of safety and requesting reduce risk. that the relevant RCC or, if appropriate, PCR WORKING AT THE ROADSIDE be informed that the casualty vehicle is being 7. TECHNICIANS SHOULD be aware that left unattended at the scene until the second 1. AT ALL TIMES when working outside of time spent working at the roadside represents resource arrives. their vehicle, Technicians must wear a high risk for themselves, those they are assisting visibility reflective safety garment [EN 1471 and other road users. All activities should, If the Technician considers that the location is Class 3 compliant], which must be maintained therefore, be conducted with an appropriate unsafe but can’t safely move all the occupants in a clean condition so as not to adversely affect sense of urgency, whilst at all times maintaining of the casualty vehicle, the Technician should its reflective qualities. No other clothing or item safe working practices. As a general rule, inform the RCC or Police and then advise the should be worn over the safety garment unless if it seems likely that it will be significantly Road Recovery Operator and, if it is believed it has been suitably marked with approved quicker to repair the casualty vehicle than to that further assistance is required to protect the reflective bands of the same type and size as the remove it, then the Technician should repair scene, the relevant RCC or, if appropriate, PCR standard reflective garment. it. Alternatively, if it appears likely to be should then provide assistance. significantly quicker to remove the casualty 2. UPON ARRIVAL at the scene of the vehicle than to repair it, then the Technician As soon as the Technician reaches the chosen breakdown/removal, wherever possible, the should remove it. place of safety, they should inform the Road Technician should exit the road recovery vehicle Recovery Operator of the new location of the from the door on the safer side of their vehicle. 8. IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES it may casualty vehicle’s occupant(s). be necessary for the occupants of the casualty The technician should reassure the motorist of the 3. THE TECHNICIAN should reassure the vehicle to transfer to the road recovery vehicle. casualty vehicle, of their identity by 2. ROAD RECOVERY OPERATOR motorist of the casualty vehicle, of his/her However, it is generally recommended that the addressing them by name. identity by addressing them by name (if known). time spent inside the road recovery vehicle, Upon notification from the Technician that this If requested, the Technician should also show prior to departure from the scene, be kept is required, the Road Recovery Operator should to a minimum. The occupants should be should inform the Road Recovery Operator their ID card if one has been issued by the arrange for a suitable second resource to attend advised that seatbelts, if available, should be of this. The Technician should advise all those Road Recovery Operator or by the National as soon as possible, taking into account the type worn at all times and children should not be present to, where possible, wait a safe distance Training and Assessment Scheme. of casualty vehicle to be removed, the nature left unattended in the road recovery vehicle. away from the casualty vehicle, behind a crash and location of the breakdown and the number Note: Technicians should recognise that there barrier, if one is present and can be reached 4. IF THEY ARE NOT already waiting in a of people involved. is generally an increased level of risk to safety safely. The Technician should have a means of place of safety, the Technician should carry out when working on elevated sections of any road obtaining advice on the progress of the second a dynamic risk assessment and give advice to If the Technician advises that the casualty or any road where there is no hard shoulder or resource, so this can be checked if necessary. the occupants of the casualty vehicle on how vehicle’s occupant(s) are being taken to a place best to exit the vehicle and on where to stand to verge available. of safety and that the casualty vehicle will be If the Technician considers it too dangerous to help ensure their own safety. left unattended, the Road Recovery Operator preferable for the casualty remain at the scene, and it is possible to safely 9. IT IS NORMALLY should inform the appropriate RCC or PCR of vehicle to be parked as close to the nearside move the occupant(s) of the casualty vehicle, 5. NORMALLY THE OCCUPANTS of the the situation. as possible. If necessary and it is safe and then the Technician should seek to move the casualty vehicle should be advised to keep away Details to be provided should include the practical to do so, the casualty vehicle should be vehicle’s occupants to a place of safety without from the casualty vehicle, well back on the verge location and description of the unattended moved further to the left before the Technician delay. or behind a crash barrier, if available, where casualty vehicle plus the estimated time of the back of the rearmost vehicle can be seen. commences work on it. arrival of the second resource. Prior to leaving the casualty vehicle including If the occupants are unwilling or unable to exit that the most any trailer unattended, the Technician should the casualty vehicle they should be advised to 10. IT IS RECOGNISED Once the Technician has advised any new dangerous zones at the scene of a breakdown, ensure that, where possible, the casualty wear seatbelts at all times. See Section 4 (Where location of the casualty vehicle occupant(s), recovery or removal are generally: vehicle/trailer is made secure, is correctly lit the motorist is required to help in the repair/ the Road Recovery Operator should pass this (e.g. hazard lights and tail lights) and a notice removal of the casualty vehicle). information to the second resource that is - alongside the sides of the vehicles which are is placed prominently with the casualty vehicle attending. nearest to the flow of traffic and advising that the casualty vehicle’s driver or 6. TECHNICIANS SHOULD be aware that occupant(s) have been moved to a place of while their road recovery vehicle and the - the area between any two vehicles involved, safety and that a second resource is on its way to casualty vehicle are stationary on a single which is known as the ‘sandwich position’ remove the vehicle. carriageway, motorway or a high speed dual The Technician should contact the Road carriageway road, or in any other road location

16 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 17 Wherever possible, the Technician should avoid - The casualty vehicle handbrake is applied the Authority may request the attendance of a or minimize the time spent working in these J and the gear lever is in neutral (if the Recovery Incident Manager. areas (for example when replacing an offside gearbox is automatic then it should be in wheel; winching or attaching recovery/removal WHERE THE MOTORIST IS Park or Neutral) The Recovery Incident Manager will act equipment). REQUIRED TO ASSIST IN THE in the role of Bronze Commander for the - The motorist keeps their foot on the vehicle recovery aspects of the incident. This REPAIR/REMOVAL OF THE 11. BEFORE MOVING AWAY from the fend footbrake unless the Technician requires the individual should be a suitably experienced/ position, where a Technician has to recover CASUALTY VEHICLE motorist to operate the accelerator to carry qualified person who is responsible for working or remove a casualty vehicle, the Technician out diagnostics (ensuring always that the in conjunction with their equivalent Bronze should consider whether or not it is appropriate There will be some occasions when the motorist gearbox is in Park or, as applicable, Neutral Commanders from the Emergency Services to fit any other available equipment/device may be required to assist the Technician in – see above or Highways England, to help deliver a safe, to the casualty vehicle (for example a lighting the repair or removal of the casualty vehicle. effective and rapid conclusion to the incident. board, if required). Only then, having waited For example, the motorist’s assistance may - The motorist is told they should only turn for a safe gap in traffic, should the road recovery be required to help with fault analysis e.g. by on the ignition and start or stop the engine vehicle be driven from the fend position, into a turning on the ignition, operating the clutch or when asked to do so by the Technician. position to allow the recovery or removal of the brake pedals, lights etc. L casualty vehicle. Any scene protection device(s) - Never try to start the engine when standing used should be left in place behind the casualty If it appears that the motorist’s assistance in front/rear of the casualty vehicle or will be required, the Technician should carry RECOVERY BACK ONTO THE vehicle until immediately before the recovery or leaning into the engine bay HARD SHOULDER OR VERGE removal from the scene is about to take place. out a dynamic risk assessment on the type of assistance that is required and decide if that Where the casualty vehicle is located beyond 12. IF THE TECHNICIAN, the motorist and assistance can be provided by the motorist and in reasonable safety. If not, an alternative the hard shoulder or verge e.g. it has ended up any passengers have to wait at the location down an embankment in a field, the Technician for further assistance to arrive, then, wherever method of dealing with the incident should be chosen. must first of all ensure that permission to access possible, they should avoid waiting inside the vehicle is obtained from the occupier of the vehicles. In particular they should avoid the land. The assistance of the Police or the waiting in the road recovery vehicle where this The Technician can provide a high visibility reflective safety garment, if available, to be Traffic Officer patrol may be required to help is providing protection to the scene. All persons with this. If either the Police or Traffic Officers present should, where possible, wait at a safe worn by the motorist whilst providing assistance to the Technician. are present, the Technician should discuss and location away from the casualty vehicle. If the liaise with them, as to how best to recover the casualty vehicle’s occupants are unwilling or If the motorist has to re-enter the casualty casualty vehicle to a place where it can be safely unable to exit the casualty vehicle they should and efficiently removed from the scene. be advised to wear seatbelts at all times. vehicle to provide assistance then, wherever possible, this should be via the door on the safe side of the vehicle. The Technician, together with the Police or the 13. IF, HAVING CARRIED OUT a dynamic Traffic Officer patrol present, should consider risk assessment, the Technician considers that If, however, the door nearest to the traffic flow whether to carry out the recovery of the the Police or Traffic Officer patrol may be Note: Motorists and/or their passengers may casualty vehicle when the volume of traffic on required at the scene to assist in the safe repair, has to be used, the Technician should wait wish to observe the Technician at work. This with the motorist at the rear of the vehicle. the motorway or dual carriageway is reduced recovery or removal of the casualty vehicle, should be discouraged and the motorist and/or i.e. outside peak travelling times. This will help then they should contact the Road Recovery Then, after checking that the passing traffic will passengers advised to return to or remain in the allow safe access, the Technician should, whilst ensure that other road users are inconvenienced Operator and request such assistance. place of safety that has already been identified. as little as possible should the closure of a However there may be instances when, due keeping a look out, advise the motorist when to move in order to re-enter the casualty vehicle. live running lane be required to facilitate the to a variety of reasons, an RCC or PCR are recovery/removal of the casualty vehicle. unable to arrange for the attendance of Traffic Should the motorist be required to turn on the ignition of the casualty vehicle to assist K The Technician should also consider using Officer patrol or Police at the scene to assist the local access roads/tracks, if these are available Technician. In such cases the Road Recovery the Technician, then prior to doing so the Technician should ensure that: “INCIDENT” MANAGEMENT and suitable for the road recovery vehicle to Operator should then consider sending a use, to recover the casualty vehicle rather than second suitable resource to assist the Technician RECOVERY INCIDENT MANAGER - The motorist is seated in the driver’s seat gaining access from the hard shoulder or verge. at the roadside and inform the Technician (“BRONZE COMMANDER”) The views and permission of any landowner accordingly. with the seat belt fastened and does not reach in through the casualty vehicle window must be obtained if such alternative means of See Section 6L (Additional Resources If a relevant Authority has decided that an to operate the ignition recovering the casualty vehicles are considered Attending a breakdown). incident is to be treated as a serious incident, suitable.

18 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 19 Before carrying out the recovery process the If the casualty vehicle has been repaired, the the carriageway and, once there is a safe gap A. From the hard shoulder of a motorway Technician must carry out a documented motorist should be advised of the following in the traffic, move off from the verge/side of dynamic risk assessment to determine the most recommended procedures for moving off from the road or lay-by, increasing to an appropriate The Technician should use the hard shoulder appropriate method of recovering the casualty the scene: speed once they have re-joined the carriageway. as an acceleration lane to build up speed, with vehicle. Consideration should be given to the the beacons on their road recovery vehicle location of the casualty vehicle and the nature A. From the hard shoulder of a motorway 2. IF THE CASUALTY VEHICLE IS TO BE illuminated. The Technician should check the of the environment, how best to gain access REMOVED USING EITHER A TOW STRAP road recovery vehicle’s mirrors and blind spot to it, the type of recovery equipment to be Use the hard shoulder as an acceleration lane OR RIGID TOW POLE before indicating and, when there is a safe gap used and any additional assistance that may be to build up speed, indicate and, when there is a in traffic, re-joining the main carriageway. The required etc. safe gap in traffic, re-join the main carriageway. Where possible the motorist and any passengers Technician should keep their eyes open for The motorist should also be advised to look out should not normally be requested to leave the possible debris and/or stationary vehicles on the At all times during the recovery process the for possible debris and/or stationary vehicles on safe location until all removal equipment has hard shoulder. Technician should be aware of the risks the hard shoulder; been fitted; involved and take appropriate steps to help B. From the ERA of a SMART motorway protect the safety of all those present. Where B. From the ERA of a SMART motorway The Technician should give the motorist applicable the assistance of the Police or information on what is involved in towing and If a dynamic hard shoulder is not being used Highways England should be requested to help If a dynamic hard shoulder is not being used what action the motorist shall or shall not do. as a live running lane then the Technician and with managing the traffic in order to facilitate as a live running lane then the Technician and The Technician should not insist on towing the casualty vehicle can exit the ERA as normal, the recovery and subsequent removal of the motorist can exit the ERA as normal, using the casualty vehicle if the motorist has indicated using the hard shoulder to accelerate to an casualty vehicle. hard shoulder to accelerate to an appropriate that they are not happy to be towed. appropriate speed consistent with the traffic on speed consistent with the traffic on the the carriageway before re-joining the motorway; carriageway before re-joining the motorway; Only when the casualty vehicle is ready to be M towed should the Technician advise the motorist B.1 If, however, the hard shoulder ist being used B.1 If the hard shoulder is being used as a live to re-enter the casualty vehicle. as a live running lane the Technician should REMOVAL FROM THE HARD running lane or in any All Lane Running contact the RCC, using the Emergency SHOULDER OR VERGE sections, and the Technician is reasonably 3. IF THE CASUALTY VEHICLE IS TO BE Telephone located within the ERA, and satisfied that they can exit the ERA safely RECOVERED ON THE ROAD RECOVERY request assistance. Before removing a casualty vehicle from the without assistance, then the Technician VEHICLE hard shoulder or verge, the Technician must, should contact the RCC using the C. From the verge/side of the road on a where appropriate, ensure that the casualty Emergency Telephone located within the Where possible the motorist and any passengers single carriageway or layby on a dual vehicle is capable of displaying the minimum ERA, and notify the RCC of their intention should not normally be requested to leave a carriageway required lighting by law, i.e. rear position lights to leave the ERA without assistance, the safe location until the casualty vehicle has been and red retro reflectors. In order to provide Technician should then advise the driver of loaded and then they should transfer to the road The Technician should have the beacons other road users with an indication of the the casualty vehicle of the recommended recovery vehicle. on their road recovery vehicle illuminated hazard of the vehicle combination, warning procedure for re-joining the carriageways and indicate their intention to re-join the beacons must be switched on and visible from - see Section 4N Leaving the scene of the 4. REMOVAL OF EQUIPMENT ETC. carriageway. Once an adequate gap in the the rear. If these are not visible then additional breakdown or removal. traffic allows the Technician to do so safely, warning is required i.e. visible indicators, stop Before leaving the scene, the Technician should they should move away from the verge/side of and side lights. This can be achieved by using a B.2 If, however, the hard shoulder is being used check to see that all tools, equipment, scene the road or layby, increasing to an appropriate suitably fitted trailer lighting board on the rear as a live running lane and the Technician protection devices, etc. used have been retrieved speed once they have re-joined the carriageway. of the casualty vehicle. considers that they require assistance to and are stored appropriately in the road exit the ERA, for example if speed and/or recovery vehicle. D. When there is insufficient time or density of passing traffic is high, then the space to safely re-join the carriageway Technician should contact the RCC, using 5. PROCEDURES FOR RE-JOINING N the Emergency Telephone located within THE MAIN CARRIAGEWAY: In any situation where the Technician considers the ERA, and request assistance. that the speed and/or density of passing traffic LEAVING THE SCENE OF THE When removing the casualty vehicle from the means there is insufficient time or space to BREAKDOWN OR REMOVAL C. From the verge/side of the road on a scene the technician should adopt the following safely re-join the carriageway, they should single carriageway or layby on a dual procedures for re-joining the main carriageway: contact the appropriate RCC or PCR and carriageway request assistance in the provision of either 1. RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR a rolling road block or a temporary lane one MOVING OFF FROM THE SCENE: Indicate their intention to move away/re-join closure.

20 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 21 E. Use of road recovery vehicle’s beacons vehicles are only handled by a suitably the road recovery vehicle, where these are instruction. The Road Recovery Operator experienced Technician, namely one who available and appropriate for the spillage should, if necessary, seek assistance from Upon re-joining the carriageway, if the speed has an understanding of, or a qualification concerned. If the Technician is in any the appropriate Environment Agency, of the road recovery vehicle is consistent with in, the preservation of evidence (such as doubt as to their ability to deal with any (SEPA Scotland, NIEA NI) Highways that of the rest of the traffic on the relevant module VR19). spillages or as to the nature of the substances England or the appropriate Highway carriageway, the road recovery vehicle’s beacons involved, then they should contact the Authority as additional or specialised spillage should be switched off unless it is considered to B. Any vehicles which are required to be Road Recovery Operator for the further containment equipment may be required. be a continuing hazard to other road users. retained by the Police should be handled in accordance with any instructions issued by the Police at the scene. For example, O when deciding on the method of recovery 5. GENERAL GUIDELINES or removal of any vehicle, the Technician ROAD TRAFFIC COLLISIONS should consult with the appropriate WHEN ATTENDING LARGE GOODS VEHICLES authorities at the scene (such as Collision 1. CLEARANCE OF DEBRIS Investigation Officer or Scene Manager) and In addition to considering the general guidelines order to carry out the wheel or tyre change. try to agree on the most appropriate method detailed at Section 4 above, when Technicians See Section 6L4 (Additional Resources A. At the scene of an accident, debris of some of recovery/removal so as to avoid or are attending Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs), attending a Breakdown – Tyre Repair/ description may be present. The Technician minimise the destruction or disturbance of they should also consider the following Replacement Technicians). should liaise with those in charge at the any evidence. With LGVs this may involve guidelines. scene to help ensure that any debris is a ‘full lift’ onto a commercial low loader, adequately dealt with in accordance with however the likely time implications of any relevant legal and safety requirements. carrying out this complex operation should be explained to the relevant authorities at A B. When dealing with major incidents, where the scene. REPLACEMENT OF WHEELS/TYRES large amounts of debris may be present, the Technician should liaise with any 3. SPILLAGES Where a Technician needs to work on an LGVs relevant incident manager(s) in relation offside wheel or tyre, a dynamic risk assessment Where fire or hazardous spillages occur, to the clearance of debris (including the A. should be carried out as it is very likely that a the Technician should normally contact the identification, or recovery, of anything which lane or road closure would be required in order emergency services immediately and await is to be treated as load). The Technician to provide the Technician with a safe working their arrival before taking further action. may be responsible for removing some or the area. entire load as part of the vehicle recovery process. See Section 6J (Hazardous Substances If, having carried out a dynamic risk assessment, or Dangerous Goods). the Technician believes that a lane closure/ C. In serious accidents, debris may be carriageway or road is necessary, they If a Technician attends a road traffic important evidence and the Police may B. should contact the relevant RCC or PCR, as accident where there has been spillage, they require that it not be disturbed. Therefore appropriate, and request that they attend to should, in the interests of health and safety, the Technician should clarify with the Police provide protection, or arrange that protection try to ensure that any spillages are dealt with what actions they can take regarding any be provided. The Technician should not then without delay. debris and obtain prior authorisation from attempt to start working on the casualty vehicle the Police before acting. until the lane/carriageway closure is in place. C. Particular attention should be paid to any spillages that may affect local 2. RETENTION OF VEHICLES FOR Please note that such a closure may result in watercourses through drains or ditches etc. FORENSIC EXAMINATION severe traffic congestion, particularly during The Technician should not assume that peak hour traffic flows, and therefore the lane/ liquids are harmless when spilled simply A. As with point 1C above, where the scene carriageway closure may be delayed until such because they are harmless in their normal of a road traffic incident is being controlled time as traffic flows are lower. by the Police, the Road Recovery Operator use e.g. milk is a serious contaminant to watercourses. should clarify with the Police which vehicles The Technician may consider, if this is When working on an LGVs offside wheel or tyre, a are required to be retained by the Police for practicable and can be achieved safely, that the dynamic risk assessment should be carried out as Spillages should be dealt with promptly forensic examination. The Road Recovery D. casualty vehicle should be either moved off the it is very likely that a lane or road closure would be using spill kits and other equipment on Operator should ensure that any such carriageway or removed to a place of safety in required in order to provide a safe working area.

22 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 23

6. SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

in such a location, and that the occupants of B Some of the issues regarding the load that need A the casualty vehicle are given appropriate safety to be considered include:- advice. See Section 4I (Working at the OVERTURNED LGVS ON BRIDGES DISABLED AND VULNERABLE roadside). - Is it time sensitive? CUSTOMERS Where a Technician needs to work on an LGVs 2. BREAKDOWNS/REMOVALS IN A offside wheel or tyre, a dynamic risk assessment - Is it perishable? 1. DISABLED CUSTOMERS LIVE RUNNING LANE should be carried out as it is very likely that a lane or road closure would be required in order - Is it livestock? Equality Act 2010 (“EA2010”): As suppliers of If the Road Recovery Operator is made aware to provide the Technician with a safe working services, Road Recovery Operators are under that a casualty vehicle is in a live running lane, area. - Is it valuable? a duty not to discriminate against customers then the Road Recovery Operator should treat who have what are known as “protected these breakdowns or removals as an emergency. If, having carried out a dynamic risk assessment, - Is it dangerous to health? characteristics” as defined in the EA2010, The Road Recovery Operator should, without the Technician believes that a lane closure/ (For example is a HazChem sign displayed including customers with a disability and undue delay, try to ascertain: carriageway or road is necessary, they or are other dangerous substances or items may need to adjust their services to help such should contact the relevant RCC or PCR, as being transported etc.) customers to access assistance. - The location of the casualty vehicle appropriate, and request that they attend to (including which lane it is in) provide protection, or arrange that protection If the answer to any of these questions is yes, It is not possible to summarise the law in this be provided. The Technician should not then then it is likely that the haulier or owner of area within these Guidelines, it is however it is - A description of the casualty vehicle and attempt to start working on the casualty vehicle the vehicle/load will want load continuation important to be aware of these duties. until the lane/carriageway closure is in place. measures to be arranged. The haulier or the - The whereabouts of any occupant(s) of the owner of the vehicle/load may be able to Further guidance is available in PAS43 casualty vehicle Please note that such a closure may result in provide a ‘like for like’ vehicle. and/or from the Equal Opportunities and severe traffic congestion, particularly during Human Rights Commission website at www. The motorist should peak hour traffic flows, and therefore the lane/ Where load continuation is required, equalityhumanrights.com then be advised to carriageway closure may be delayed until such arrangements should, where practicable, be ring off and call the time as traffic flows are lower. made with the haulier or owner, or other 2. VULNERABLE CUSTOMERS Police on 999 relevant interested party, for the Technician to immediately and The Technician may consider, if this is be met at or near the scene or at an appropriate See PAS43 to give the Police practicable and can be achieved safely, that the point of safety for the transfer of the load to the the information casualty vehicle should be either moved off the load continuation vehicle. referred to above. carriageway or removed to a place of safety in order to carry out the wheel or tyre change. Payment for, and other terms of, any load B Wherever possible it is recommended that the See Section 6L4 (Additional Resources continuation is a matter of agreement between ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES attending a Breakdown – Tyre Repair/ those involved. Road Recovery Operator calls the motorist Replacement Technicians). SPECIFIC TO MOTORWAYS back and asks if they, and any other occupants of the casualty vehicle, are in a safe location 1. GENERAL and Highways England, Police or other relevant C transport authority are in attendance or the Road Recovery Operators and Technicians motorist has been notified that they are on their need to be aware that the hard shoulder and way. LOAD CONTINUATION verge of a motorway is a dangerous place to attempt to repair or carry out the removal of a Should a Technician come across a casualty Load continuation is dependent upon a number vehicle. of issues, for example the type of load, its vehicle or arrive at scene of a live running lane breakdown on a motorway where; condition and its location. Traffic will usually approach at high speed and there will be instances when vehicles may stray The Technician needs to establish early - the Traffic Officer patrol, Police or other out of the nearside running lane and cross the relevant transport authority are not on whether load continuation needs to be rumble strip onto the hard shoulder or verge. arranged. This should, where practical, be attending established in conjunction with the haulier It is therefore essential that the Technician - or either a safe working area has not been or the owner of the vehicle/load, or other remain alert to possible dangers whilst working interested body. created

24 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 25 - or, if applicable, the casualty vehicle has not 4. WORKING WITHIN AREAS OF A.3 Or if, however, the hard shoulder is to leave the ERA and should only exit been moved to a place of safety, they should SMART MOTORWAYS’ being used as a live running lane and the the ERA when they can see both that the not attempt to stop and provide assistance. Technician considers that they require Traffic Officer’s vehicle is approaching The Technician should instead call the As part of the ‘Smart Motorways’ programme, assistance to exit the ERA, for example and that the dynamic hard shoulder/ Police on 999 at the earliest opportunity and Highways England has introduced two new this will normally be required when towing lane 1 is clear in front of that vehicle, The provide the details of the casualty vehicle road designs. a casualty vehicle or if speed and/or Technician should pull out a safe distance and its location. density of passing traffic is high, then the in front of the Traffic Officer vehicle and - Dynamic use of the hard shoulder as a Technician should contact the RCC, using proceed onto lane 1 with caution when the Where the Road Recovery Operator is running lane (as and when required) the Emergency Telephone located within TO vehicle’s lights are seen and no vehicles requested by Highways England, Police or the ERA, and request assistance. are seen between the ERA and TO vehicle. other relevant transport authority to remove a - All lane running (permanent conversion of casualty vehicle from blocking a live running the hard shoulder to a running lane) – all B. RCC and HE Traffic Officer Assistance 5. WORKING WITH HIGHWAY AGENCY lane, the Technician should only attend the breakdowns in the carriageway will be live (if present) TRAFFIC OFFICERS scene and commence the recovery/removal lane breakdowns process once the necessary measures are in If the resources are available, the RCC and the Following the introduction of the RCCs and the place to protect the casualty vehicle and to Under these arrangements Emergency Refuge Traffic Officer patrol will provide one or more Traffic Officer Service, a protocol was agreed provide a safe working area. Areas (‘ERA’s) have been set up to provide of the following types of assistance between Highways England and the breakdown places of relative safety for broken down exit an ERA: and recovery industry on the positioning of On attendance the Technician should, before vehicles. In order to help ensure the safety of road recovery vehicles when dealing with commencing operation, liaise with the authority the Technicians and the motoring public, the B.1 On section of smart motorways, the incidents on Highway England network where in charge of the scene, if present and available. following working procedure has been agreed re Technician will be asked to wait within Traffic Officers are in attendance. ERAs:- the ERA until the relevant part of the Once the scene has been protected and if hard shoulder or lane 1 is closed to traffic The Traffic Officer patrol will follow their own appropriate, the Technician has liaised with the A. Technicians or lane divert arrows have been set. The established procedures and position their vehicle authority at the scene, the Technician should RCC will advise the Technician how long behind the casualty vehicle with the appropriate recover/remove the casualty vehicle without A.1 If a dynamic hard shoulder is not being this wait is likely to be. Once the RCC has warning lights activated and signs deployed delay. used as a live running lane then the confirmed appropriate signals have been to help protect the scene. This means that if a Technician can exit the ERA as normal, set, the Technician should check that traffic Technician arrives at the scene of an incident 3. BREAKDOWNS/REMOVALS IN ‘FREE using the hard shoulder to accelerate to an has cleared from the hard shoulder/ lane which is also being attended by Traffic Officer RECOVERY’ AREAS appropriate speed consistent with the traffic 1 (and, if the gantry beyond the ERA is patrol the Technician should position the road on the carriageway before re-joining the visible, that a red X or lane divert arrow recovery vehicle in front of the casualty vehicle. Some areas of roadwork’s, and other special motorway; has appeared on the gantry over the hard The Traffic Officer(s) and the Technician should sites, make a ‘Free Recovery’ service available. shoulder/ ;lane 1) before attempting to liaise to establish whether the casualty vehicle is A.2 Or if the hard shoulder is being used as leave the ERA. This is considered to be to be recovered or repaired in situ and establish This service should only be provided by an a live running lane and the Technician the preferred type of assistance should the what Traffic Officer support is required. appointed recovery contractor. is reasonably satisfied that they can exit Technician have any concerns over their the ERA safely without assistance, then ability (or that of the customer) to safely As a general rule, if it is quicker to repair Any vehicle that breaks down in these areas the Technician should contact the RCC exit the ERA. the casualty vehicle than to remove it, the will be removed by the appointed recovery using the Emergency Telephone located Technician should repair it. However, if it contractor to a designated place. In the unlikely within the ERA, and notify the RCC of B.2 The Traffic Officer patrol, if they attend, is considered quicker to remove the casualty event that a Technician who has been deployed their intention to leave the ERA without can use their vehicle to provide a rolling vehicle than to repair it, then the Technician to provide assistance to the casualty vehicle assistance. The RCC should be aware of the road block in order to facilitate the should remove it. arrives in an area of “Free Recovery” before presence of the Technician and the casualty Technician’s safe exit from the ERA. The the appointed recovery contractor has attended vehicle in the ERA via the CCTV cameras RCC will also set the signs and signals to Once the Technician has begun the repair or and removed the casualty vehicle from the that are located on the motorway. Where display ‘SLOW VEHICLE LEAVING recovery process, the Traffic Officer(s) should “Free Recovery Area”, the Technician must not the casualty vehicle has been repaired, the REFUGE’ on the gantries approaching normally remain, thereby offering protection attempt to stop and provide assistance. Technician should advise the driver of the ERA to advise other drivers that a slow until the Technician and the casualty vehicle the casualty vehicle of the recommended vehicle is leaving the refuge area. leave the scene. The Technician should continue their journey procedure for re-joining the carriageways and only attend the casualty vehicle when the See Section 4N (Leaving the scene of If agreed with the RCC that a rolling road If, during the course of a vehicle repair or relevant recovery contractor has moved it to a the breakdown or removal). block will be provided, the Technician recovery, the Traffic Officer patrol receives designated place. should position their vehicle in readiness an instruction to deploy to another incident,

26 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 27 closed lane (Under red Xs), should they then the Technician. This will ensure that the Road be stopped and challenged.A record of the Recovery Operator is made aware that the authorisation should also be kept by the Road Technician will be using the hard shoulder or Recovery Operator closed lane (under red Xs) to access the casualty vehicle should permission be granted. On those motorways and dual carriageways not operated by the Highways England, contact Note 2: Under no circumstances whatsoever must be made with the appropriate PCR and may a Technician drive on the hard shoulder request that permission be granted for the or closed lane (under red Xs) of a motorway (or Technician to use the hard shoulder in order to dual carriageway) without first of all receiving access the casualty vehicle. Wherever possible permission to do so from either the Highways the Technician (or the Road Recovery Operator England or the Police as appropriate. if acting on their behalf) should obtain from the PCR a log reference number, which can then be used as evidence of the PCR permission to use C the hard shoulder or closed lane (under red Xs), should they be stopped and challenged. ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES SPECIFIC TO MOTORWAYS In all cases where permission is granted to use the hard shoulder or closed lane (under red Xs) AND HIGH SPEED DUAL to access a casualty vehicle, the Technician must CARRIAGEWAYS the Traffic Officer patrol should advise the In such cases the Technician may wish to ensure that:- Technician and request that the casualty vehicle seek permission as appropriate from either a 1. GENERAL be removed, or the repair completed, as soon as Highways England RCC or a PCR in order to A. All appropriate warning beacons and dipped possible. use the hard shoulder or closed lane (under red headlights are switched on prior to joining Road Recovery Operators and Technicians Xs) to access the casualty vehicle. the hard shoulder and at all times whilst on need to be aware that the verge of a motorway Note: There may be instances when, due to a it; and (in particular on an all lane running scheme) variety of reasons, an RCC is unable to arrange On those motorways and dual carriageways or a high speed dual carriageway can be a for the attendance of Traffic Officer patrol at operated by Highways England, contact B. They proceed at a speed appropriate for the very dangerous place to attempt to repair or the scene to assist the Technician. In such cases must be made with the appropriate RCC and prevailing conditions and, never to exceed carry out the removal of a vehicle. Traffic will it is recommended that the Road Recovery permission be requested for the Technician 20 mph, on approach on the hard shoulder usually approach at high speed and there will Operator then contacts the appropriate PCR to use the hard shoulder (where available) or or closed lane (under red Xs), and be many instances when the casualty vehicle and ascertain if a Police Officer vehicle is able closed lane (under red Xs) in order to access the is actually located, either partly or fully, in the to attend instead. If this is also not possible, casualty vehicle. The RCC will then consider C. They exercise extreme caution in respect of nearside running lane. It is therefore essential then the Road Recovery Operator should the request using the following factors:- the possibility of vehicles and pedestrians that the Technician remain alert to possible consider sending a second resource to assist entering the hard shoulder from lane one dangers whilst working in such locations, and the Technician at the roadside and inform the - Is the road recovery vehicle in congested without anticipating any traffic approaching that occupants of the casualty vehicle are given Technician accordingly. traffic that is impeding its progress, and is the from behind their direction of travel. appropriate safety advice use of the hard shoulder to access the scene See Section 6L (Additional Resources appropriate? In all cases where permission to use the hard See Section 4I (Working at the Roadside). Attending a Breakdown). shoulder or closed lane (under red Xs) to access - Are the occupants of the casualty vehicles a casualty vehicle is refused, the Technician If a lay-by or other suitable area off the dual carriageway is available in the near vicinity 6. USE OF THE HARD SHOULDER OR vulnerable? must abide by the decision of the RCC or PCR CLOSED LANE (UNDER RED XS) and advise the Road Recovery Operator that of the casualty vehicle, the Technician should TO ACCESS BREAKDOWNS/REMOVALS - Has the HE Scene Commander requested there will be a delay in attending the casualty carry out a dynamic risk assessment to consider early attendance of a road recovery vehicle vehicle. whether to move the casualty vehicle to the lay- There may be occasions when the access to the to assist incident resolution? by/suitable area before attempting any repair. Note 1: It is recommended that contact with location of a casualty vehicle on a motorway See Section 4J (Where a Motorist is The Technician should obtain an authorisation the appropriate PCR or RCC for permission or dual carriageway is obstructed due to severe required to assist in the repair/removal reference from the RCC. This authenticated to use the hard shoulder or closed lane (under traffic congestion and the flow of traffic is likely of the casualty vehicle). to be held up for a considerable time. reference can then be used as evidence from the red Xs) to access a casualty vehicle is made RCC/PCR for driving on the hard shoulder or by the Road Recovery Operator on behalf of

28 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 29 Before moving the casualty vehicle, the - A description of the casualty vehicle and or Local Authority to remove a casualty If a lay-by or other suitable area off the Technician will need to consider how best to vehicle from blocking a live running lane, the carriageway is available in the near vicinity protect the casualty vehicle at the location - The whereabouts of any occupant(s) of the Technician should only attend the scene and of the casualty vehicle, the Technician should to which the casualty vehicle is to be moved. casualty vehicle commence the recovery/removal process once carry out a dynamic risk assessment to consider The Fend position may not necessarily be the necessary measures are in place to protect whether to move the casualty vehicle to the lay- appropriate. The motorist should then be advised to ring the casualty vehicle and to provide a safe by/suitable area before attempting any repair. off and call the Police on 999 immediately and working area. See Section 4G (Protecting the Scene of a to give the Police the information referred to See Section 4J (Where a Motorist is Breakdown: The Fend Position). above. On attendance the Technician should, before required to assist in the repair/removal commencing operation, liaise with the authority of the casualty vehicle). 2. BREAKDOWNS/REMOVALS The Road Recovery Operator should also then in charge of the scene, if present and available. IN LANE 2 OR ABOVE immediately contact the appropriate RCC or Before moving the casualty vehicle, the PCR and advise that assistance is required to Once the scene has been protected and if Technician will need to consider how best to If the Road Recovery Operator is made aware help protect the scene and, if appropriate, to appropriate, the Technician has liaised with the protect the casualty vehicle at the location that a casualty vehicle is in a live running lane, recover the vehicle to a place of safety. authority at the scene, the Technician should to which the casualty vehicle is to be moved. then the Road Recovery Operator should treat recover/remove the casualty vehicle The Fend position may not necessarily be these breakdowns or removals as an emergency. The RCC or the PCR should be given a without delay. appropriate. description of the casualty vehicle and its The Road Recovery Operator should, without location, including details of the lane it is in and See Section 4G (Protecting the Scene of a undue delay, try to ascertain: any other relevant information known regarding D Breakdown: The Fend Position). its position. The RCC or PCR should also be - The location of the casualty vehicle given information held as to the location of the ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES (including which lane it is in) casualty vehicle’s occupant(s). The RCC or the SPECIFIC TO SINGLE E PCR may wish to activate matrix signs and/or CARRIAGEWAYS variable message signs accordingly. BREAKDOWNS IN CAR PARKS Road Recovery Operators and Technicians Wherever possible it is recommended that the need to be aware that a single carriageway road A casualty vehicle that is in a car park is not Road Recovery Operator calls the motorist back can be a very dangerous place to attempt to necessarily in a safe location. Whilst there may and asks if they, and any other occupants of repair or carry out the removal of a casualty be less risk from oncoming traffic, there is still the casualty vehicle, are in a safe location and vehicle as the vehicle may be partially or fully a possibility that other car park users may not Highways England, Police or Local Authority obstructing the road. Traffic may approach realise that the Technician is working on a are in attendance or the motorist has been from either direction and there will be no casualty vehicle. notified that they are on their way. central reservation to provide protection. It is therefore essential that the Technician remain Therefore, the Technician, in carrying out the The Road Recovery Operator should not alert to the dangers involved in working in dynamic risk assessment, should consider if the dispatch a Technician to the casualty vehicle, such a location, and that the occupants of area around the casualty vehicle needs to, and and a Technician should not attend, until it has the casualty vehicle are given safety advice, if can, be ‘protected’ by appropriate positioning been confirmed that the Traffic Officer patrol appropriate. of the Road Recovery Vehicle. or Police are attending and either a safe working area has been See Section 4I (Working at the Roadside). The “Fend” position is unlikely to be appropriate in these circumstances. On created or, if applicable, the casualty vehicle If the Technician is, due to the location of the attending the casualty vehicle the Technician has been moved to a place of safety. Should a casualty vehicle on the road, concerned for must wear a high visibility reflective safety Technician come across a casualty vehicle in a the safety of those present and/or other road garment [EN 471 compliant] and any other live running lane of a motorway, they should users, they should immediately contact the appropriate PPE needed. The Technician Road Recovery Operators and Technicians need to not attempt to stop and provide assistance. The Road Recovery Operator and ask for a suitable should take care not to unnecessarily Technician should instead call the Police on be aware that a single carriageway road can be a second resource to attend, without delay, to inconvenience, or create a hazard for, other car 999 at the earliest opportunity and provide the very dangerous place to attempt to repair or carry move the casualty vehicle. park users. out the removal of a casualty vehicle as the vehicle details of the casualty vehicle and its location. See Section 4H (Removal to a place of If a Technician needs to work underneath the may be partially or fully obstructing the road. Where the Road Recovery Operator is safety/awaiting a second resource). casualty vehicle, the Technician should take requested by Highways England, Police measures (such as positioning the road recovery

30 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 31 vehicle, or the casualty vehicle itself) to help how best to provide a warning to other road order to establish an appropriate access point. prevent other car park users from driving, or users through the positioning of the road G parking, too close to the casualty vehicle whilst recovery vehicle and/or by use of cones or The Technician should manoeuvre the road the Technician is underneath it. traffic management signs, if available. If the WORKING WITHIN AREAS OF recovery vehicle into the correct lane and, Technician is concerned that such measures will TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT approximately 200 metres prior to the relevant If the casualty vehicle is in a multi-storey car not be adequate to protect those present and/ access point, turn on the road recovery vehicle’s park, height or width restrictions may prevent or other road users, they should immediately A casualty vehicle may be located within flashing beacons and start indicating their the Technician from accessing the casualty contact the Road Recovery Operator and ask roadwork’s, behind traffic management devices intention to turn. The flashing beacons should vehicle with the road recovery vehicle. The additional resources/assistance. (normally cones), where no free recovery service be kept on at all times while in the roadwork’s – Technician should then consider if they can is available. These jobs should be treated as a see below re “Exiting an Area of Roadwork’s” attend the casualty vehicle, given the weight See Section 4H (Removal to a place of priority. and/or number of tools and equipment safety/awaiting a second resource). The Technician should check that any vehicles required and the location of, and available At all times the Technician must put their own behind are at a safe distance and, approximately access to the casualty vehicle. Alternative In certain circumstances, having carried out a safety first. Under no circumstances should the 100 metres prior to the roadwork’s’ access resources may be needed. dynamic risk assessment, the Technician may Technician stop their vehicle in a live running point, check that the access point is clear and consider it appropriate to position the road lane in order to attend to a casualty vehicle. gradually slow down to achieve an entry of recovery vehicle further back from the casualty Under no circumstances should the Technician speed of 10mph. F vehicle than the distance recommended for the move any traffic cones or any other traffic ‘Fend’ position (See Section 4G) in order to management devices in order to access the area, 2. ENTRY INTO AN AREA OF BREAKDOWNS NEAR BLIND warn other road users that there is an unseen work on a casualty vehicle, help protect the ROADWORK’S BENDS OR BROWS OF HILLS hazard ahead. scene or exit the area. Access to an area of roadworks should only A blind bend or the brow of a hill can create It is essential that the Technician remains alert Technicians should be aware that there may be made using the designated access point(s), a particularly dangerous location for a to possible dangers whilst working in such a be overhead cables or other hazards within obeying any signs provided. At no time should breakdown. On becoming aware that a casualty location. an area of roadwork’s and, when entering, an access way to the roadworks be created vehicle is obscured by a blind bend or the brow or in, an area of roadwork’s, should look out by moving any traffic cones or other traffic of a hill, the Technician should consider how for and comply with any relevant overhead or management devices. When navigating best to approach and safely stop at the scene. other safety signage instructions (including any roadwork’s Technicians should be aware that designated access points). traffic cones may have been roped together to When carrying out their dynamic risk create a safety zone. assessment, the Technician should consider 1. PRIOR TO ENTERING AN AREA OF ROADWORK’S: If the roadworks’ access point is blocked the Technician should not attempt to enter the The Technician should carry out a dynamic risk roadwork’s and should continue on the main assessment to ascertain how the incident should carriageway. Under no circumstances should best be approached. the Technician stop in a live running lane.

If the Technician considers that the location 3. DRIVING WITHIN AN AREA OF and/or the nature of the incident is too ROADWORK’S dangerous for the Technician to attempt a repair or removal unaided then they The maximum speed limit within an area of should inform the Road Recovery Operator roadworks is 10mph. Seatbelts should be worn accordingly. The Road Recovery Operator at all times whilst in a vehicle in roadworks. should then request assistance in protecting the scene from the RCC or PCR, as appropriate. The Technician should exercise extreme caution at all times when in an area of The Technician should ensure that, prior to roadwork’s; maintenance vehicles, plant and site entry into the roadwork’s, they have identified operatives may be moving around the area and the roadwork’s’ access point. If in doubt excavations, obstructions or other vehicles may as to the location of the casualty vehicle or be present. the relevant roadwork’s’ access point, the Technician should drive past the roadwork’s in If a representative of the plant, or site

32 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 33 contractor is in the immediate vicinity of traffic, re-join the main carriageway. 2. TUNNELS M6 Toll Road, the Technician should contact the casualty vehicle, the Technician should the M6 Toll Control Room, on approach, to make reasonable efforts to contact the Upon re-joining the carriageway, if the speed Where a Technician is permitted to attend confirm the current location of the casualty representative. If the Technician considers it of the road recovery vehicle is consistent with a casualty vehicle in a tunnel (access is not vehicle and to obtain relevant information for necessary, the Technician should request the that of the rest of the traffic on the relevant permitted in some tunnels, e.g. Dartford use in deciding on how best to deal with it. representative’s guidance and/or assistance to carriageway, the road recovery vehicle’s beacons Tunnel), the Technician should take particular access the casualty vehicle and/or in leaving the should be switched off unless it is considered to care. 2. BREAKDOWNS OR REMOVALS roadwork’s. be a continuing hazard to other road users. LOCATED ON THE HARD SHOULDER The working environment within a tunnel (for 4. WORKING ON CASUALTY VEHICLES Where the casualty vehicle has been repaired, example due to noise, air pollution, temperature These breakdowns or removals should be WITHIN AN AREA OF ROADWORK’S the Technician should advise the driver of the and lighting conditions) can potentially present attended and dealt with in the same manner casualty vehicle of the recommended procedure an increased hazard to health. It is therefore Wherever possible the Technician should only for re-joining the carriageways. recommended that the time spent working access and work on a casualty vehicle from within a tunnel be kept to a minimum and, the safe side. Walking, or working, between a See Section 4N (Leaving the scene of the where possible, the casualty vehicle should be casualty vehicle and any live running lane(s) breakdown or removal). removed from the tunnel to a place of safety should be avoided wherever possible. before working on the vehicle. Where a casualty vehicle cannot be repaired but the Technician can recover it, the Technician H will need to position the road recovery vehicle I in front of the casualty vehicle. WORKING ON BRIDGES, VIADUCTS AND IN TUNNELS WORKING ON THE M6 If the Technician cannot safely pass the casualty vehicle within the roadwork’s, the Technician TOLL ROAD 1. BRIDGES AND VIADUCTS will need to reverse back to the nearest access A protocol has been agreed between Midland point through which the Technician can, when Technicians should take particular care when safe to do so, drive out (forwards) onto the live Expressway Limited (“MEL”, the M6 Toll attending casualty vehicles on bridges or Road operator) and the breakdown and carriageway. The Technician should then re- viaducts. enter the roadworks at an access point beyond recovery industry regarding the attendance by Technicians at the scene of breakdowns, the casualty vehicle and reverse, very carefully, These locations may be exposed and subject back to the front of the casualty vehicle. recoveries or removals on the M6 Toll Road, to particularly high winds/adverse weather including those located near or within the Toll as those occurring on the hard shoulder of any conditions. If necessary, the casualty vehicle motorway. See references to working on This manoeuvre must be carried out with Plazas. If a Road Recovery Operator provides, should be removed from the bridge to a place of motorways within Sections 4, 5 and 6 of extreme caution, taking into account the speed or may be requested to provide, assistance on safety before working on it. these Guidelines. and density of any traffic on the relevant live the M6 Toll Road, the Road Recovery Operator running lane(s). should maintain up to date contact details for On some bridges e.g. the River Severn Bridge MEL’s M6 Toll Control Room. 3. BREAKDOWNS OR REMOVALS IN A on the M4, the hard shoulder is narrower LIVE RUNNING LANE 5. EXITING AN AREA OF ROADWORK’S than usual. When a Technician carries out the 1. CALLS RECEIVED FOR ASSISTANCE dynamic risk assessment in relation to a casualty These breakdowns or removals should be Technicians should exit an area of roadwork’s ON THE M6 TOLL ROAD vehicle which is located on a narrow hard attended and dealt with in the same manner using an available exit point. At no time should shoulder, they should consider the impact of as those occurring in the live running lane of a a Technician create an exit by moving traffic The M6 Toll Control Room can be contacted the width of the hard shoulder on the working motorway. cones or other traffic management devices. to locate the casualty vehicle using CCTV area and if the attendance of the Traffic Officer cameras and will confirm the vehicle’s location patrol or, if applicable, the police are required See Section 6B2 (Breakdowns/removals in When leaving an area of roadworks, the back to the Road Recovery Operator. The to help protect the scene. a live running lane). Technician should first indicate their intention M6 Toll Control Room will also, where to re-join the carriageway, waiting for a safe considered necessary, either deploy an MEL If contacted, the RCC or PCR may consider The Technician should not attend the scene opportunity to do so. If the area of roadwork’s Incident Support Unit (“ISU”) or request that activating variable message signs, if available, to until the M6 Toll Control Room has confirmed is on a motorway and a hard shoulder is a Traffic Officer patrol or the Police attend to show a suitable speed restriction or lane closure that the casualty vehicle has been removed to a available, the Technician should use the hard help protect the scene or remove the vehicle on the motorway in that area. place of safety or a safe working area has been shoulder as an acceleration lane to build up to a place of safety. If a Technician has been established around the casualty vehicle. speed, indicate and, when there a safe gap in requested to attend a casualty vehicle on the

34 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 35 4. BREAKDOWNS OR REMOVALS then notify the attendant that they need to keep - Vehicles designated for their carriage under who are trained to work on the specific model LOCATED NEAR OR WITHIN THE 2 MAIN the barrier open for long enough to enable both the European Agreement concerning the range, and can carry out the work required. TOLL PLAZAS vehicles to pass through safely. International Carriage of Dangerous Goods Please note that when recovering an electrically by Road (ADR) powered vehicle a flat tow is not recommended Under no circumstances should a Technician as the driven wheels should be lifted. attempt to attend, repair or remove a casualty J - Smaller, but potentially dangerous, quantities vehicle that is located in a live lane either prior may be carried in other commercial or to, within or after a Toll Plaza until the M6 Toll HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES OR private vehicles L Control Room has confirmed that the casualty DANGEROUS GOODS vehicle has been removed to a place of safety or - Situations arising as a result of accidents to, ADDITIONAL RESOURCES a safe working area has been established around Technicians should be alert to casualty vehicles or fires in, casualty vehicles ATTENDING A BREAKDOWN the casualty vehicle (see below). bearing Dangerous Goods signage and those - Vehicle batteries powered by ‘alternative fuels’ including hybrid 1. GENERAL A Technician must NOT use the ‘wide load and electric vehicles. lane’ to pass through a Toll Plaza and then - Vehicle fuel tanks In certain instances it may be necessary for the attempt to either reverse back or drive across See Section 6K (Working on Hybrid/ Technician to call upon additional resources to the traffic lanes in order to reach a casualty Electric Vehicles). - Airbags vehicle. Technicians should not attempt to handle any Where a casualty vehicle has already been hazardous substances or dangerous goods K moved to a place of safety on the other side unless they have received the necessary training of the Toll booths, the Technician should use and have access to, and use, the appropriate WORKING ON HYBRID/ELECTRIC an appropriate Toll booth lane to access the personal protective equipment (PPE) VEHICLES casualty vehicle (avoiding crossing traffic lanes to reach it). If a Technician has a Tag but See Section 4A (Vehicle/Equipment/ When attending a casualty vehicle which is needs to use a closer (non-Tag) Toll booth lane Personal Protective Equipment checks). powered by electricity (including a hybrid to access the casualty vehicle they can do so vehicle), a Technician should make themselves by quoting the ID number on their Tag (the If attending a breakdown or removal of a aware of, and follow, the manufacturer’s assistance button should be pressed if the Toll casualty vehicle bearing a Dangerous Goods guidelines (from the casualty vehicles’ booth is not manned). sign, the Technician should ensure that the handbook) as to work that can only be carried casualty vehicle’s driver (or other person out by a manufacturer trained Technician. If the casualty vehicle is located in a Toll trained, and if necessary licensed, to deal with booth lane (between the kerbed islands on the the relevant potential hazard) remains present It is essential that a Technician does not carry immediate approach to a Toll booth) the M6 throughout. If attending an accident involving out work on the casualty vehicle’s electrical Toll Control Room may instruct the Technician a casualty vehicle bearing a Dangerous Goods propulsion system unless they have received to access the vehicle by using an adjacent lane sign, or if it appears that there may have been the appropriate training and are accredited and then reversing back to the casualty vehicle. any escape of (or other risk from) any hazardous to carry out such work. Some electric vehicles This should only be done on instruction from substance or dangerous goods, the Technician have both AC and DC high voltage systems, in the M6 Toll Control Room. or the Road Recovery Operator should contact addition to a normal 12V DC electrical system. the casualty vehicle’s owner/operator or the High voltage systems can be very dangerous All casualty vehicles that are located within the Fire Service and request assistance. and can cause personal injury including electric area shaded yellow on the diagram below will shock, severe burns and even fatal injury. The be dealt with by MEL, who will remove the When attending a vehicle powered by Technician must look out for, and obey, the vehicle to the Toll Plaza car park, shown on the ‘alternative fuels’ including hybrid and instructions on any warning notices attached diagram shaded in orange. electric vehicles, Technicians should follow the to any vehicle components. In particular high guidelines. voltage parts must not be touched, removed or Note: A Technician who is towing a vehicle replaced. through the Toll Plaza should use the ‘wide load See Section 6K (Working on Hybrid/ lane’ on the far left of the Toll Plaza and not Electric Vehicles). The general rule to be followed is that if the dedicated Tag lane. The Technician should any work is required to the casualty vehicle’s stop at the barrier and inform the attendant Note: Hazardous substances may be present in: electrical propulsion system, the casualty vehicle that they are towing another vehicle. This will should be assigned to specialist technicians,

36 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 37 attend the scene in order to assist in the repair If the Technician considers that the location vehicle. The Technician and the tyre repair/ If it is considered that the location and/or the or removal of the casualty vehicle and/or its and/or the nature of the incident to be replacement Technician should then discuss and nature of the incident to be too dangerous to occupants. The Technician should conduct a too dangerous to attempt either a repair or agree how best to safely carry out the tyre repair attempt the tyre repair or replacement to the further dynamic risk assessment to decide if removal without further assistance, then they or replacement to the casualty vehicle and the casualty vehicle without further assistance, it is safe for them, and the motorist plus any should inform the Road Recovery Operator appropriate actions that will need to be taken then the Technician should inform the Road passengers, to remain at the scene until the accordingly. The Road Recovery Operator and by whom. Recovery Operator accordingly. The Road second resource arrives. should then request assistance in protecting the Recovery Operator should then request scene from the RCC or PCR, as appropriate. At all times the safety of all those present plus assistance in protecting the scene from the If the Technician considers it too dangerous to other road users must be considered and a RCC or PCR, as appropriate. remain at the scene, and it is possible to safely 3. TAXIS dynamic risk assessment carried out by both the move the occupant(s) of the casualty vehicle, Technicians. Special care should also be taken Note: Should the tyre repair/replacement then they should seek to move the vehicle’s Upon arrival at the scene of the breakdown/ when attending Large Good Vehicles. Technician be the first to arrive at the occupants to a place of safety without delay removal, the taxi driver should position their breakdown then they should position their vehicle in front of the casualty vehicle and exit See Section 5A (Replacement of vehicle behind the casualty vehicle and exit See Section 4H (Removal to a place of their vehicle from the door on the safe side Wheels/Tyres). their vehicle from the door on the safe side of safety/awaiting a second resource). of their vehicle. The Technician and the taxi their vehicle. driver should then discuss and agree how best In the majority of cases the Technician’s vehicle to safely carry out the transfer of the occupants will be already located behind the casualty of the casualty vehicle into the taxi and the vehicle in the ‘Fend’ position to help protect appropriate actions that will need to be taken the scene. If this is the case then the second and by whom. 7. ACCIDENT AND “NEAR MISS” REPORTING resource should be instructed that upon arrival at the scene that they position their vehicle If the Technician considers that the location in front of the casualty vehicle. If this is not and/or the nature of the incident to be too In addition to any duties under Health Upon identifying any trends, the Road Recovery the case then the second resource should be dangerous to attempt the transfer of the & Safety or Social Security law to report Operator should consider implementing any instructed that upon arrival at the scene that occupants of the casualty vehicle without accidents, Technicians should report, to the necessary improvements indicated to working they position their vehicle behind the casualty further assistance, then they should inform the Road Recovery Operator, all near misses that practices. vehicle. Road Recovery Operator accordingly. The are encountered whilst working. This is to Road Recovery Operator should then request enable the Road Recovery Operator to carry Note: For these purposes a near miss is defined The Technician should also ensure that they assistance in protecting the scene from the RCC out any necessary investigation and to help as an incident which, whilst not actually causing have a means of obtaining advice on the or PCR, as appropriate. them identify any common features for further any injury or damage, came very close to progress or estimated time of arrival of the evaluation and investigation. doing so. second resource, so this can be checked if Should any of the occupants of the casualty necessary. vehicle be disabled or considered to be vulnerable, then special attention will have to 2. RECOVERY/REMOVAL CONTRACTORS be given to their specific requirements. This will be of particular importance when carrying Upon arrival at the scene of the breakdown/ out their transfer into the road recovery vehicle removal, the additional resource should position or alternative transport, such as a taxi, that is their vehicle in front of the casualty vehicle - provided.

See Section 4F2 (Arriving at the Scene of See Section 6A (“Disabled Customers” the Breakdown or Removal - if intending Disabled and Vulnerable Customers). to immediately recover/ remove the casualty vehicle). 4. TYRE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT TECHNICIANS The Technician and the additional recovery/ removal technician should then discuss and Upon arrival at the scene of the breakdown/ agree how best to safely carry out the repair removal, the tyre repair/replacement or removal of the casualty vehicle and the Technician should position their vehicle in appropriate actions that will need to be taken front of the casualty vehicle and exit their and by whom. vehicle from the door on the safe side of their

38 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 39

8. ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF GUIDANCE

A B PAS 43 NATIONAL HIGHWAYS SECTOR SCHEME FOR VEHICLE PAS 43 was first produced in 2002 by the RECOVERY 17/17B SURVIVE Group in collaboration with the British Standards Institution (BSI). PAS 43 This Sector Scheme document sets out the contains requirements for the management of, inspection and system requirements for those and a management system for, Road Recovery organisations providing contracted vehicle Operators with the aim of improving safety and recovery/removal operations and services for promoting best practice. Highways England in relation to the Strategic Road Network (in England). PAS 43 promotes agreed best practice procedures for: It can also be used as a national benchmark for the training and assessment of Technicians, - attending vehicle breakdowns at the roadside trainers and assessors in the vehicle recovery industry. - the recovery and removal of casualty vehicles from the roadside

- the type, maintenance and safety marking of road recovery vehicles and their equipment

- the training and behaviour of Technicians

- the use of personal protective equipment by Technicians

- the maintenance and organisation of Road Produced and published by any means (electronic, mechanical, Recovery Operators’ premises The SURVIVE Group photocopying, recording or otherwise) without c/o Steve Ives the prior written permission of the SURVIVE - the effective implementation and Fanum House, Basing View, Group. maintenance of standard operating Basingstoke, Hampshire. RG21 4EA procedures The SURVIVE Group has agreed that these guidelines can be reproduced and used for Note: PAS 43 is reviewed every 2 years and Designed by internal business purposes (including internal updated as required by BSI and Working Group FM Design Associates Ltd business training). For the avoidance of doubt 2 of SURVIVE. this does not include the renting, lending, Tel 020 8290 8650 re-sale, distribution or any commercial Therefore reference should always be made to www.fm4design.co.uk exploitation of the Guidelines or their inclusion the latest edition of PAS 43, which is obtainable in any external publication. from:- SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines Any reproduction of the guidelines must BSI – Customer Services. © SURVIVE Group 2015 include an acknowledgement of the SURVIVE Group copyright. Tel 020 8996 9001 All rights reserved. www.bsigroup.com/PAS43 Requests for permission for other uses should Except as set out below or as permitted by law, be directed to the Chairman of the Executive no part of these guidelines may be adapted, Committee of the SURVIVE Group copied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by

40 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 41

THE HAZARD CLASSES

NOTES FOR GUIDANCE V

HAZCHEM LABEL Can be violently or even explosively reactive.

By using your Hazchem Scale Card practice FULL working out what the code means. Do so whenever practicable on observing a Hazchem Full body protective clothing with BA. label on any vehicle, thus making yourself fully familiar with the need. BA

FOG Breathing apparatus plus protective gloves.

In the absence of fog equipment a fine spray DILUTE may be used. May be washed to drain with large quantities of DRY AGENT water

Water must not be allowed to come into contact CONTAIN with the substance at risk. Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water course.

42 SURVIVE Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 43 Safe Use of Roadside Verges In Vehicular Emergencies

www.survivegroup.org Best Practice Guidelines 2015 v3.15 SURVIVE 44