Safe Operational Procedure for Landfill Staff - EXTERNAL

Safe Operational Procedure for Landfill Staff - INTERNAL

All fields are required except where indicated

Objective: To establish a safe, coordinated, and efficient system for truck movements entering the landfill tipping area and the safe interaction between truck drivers and landfill staff operating compactors and traxcavators. 1. General Requirements

• Radio Communication: All truck drivers, landfill staff, and operators must be equipped with radios tuned to UHF Channel 20, for clear constant communication.
• Two- way must be on before coming to the Tip-Face.
• Instruct contractors/ visitors to give clear and concise instructions over two-way. “Copy Henderson Waste”
• Traffic Light System: Install a traffic light system at the entry point to the landfill tipping area, which will control when trucks can enter and when staff are in a safe position to operate machinery.
• Signage: Clear signage should be posted to indicate the areas where trucks are to wait, the entry/exit routes, the location of compactors, traxcavators, and emergency exits.
• Stop at traffic light and make contact with operators first.

2. Truck Entry Procedure

• Step 1: Approaching the Landfill
  • Trucks must approach the entry point with caution, slowing down to ensure they can stop at the traffic light.
  • Trucks will be directed to a designated waiting area outside the tipping zone if the traffic light is red.
  • Radio communication should be established between the truck driver and the plant operator to confirm truck identity and intended destination.
• Step 2: Traffic Light Control
  • The traffic light system will control truck movements by turning green when it is safe for trucks to enter and red when the tipping area is occupied or not clear.
  • When the light turns green, the truck driver will receive a radio call indicating that the tipping area is clear, and the truck can enter.
  • The truck must stop at a designated safe distance behind other trucks if the area is not fully clear.
• Any violations of the Traffic Light system will result in penalties.

Please refer to the below disclaimer to be signed by driver entering site. 3. Tipping Area Management

• Step 1: Staff in Position
  • Before any trucks are allowed into the tipping area, landfill staff operating compactors and traxcavators will confirm their positions via radio communication with the gate operator.
  • Staff will ensure that all equipment is safely positioned in designated zones and that they are in a safe operating area. This may include using a “clear to tip” or “standby” message.
• Step 2: Truck Movement & Tipping
  • Once the truck enters the tipping area, it will be directed by clear signage to the appropriate location for unloading.
  • All truck drivers must remain in their cabs unless directed to exit by a staff member.
  • If the truck needs to move within the tipping area (e.g., moving forward to tip or repositioning), the truck driver will communicate directly with the machine operators via radio.
  • Compactors and traxcavators will only begin operations once the truck is completely stationary and the driver has acknowledged the clearance.
• Step 3: Exit Landfill
  • Once tipping and post tipping checks are completed, they must leave the tip face immediately.
  • If debris is found on truck, please use the hand unloading area to remove it and not go back into active tip face.
  • Communication is Operators where necessary.

4. Communication Protocol

• Radio Communication:
  • All communication should be clear, concise, and performed in a calm, orderly manner.
  • A radio check should be conducted at the beginning of each shift to confirm all parties are operational.
  • Key radio phrases include:
    • "Truck approaching" or "Truck entering" (Truck driver to operator)
    • "Clear to tip" (Operator confirming safe conditions)
    • "Truck clear" (Operator confirming area is clear and safe for machinery operation)
    • "Move forward" or "Stop" (Instructions to truck driver)
    • "Standby" (Awaiting clearance)
• Emergency Protocol:
  • In case of emergency (e.g., equipment failure, safety hazard), a distinct emergency radio code should be used, such as “Red Alert”, to alert all parties to stop operations immediately.
  • All vehicles and operators should clear the tipping area until the emergency situation is resolved.

5. Safety Precautions

• Signage:
  • Warning signs should be placed at the entry points to the tipping area to indicate the presence of heavy machinery.
  • Directional signs should indicate safe travel routes for trucks entering and exiting the tipping zone.
  • Speed Limit Signs should remind truck drivers to maintain a safe speed within the site.
  • Pedestrian Zone signs should ensure no staff are walking in the tipping area during active truck movements.
  • Stop Signs at truck entry points to ensure trucks wait for the signal to proceed.
• Safe Distances:
  • Trucks must maintain a minimum safe distance of at least 5 metres (or more, depending on site conditions) behind other vehicles while in the tipping area to avoid collision.
  • A safety perimeter around all operating machinery (compactors, traxcavators) will be clearly marked. No trucks or staff should enter the zone when machinery is in motion.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • All personnel must wear appropriate PPE such as high-visibility clothing, helmets, gloves, and safety footwear.
  • Truck drivers must wear seatbelts while operating the vehicle in the tipping area.

6. Exiting the Tipping Area

• Step 1: Leaving the Tipping Zone
  • Once tipping is complete, the truck driver must radio the plant operator and confirm they are leaving.
  • The truck driver will follow the designated exit route, stopping if the traffic light indicates red.
• Step 2: Clearing the Area
  • The plant operator will confirm the area is clear before allowing another truck to enter. A visual confirmation will be made through the traffic light or with ground staff.

7. Training and Competency

• Driver Training:
  • Commercial waste contactors will be emailed a copy of this procedure, and hardcopy handouts will be available at the weighbridge. It is the responsibility of all truck drivers entering the site to comply with the safety procedures, radio communication, and the traffic light system. This also applies to the City’s waste collection team.
• Landfill Staff Training:
  • Operators of compactors and traxcavators should be trained in communication protocols, machinery safety, and best practices for interacting with truck drivers.

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Disclaimer

The City of Cockburn accepts no liability for damages to equipment/vehicles of persons entering the site. All persons are required to obey the directions given to them by employees working on the site and must comply with all safety requirements.

Driver to fill out the following: