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Hewlett Introduces Rollover-Prevention Device To Dumpers

Demonstrating its pledge to managing all aspects of operational safety and as part of its continued commitment to health and safety, Hewlett Civil Engineering has introduced a technology designed to help prevent articulated dump truck rollovers.

Machines such as dozers and other types of heavy equipment are used to perform a variety of tasks on construction sites. The completion of some of these tasks requires operation on or near steep inclines that, if inappropriately traversed by a machine, have the potential to roll the machine over, resulting in equipment damage and possible injury to the operator. The likelihood of rollover may be estimated by the operator and appropriate avoidance measures manually implemented. However, in some situations, rollover may be difficult for the operator to anticipate and, without warning measures in place, rollover may be unavoidable. The risk is particularly evident with a relatively higher centre of gravity – i.e. dump trucks.

“We took the initiative to collaborate with our business partners Scottish and Southern Energy and Jacobs Engineering to develop the rollover warning device because we want to do all we can to reduce the risk of dumper truck rollover,” said Ian Dick, Health and Safety Director for Hewlett Civil Engineering.

“Safety is a top priority for Hewlett and we recognise it has a direct impact on our employees and our client service. On construction sites there can be a risk of rollover due to terrain, vehicle type or work conditions and we want our drivers to carry out the work on site safely and to the best of their capabilities.”

The rollover prevention device consists of a sensor that is attached to the dump truck with a receiving unit that is fitted to the dashboard of the truck cab. If the data sent by the sensor exceeds the safe theoretical rollover threshold for the vehicle, the device alerts the driver.

With the help of Transport Support Ltd Hewlett were able to source a device which can easily be fitted to the rear axle of an articulated rear tipping dumper.

Continues Ian Dick: “The rollover prevention device offers drivers both visual and audio warnings when the vehicle is approaching its rollover threshold, allowing the driver to take corrective action before a rollover occurs.  We would encourage all contractors to adopt a device. It is relatively simple and inexpensive to install and can potentially save lives. We trialed the rollover warning device on our fleet at Cross Green in Leeds and I am really convinced of its benefits. Our drivers said they feel safer because they have greater awareness of the rollover threshold of their vehicles. There is no doubt that this simple yet effective device really makes our fleet safer.”

It was important to come up with a device that did not detract from the arrangements for safe organisation of the site, competence and supervision of the task. The device:

• Provides plant operators with an indication of the angle of the rear body in relation to the critical tipping point.
• Provides additional information to the operator to allow an informed judgement.
• Is simple to read and understand, does not distract the operator from the task in hand.
• Works in forward, reverse and tipping mode.
• Can be modified to interrupt the vehicle’s built in stereo radio/CD player.
• Is tamper proof and is of solid state construction (no moving parts), 
• Continually displays the angle of the tipper body.
• Can be adjusted to alarm when the vehicle’s ‘skip’ reaches a particular angle. 
• Can be connected to external speakers at either side of the skip body to warn personnel in close proximity to the vehicle.

Scottish and Southern Energy has said it will report to their senior management on the findings and is committed, where possible to incorporating these types of devices into future projects.

Jacobs Safety Manager Phil Howe said “The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the Hewlett team in responding to a challenge from the Jacobs and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) health and safety management has taken this device from an idea to a reality. The resources which the Hewlett Civil Engineering team made available and their connections within the civil industry have turned this into a reality.

“This is an example of applying the principles of ‘Beyond Zero’ and demonstrates a common understanding between the people involved in the project. It also cements further the relationship between Jacobs, SSE and Hewlett Civil Engineering and confirms Hewlett’s ability to apply effective solutions and improve standards in the construction industry.”