Page 48 - AMS Driver Training Manual Version 2 2024

A V O N M A T E R I A L S U P P L I E S L T D ( A M S L T D ) D R I V E R T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 2

9.20.1 Safe System of Work for Reversing
General

It is important that you realise what hazards to your own health & safety and that of
others including members of the public can arise from your work so that you can control
them. It is important to drive the vehicle to at least the standards required by the L.G.V.
test and the highway code (latest version) and to operate all the ancillary equipment in
a safe and competent manner. Never operate any vehicle or equipment unless you
have been trained in its use.

Reversing

Reversing is always a high-risk activity and should be avoided if at all possible or
minimised. Reversing must always be carried out at the slowest vehicle speed
possible i.e. on a flat level surface the vehicle should be manoeuvred with the
engine on tick over and if on an incline you must use the lowest engine / vehicle
speed practical. Should the need still be to reverse the vehicle then the manoeuvre
MUST be controlled and where necessary using a reverse assistant. It must be
recognised however that using a reverse assistant can be dangerous as this is placing
a pedestrian in an area where machinery is moving and operating.
Before the Reversing Assistant disappears from view you must STOP and wait until
you can see them clearly before continuing.

When drivers do not have an assistant they must always carry out a visual check of
the area in which they are intending to reverse into before starting the reversing
procedure, if any doubt stop get out and look prior to the reverse manoeuvre being
carried out.

Reversing assistants sometimes known as Banksman are defined as trained
employees who play an active part in reversing manoeuvres by giving prearranged
hand signals to drivers. Their role is to stop collisions with people other vehicles, plant,
or obstructions.
To do this they may:

Signal the driver to stop when it is unsafe to proceed
Be used to warn of, or divert, approaching vehicles and pedestrians
Act as a second pair of eyes to detect potential risks for the driver, and to
signal the driver to STOP when necessary.

IMPORTANT:

Only trained reversing assistants/banksman should assist reversing vehicles.
Before making the manoeuvre, the driver and reversing assistant should agree who
will stand where.
Reversing assistants should NEVER stand directly behind the vehicle.
The correct position for the reversing assistant is 3 meters to the side of the vehicle
and 1 meter to the rear.
If reversing a vehicle into a bay then:

Page 47 of 197