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NSC Home Page > EUAS Contents > Transport
LOGISTICS
Transport
Background
Transport can often be a major issue inhibiting visits for several reasons.As a result of a number of tragedies, educational institutions (and unions) have become much more stringent in the rules they apply to those operating contracts or their own transport. This in turn has limited the stock of vehicles and drivers available for such duties and yet the demand, particularly for routine morning and afternoon school runs remains. Availability of suitable transport and qualified drivers is often a vital factor.
The costs of hiring suitable transport have risen very considerably in the last few years (mainly on account of rising insurance premiums, running costs and the logistics just noted).
Whereas in the past, faced with lack of transport, a company may have offered to collect pupils with a quarry crew bus, such vehicles/drivers may not comply with school/college/LEA guidelines.
Once in the quarry site, the company itself will similarly have strict regulations, interpreting HSE guidelines, as to which vehicle and drivers can operate, again in the interests of safety.
Travel within quarries (as opposed to plants) is usually vehicular rather than on foot as groups are often more easily controlled and risks are generally minimised. Moving machinery in quarries does not always follow the convention of driving on the left. Boarding and leaving vehicles therefore need to be carefully supervised so that pupils and staff are aware of traffic.
It is unlikely that school or private hire transport is insured for travel in a quarry/plant environment; indeed company rules (or company interpretation of HSE guidelines, insurance provision, etc) may often limit vehicles to those specifically insured and drivers specially trained/authorised for use on site. Group leaders will need to satisfy themselves either that company vehicles are appropriate e.g. seatbelt provision (see check list below) or that school vehicles can be used. Seating capacity is often limited; group leaders need to make sure that in splitting into sub-groups, provision is made for seating supervisors with each group.
Whereas there appears to be no explicit guidance on the use of quarry personnel transport for student visits, the following are typical of criteria which teachers are advised to follow when assessing a vehicle which they have been asked to drive:
Condition:
1) Tyres are in good condition and correctly inflated (incorrectly inflated tyres are the most common cause of accidents, but normally when travelling at speed).
2) Doors and windows are operational (including locks) which should not being capable of becoming opened accidentally and the correct means of escape are properly signed.
3) The vehicle is properly maintained (at a minimum in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and the conditions of use). Recording of attending to mechanical defects/maintenance is up to date and available for inspection. Vehicle has a valid MOT certificate.
4) All minibuses should carry a Certificate of Initial Fitness (although not a legal requirement)Equipment
1. The vehicle carries a suitable and maintained fire extinguisher.
2. There is a readily accessible and appropriate first aid kit (but note special rules on administering medication to school pupils) [the Administration of Medication to Children in Schools. Health and Safety at Work No.29].
3. Individually anchored seat belts are provided for all passengers.
4. All seats should be forward facing and each child occupies one seat. 'Crew buses'
are defined as having bench seats facing inwards (i.e. parallel with the sides of the vehicle) and are not approved by certain teacher unions and LEAs.
5. One exit door on near side and rear emergency door.
6. Mirrors should give the driver a view of all normal exit doors.
7. Fuel should not be carried in portable containers.Capacity
1. There is sufficient seating for the driver, group leader and all the party concerned.
Other vehicle-related matters
Road Traffic Act 1985 defines small bus/mini bus as a vehicle designed to carry more than 8 but not more than 16 seated passengers in addition to the driver. (PCV = passenger carrying vehicle)
PSV licensing requirements apply to vehicles "for hire or reward" - payment can be made by or on behalf of passengers.
The vehicle should be correctly insured - (if appropriate for hire or reward).Drivers
Drivers of school mini-buses typically must satisfy the following criteria (which may provide a useful guide to company drivers). They should:a) be medically fit to drive and between 25 and 65 years old
b) not be too fatigued to drive safely
c) have a full driving licence for at least three years and without endorsements (except for minor infringements such as parking)
d) have taken a minibus driver's assessment successfully within the last three years and have regularly driven mini-buses since
e) have a clean motor insurance record and be appropriately insured for the type of vehicle/use concerned
f) not drink, smoke or take drugs and drive
g) not allow passengers to drink, smoke or take drugs in the minibusThe driver is legally responsible for ensuring that pupils under the age of 14 wear seat belts.