IRTE Events

A roadside breakdown is a dangerous workplace

The centre’s first meeting of the 2011/12 season almost faltered following the no-show of the arranged speaker. However, calamity was avoided when committee member Mark Braham volunteered to talk about his work as AA quality manager, with particular reference to the problems associated with patrols working on the motorway network.

When in 1998, nine people were killed whilst working on the hard shoulder, it was clear something must be done to mitigate such incidents. As such, a working party was established to investigate, eventually resulting in code of practice PAS43. The code details minimum standards of operator training, and equipment required, to allow people attending breakdowns to do so with acceptable levels of personal safety. It also details working practices and methods of risk assessment to facilitate this.

This lucid talk prompted the usual flurry of questions, all of which were answered with aplomb by the impromptu speaker, to whom delegates are indebted for rescuing the evening with an interesting and crucial lecture.