Use of Stringo machines in the MPS

Report: 5
Date: 15 December 2006
By: A/Director of Resources on behalf of the Commissioner

Summary

Since the inception of the Vehicle Recovery and Examination Service (VRES) in 2002, operational activity at the Charlton Forensic Pound has grown from 5,000 to 12,000 vehicles per annum, which equates to 25,000 to 48,000 vehicle movements. Since its early years of operation (2002-2004) the Health & Safety issues surrounding VRES equipment and site use have emerged and been addressed over time. The structure of the report highlights the history, risks identified and actions taken to ensure adequate Health & Safety measures are now in place. With the creation of appropriate training regimes, including refresher training, the modification of equipment and its use, and improvement to site maintenance and cleaning, the VRES has minimised risks to staff of injury.

A. Recommendation

That members note the report and the actions taken by the MPS.

B. Supporting information

Introduction

1. This report provides information in relation to Health & Safety matters relating to equipment used by the VRES and in particular the vehicle moving tool known as a ‘Stringo’.

2. The report outlines an overview of the VRES operation and the type of equipment in use.

3. The report identifies risks of using equipment and the actions taken to minimise Health & Safety issues to staff involved in using the equipment.

Vehicle Recovery and Examination Service

4. The VRES was established in November 2002 following approval of the MPA Finance Committee to replace the previous outsourced vehicle recovery operation with an in-house service.

5. The VRES leased its first forensic vehicle pound at The Angerstein Centre, Bramshot Avenue, Charlton, SE7 in December 2002. The site is 6.5 acres having space for 1,000 plus vehicles at any one time. The site has both covered and open-air parking. Approximately 2/3 of the site surface is smooth asphalt, the remainder being concrete slab of varying quality. This is a typical arrangement for this type of work.

6. The VRES on behalf of the MPS coordinates the recovery of some 30,000 vehicles per annum utilising both MPS and third party contractor resources. Vehicle throughput at the Charlton Forensic Pound has increased year on year from 5,000 in 2003 to an estimated 12,000 in 2006.

7. Such a volume equates to some 48,000 vehicle movements per annum at Charlton (12,000 vehicles at 4 movements per vehicle). In ensuring that the VRES sites are Health & Safety compliant, great emphasis is placed on the following:

• The approval and application of specialist equipment.
• Training and procedures of the VRES staff.

Vehicle moving equipment

8. The VRES has acquired or has access to a range of moving equipment to undertake on-site vehicle movements. This has been necessary to cope with the wide range of type of vehicles recovered, many of which cannot be driven either because of their condition or requirement for evidential purposes.

9. Purchased equipment includes:

• MPS recovery lorries capable of lifting/towing disabled vehicles.
• Forklift trucks.
• ‘Stringo’ vehicle movers
• Vehicle skates, which can be used to push vehicles around the site or used in conjunction with the Stringo movers.

10. In addition, staff have delegated authority to call upon specialist third party contractors where they consider the vehicle movement requires additional equipment, which the VRES does not possess.

The Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE) known as ‘STRINGO’

11. Designed and manufactured for the Swedish vehicle industry, the ‘Stringo’ is a battery operated machine, produced and sold across Europe since 2000. Research has shown it to be the only piece of equipment of its type worldwide. Principally designed for internal use, the equipment can nevertheless be used outside in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. The supplier has carried out modifications to the machines to enhance their safe operation.

12. There are three models of Stringo designed to cope with different vehicle types and roles. Additional attachments are available for fitment to each of the models.

13. The VRES has a total of five machines, with examples of all three models having been purchased on an incremental basis following initial evaluation prior to purchase. Initial and subsequent evaluations have involved Transport Services Department, Procurement Services, Occupational Health, RBE Limited [the suppliers] and the manufacturer. The evaluation process included: suitability, safety and manoeuvrability.

14. Operational advantages include:

• ‘Hands free’ movement of vehicles required for forensic/evidential purposes.
• Significant reduction in manual handling of vehicles around the site resulting in the likelihood of fewer injuries to staff.
• Manoeuvrability, which has afforded maximum use of available storage space.
• 'Supporting ‘Green Initiatives’.

Accident/incident report

15. Since 2003, there have been 13 accident/incidents. The table below provides a breakdown of the incidents to date:

This level of incident is not considered material and is better than the norm for this type of industry/work. Reference can be made to the British Fork Lift Truck Association statistics.

16. However, three personnel have submitted accident claims against the MPS. One incident took place in 2003 and two in 2004. Further details of the three incidents may be found in the exempt Appendix 1.

Risk management

17. The VRES has introduced several safety measures but it is recognised that the initial set-up of the unit was at a critical time for the MPS and Health & Safety risks at the time were higher than normal. These included:

• At commencement of operation, the Charlton Pound was little more than a ‘building site’, with the associated risks of operating in this environment.
• Initial risk assessments were not of a suitable quality.
• The cleaning regime (essential for a safe working environment) has not always been to the standard required.
• The site repair programme has sometimes been lengthy.

18. In recognising the emerging use of this equipment, risks have been identified and minimised over time. These have included:

• Market research as to the availability of the most appropriate safe equipment.
• A three-month trial prior to purchase, involving the VRES staff, the manufacturer, supplier and Transport Services.
• Site assessment as to where the Stringo can/cannot be used.
• Employment of an external Health & Safety consultant who has drawn up risk assessments in liaison with the Health and Safety Executive, supplier and the VRES.
• Health & Safety advice, which led the VRES to define the vehicle as ‘lifting equipment’ operating in accordance with Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulation [LOLER] guidelines. These measures exceed the manufacturer’s requirements.
• The establishment of an equipment inspection, maintenance and replacement programme.
• Health & Safety advice taken as to the fitting of additional safety modifications (flashing lights and audible sounding equipment) - all of which have been undertaken by the supplier.
• Establishment of cleaning contracts of the car pound roadways.
• A robust defect reporting process for equipment and surfaces.
• Staff induction and refresher equipment and Health & Safety training programmes.
• Individual copies of the equipment operations manual issued to staff.
• The issue of personal protective clothing.

Staff training

19. The VRES policy has always dictated that no personnel may use any vehicle moving equipment without have first passed a training course. ‘Stringo’ training is provided in-house by the VRES staff who have undergone a training course and been accredited as trainers by the supplier. Additionally, personnel undergo annual refresher training/assessment, and they are given a personal copy of the equipment operating manuals.

20. This tight training regime is as a result of all staff being retrained by the supplier in 2004. This was as a result of investigating the accidents in 2003/2004 and modification of the equipment.

21. Exempt Appendix 2 provides detail of the training undertaken by each member of staff.

C. Legal implications

There are no immediate legal implications other than those discussed above under Financial Implications.

D. Race and equality impact

There are no specific race, equality or diversity implications arising from this report.

E. Financial implications

1. Accident Claims Branch is overseeing all three claims. In respect of the 2003 claim, the MPS has been served notice of proceedings issued in Chelmsford County Court. A maximum retainer of £100k (including expenses) has been set aside.

2. The two other claims remain at the investigative stage and will be subject to a review process once all the evidence has been submitted.

F. Background papers

• Accident Claims Branch retains the case files and all relevant VRES documentation.

G. Contact details

Report author: John L Whitaker, Director of Commercial Services, MPS.

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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