The Safety Protocol: A unique type of "prevention plan"!

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The safety protocol is a process similar to the prevention plan, but adapted for loading and unloading operations.

Requirements for implementing a safety protocol

It is required whenever an external company (the carrier), arriving at or departing from a location outside the host company (the user company), is tasked with performing all or part of these loading and/or unloading operations. It must be completed:

• For one-off operations: For each loading or unloading operation.
• For repetitive operations involving the same companies: It is completed once, before the first operation.

Does this apply to all modes of transport? Even light vehicles?

Yes, regardless of the vehicle or the type of goods, all loading and unloading operations are covered (Article 4515-2 of the Labor Code).

What is a repetitive operation?

A repetitive operation between a host company and a carrier is defined as an operation that is redundant in terms of the following criteria:

• "The same Materials": It involves products or substances of the same nature,
• "The same Environment": It is carried out in the same locations,
• "The same Method": And follows the same operating procedure,
• "The same Equipment": It uses the same types of vehicles and handling equipment.

Prior coordination

The protocol is established through an exchange between the employers (or their representatives) of the host company and the transport company before the planned operation takes place. Unlike the prevention plan, a prior joint inspection requiring the physical and simultaneous presence of the various employers is not necessary.

"Oh, that wasn't planned, but the driver is already here!"

If the carrier cannot be identified before the operation, the host company's employer must collect the necessary information regarding the safety protocol by any appropriate means.

It is standard practice to post safety instructions in the driver reception area, particularly those concerning loading or unloading operations, delivery locations, specific equipment and machinery, and emergency procedures. It is also important to ensure these instructions are understood by having drivers sign a document acknowledging them.

When delivery is carried out by a foreign carrier, the host company must ensure its rules are understood. Is there an explanatory document available in multiple languages?

And if any doubt remains, be careful! In the event of an accident, the host company is held liable.

Protocol content

The safety protocol includes information useful for assessing risks of any kind generated by the operation, as well as the prevention and safety measures to be observed during each phase of its execution. In practice, this assessment may be delegated to the Safety Manager, provided they have the necessary authority, competence, and resources (Article R. 5411-9 of the Labor Code). To facilitate this assessment, the CRAM suggests using the following chronology in its R. 512 recommendation document:

• Step 1: Arrival at the host company
• Step 2: On-site traffic
• Step 3: Maneuvering and vehicle preparation
• Step 4: Loading / Unloading
• Step 5: Securing the load
• Step 6: Departure

For the host company, the safety protocol includes, in particular, the following information:

• Safety instructions, particularly those concerning loading or unloading operations;
• The delivery or pickup location, access and parking procedures for loading or unloading bays, accompanied by a map and traffic instructions;
• Specific equipment and machinery used for loading or unloading;
• Emergency procedures in the event of an accident or incident;
• The identity of the person in charge designated by the host company, to whom the employer delegates their duties, if applicable.

For the carrier, the safety protocol describes, in particular:

• The vehicle's characteristics, its layout, and its equipment;
• The nature and packaging of the goods;
• The specific precautions or requirements resulting from the nature of the substances or products transported, particularly those mandated by regulations concerning the transport of hazardous materials.

Who signs the protocol? Who can access it?

• Business managers: Each establishment head (transport and receiving) keeps a copy of their protocol, dated and signed (by them or their representative).
• The Social and Economic Committee (CSE/CSSCT) and the labor inspectorate: The safety protocol must be made available to them.

What is the validity period of a safety protocol? And how long must it be kept?

It remains valid as long as the employers involved consider that the identified operations have not undergone any significant changes of any kind.

Learn more:

CRAM recommendations: https://www.ameli.fr/sites/default/files/Documents/R512-Socle-TRM_V2-juin2022.pdf

INRS page: https://www.inrs.fr/risques/entreprises-exterieures/protocole-securite.html