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The safety protocol is identical to the prevention plan, but adapted to loading and unloading operations.
Prerequisites for implementing a safety protocol
It is required whenever an external company (the carrier), coming from or going to a location outside the user company (the host company), is required to carry out all or part of these loading/unloading operations. It must be carried out :
- For one-off operations: For each loading and unloading operation
- In the case of repetitive operations involving the same companies: it is carried out only once, before the first operation.
Does this apply to all modes of transport? Even a light vehicle?
Yes, whatever the vehicle and whatever the type of goods, all loading and unloading operations are covered (art. 4515-2 of the French Labor Code).
What is a repetitive operation?
A repetitive operation, between a host company and a carrier, means a redundant operation on the following themes:
- "Same Materials": This refers to products or substances of the same nature,
- "The same environment": It is performed on the same sites,
- "The same Method": and the same modus operandi,
- "Same Equipment": It uses the same types of vehicles and handling equipment.
Prior coordination
The protocol is drawn up as part of an exchange between the employers (or their representatives) of the host company and the transport company prior to the planned operation. Unlike the prevention plan, it does not require a prior joint inspection requiring the simultaneous physical presence of the various employers.
"Aye, it wasn't planned, but, the driver is already here!"
If the carrier cannot be identified before the operation, the host company's employer will use any appropriate means to gather the necessary information on the safety protocol.
It is common practice to post safety instructions in the driver's reception area, in particular those concerning loading and unloading operations, the delivery site, specific equipment and machinery, emergency resources, etc., and to record that this information has been taken on board by means of a document signed by the driver.
When delivery is made by a foreign carrier, the host company must ensure that its rules are understood... Is there an explanatory document in several languages?
And if in doubt, beware! In the event of an accident, the host company is liable.
Protocol content
The safety protocol includes the information needed to assess the risks of all kinds generated by the operation, as well as the preventive and safety measures to be observed at each stage of its execution. In practice, this assessment can be delegated to the Safety Manager, provided he or she has the necessary authority, skills and resources (R. 5411-9 of the French Labour Code). To facilitate this assessment, the CRAM suggests in its recommendation document R. 512 that the following chronology should be followed:
- Stage 1: Arrival at the host company
- Stage 2: On-site traffic
- Stage 3: Vehicle manoeuvring and preparation
- Stage 4: Loading / Unloading
- Step 5: Stowage
- Stage 6: Departure
For the host company, the safety protocol includes the following information:
- Safety instructions, particularly those concerning loading and unloading operations;
- The place of delivery or pick-up, access and parking arrangements at loading or unloading points, accompanied by a map and traffic instructions;
- Specific equipment and machinery used for loading and unloading;
- Emergency resources in the event of an accident or incident ;
- The identity of the person in charge appointed by the host company, to whom the employer may delegate his or her responsibilities.
For the carrier, the safety protocol describes, in particular :
- Vehicle features, layout and equipment;
- The nature and packaging of the merchandise;
- Any special precautions or requirements resulting from the nature of the substances or products being transported, in particular those imposed by regulations governing the transport of hazardous materials.
Who signs the protocol? Who can consult it?
- Company managers: each company manager (transport and reception) keeps a copy of his protocol, dated and signed (by him or his representative).
- CSE/CSSCT, labor inspectorate: The safety protocol is made available to them.
How long is a Security protocol valid? and how long does it have to be kept?
It remains valid as long as the employers concerned consider that there have been no significant changes of any kind in the course of the operations identified.
To find out more :
CRAM recommendations: https: //www.ameli.fr/sites/default/files/Documents/R512-Socle-TRM_V2-juin2022.pdf
The INRS page: https: //www.inrs.fr/risques/entreprises-exterieures/protocole-securite.html