Container Handling Equipment Manufacturers Association

Access Criteria for High Sided Open Top Containers

1. The above standard provides information for container manufacturers on the provision of a means of access to high sided containers.

2. CHEM, in consultation with the Health & Safety Executive, recognises that fixed access ladders fitted to high sided containers for use with hook lift equipment do not meet the requirements of Working at Height Regulations and, in addition, may lead to falls from height. This situation is exacerbated when the container is on the hook lift vehicle.

3. Furthermore, CHEM takes the view that access on to the top of a loaded container should be prevented because of the risk of injury to the operative due to trips and falls caused by objects in the container.

4. CHEM considers it impracticable to come up with an acceptable design proposal for an alternative fixed access which would provide a safe system of work for the operator and, at the same time, satisfy vehicle Construction & Use Regulations with regard to vehicle dimensions.

5. Some operators of hook lift vehicles may consider it desirable or in some cases essential for their operatives to have access to view the top of the container to check the load. In these cases CHEM advises close consultation between the operator and his container manufacturer regarding the provision of an access system and to ensure that a full assessment of the hazards and risks is undertaken and implemented.

6. In view of the foregoing CHEM has decided that it is no longer appropriate for it to make recommendations on access to high sided containers and WITHDRAWS standard TS12 from its published list of standards. Holders of CHEM standards are requested to remove it from their records.