The CLOCS-A framework and standard specifically targets the safety and risks of heavy vehicle transport that supports the construction industry. The standard focuses specifically on the vulnerable road users (VRUs) that are too often in harm’s way from HV construction trucks. Statistics in Australia and overseas testify that construction trucks do contribute significantly to this safety problem.
The CLOCS-A standard complements and may even surpass the draft requirements of the Heavy Vehicle National Law Master Code, in some specific areas. The standard’s four technical areas revolve around truck technology, drivers, logistics planning as well as community and operational communications requirements. Each of these areas are tiered from a basic to an advanced level.
Without being exhaustive truck and trailer technologies range from improved to enhanced braking standards, underrun protections and the adoptions of such technologies as: forward collision warning, headway warning, rear-collision warning, pedestrian, cyclist and obstacle warning and blind spot warning as examples depending on the certification level chosen.
Truck drivers will be required to undertake a basic level of Vulnerable Road User training. Two further advanced levels are available for drivers where companies seek silver or gold accreditation. The VRU training covers some ‘seven’ classes of vulnerable road users, four more than the pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle groups that are often the only VRU classes examined. Besides standard licensing and medical checks drivers are to be competent across a range of low-risk driver skills. It should be noted that the enhanced VRU training is delivered online and is offered free to both company and sub-contract drivers servicing construction sites.
The CLOCS-A standard requires a construction logistics management plan (CLMP) to be implemented. This includes operational risk minimization elements, community hazard reduction by using route planning tools, productivity initiatives such as PBS, and implementing consolidation points, and the use of recycled materials where possible, etc. Forecast activity movements by truck configuration are required to be estimated noting elements such as access time and parking permit restrictions.
Community focussed communications plans are required to be developed to address the impacts of the impending site operation. These plans will need adjustment as specific stages in site development are undertaken.
A further major CLOCS-A workshop and briefing day, to be held in Sydney, will be announced shortly.