HSE press release E010:03 - 22 January 2003

HSE PUBLISHES GUIDANCE FOR SAFETY BRIEFINGS AT KARTING CIRCUITS

HSE has published new guidance for karting operators to make sure that driver safety briefings are effective. It has been written in consultation with the National Karting Association and the Fairgrounds Joint Advisory Committee.

Kart drivers are in control of their own safety and that of others on the track. They need to know how to control the vehicle and how to respond to the safety signals they are given while driving. It is important that the briefing they receive is effective in presenting the safety information in a way that the drivers can understand and remember. An effective driver briefing is an important part of the safety system at any karting track.

The information in "Effective safety briefings for drivers at karting circuits" is based on the findings of research carried out by the Health and Safety Laboratory and includes a briefing framework that can be used by operators when devising their own briefings.

Speaking today, Gavin Howat of HSE's Food and Entertainment Sector said, "This information sheet complements information already contained in the HSE publication 'Go-karts, guidance on safe operation and use' and will help operators to continue to run their circuits in a safe manner. I would like to thank all those involved in the preparation of the sheet for all their hard work."

Copies of "Effective safety briefings for drivers at karting circuits" Entertainment Information Sheet no 21 can be downloaded from the HSE website, ordered online at http://www.hsebooks.com and are also available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, tel: 01787-881165 or fax: 01787-313995).

Public Enquiries:

Call HSE's InfoLine, tel: 0845 345 0055, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact, or write to: HSE Information Services, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly, CF83 3GG

Press Enquiries regarding this Press Release:

Journalists only: 020 7717 6455