Transport conference

The importance of maintaining brakes - on new as well as older tractors and trailers - was emphasised at a recent major national conference, convened by the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE), together with HSE, Department for Transport, the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA - representing manufacturers, importers and suppliers) and the British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA - machinery dealers/suppliers).

This timely and successful conference was attended by over 100 people representing manufacturers, importers and suppliers of tractors, trailers and trailed equipment, as well as farmers, contractors, Advisers and others (including some users of 'agricultural' equipment working on and off-road in other industries).  This was the first time such a wide range of interests had been brought together.

The conference reviewed the significant changes in agricultural transport over the past 20 years and looked forward to new European legislation on tractor-trailer braking systems which will be introduced in 2009-10. Research into the causes of the many tragic accidents on-road and off road highlighted the need for better maintenance of tractor and trailer brakes, the dangers of turning right off carriageways and the importance of effective lighting, signs, etc to improve visibility to other road users.

The early findings of current research on tractor-trailer braking systems was also presented.  This work is co-sponsored by HSE and DfT together with tractor and trailer manufacturers (through the AEA).  The need to ensure manufacturers, suppliers, farmers and others operating agricultural equipment are kept fully informed of developments was emphasised.  We will continue to do so through this e-Bulletin and via our website.

Meanwhile, operators can do much to improve the effectiveness of their current tractor-trailer braking systems by ensuring they are regularly checked and properly maintained. BAGMA's 'Vehicle Health Check Scheme' provides a framework to ensure this is carried out .

The papers summarising the presentations are now available on HSE's Agricultural Industry Advisory Committee's Transport Project Group webpages . This site also contains the minutes, papers and presentation from previous (annual) Transport Group 'Workshops', which have discussed these and other issues, such as working near overhead power lines and safety at railway crossings.