Traffic Marshall / Vehicle Banksman

Traffic Marshall Course Overview

Traffic Marshall training ensures that an organisation meets its legal requirements and reduces the risk of costly accidents when carrying out common, but dangerous, reversing manoeuvres. The job of the banksman is to guide drivers and make sure reversing areas are free of pedestrians.

Traffic Marshall Course Course Aim

• The safe passage of reversing vehicles in confined spaces
• Identification of areas of danger within sites
• HSE and Road Transport Industry Training Board recommended code of signals
• Guiding large goods vehicles, both rigid and articulated, using the code of signals to HSE Guide Notes HSG136 standard

Traffic Marshall Course Content

This course aims to raise awareness of the dangers caused when large vehicles reverse, and introduces practical techniques and hand signals to assist drivers with this manoeuvre. Learners will also be trained in the necessary skills to assist other drivers and banksman.

By the end of the course, learners should be able to:

• Ensure the safe passage of reversing vehicles in confined spaces
• Identify areas of danger within the site
• Demonstrate HSE’s recommended code of signals
• Guide large goods vehicles, both rigid and articulated, using the above code of signals to HSE Guide Notes HSG136 standard

Additional Information

All learners should be familiar with the latest edition of The Highway Code.

Learners should wear suitable clothing, bearing in mind that the practical aspects of this course will be taught outdoors.

A good sized area of the yard, that is not in use, must be made available to conduct the training to ensure trainer and learner safety. This must not involve using a public road.

A vehicle must be supplied for use during training. We recommend that the type of vehicle supplied is similar to the type the yard is usually in receipt of, but if this is not possible a car can be used as long as the back windows are covered to get a realistic view of bringing a vehicle in safely.

Learner Numbers

In order to ensure the interaction between the learners and the tutor is spread evenly and effectively, and to ensure the courses are fully delivered in accordance with the Scheme rules, the maximum number of learners allowed on a course is ten.

Multiple choice question paper.

Successful learners will be awarded an Essential Site Skills Risk Vehicle Banksman/Traffic Marshall certificate valid for 3 years.

Accident Statistics

Every year, there are over 5000 accidents involving transport in the workplace. About 50 of these result in people being killed (www.hse.gov.uk/statistics). Around a quarter of all deaths involving vehicles at work occur as a result of reversing. It also results in considerable damage to vehicles, equipment and property. Proper Vehicle Banksman/Traffic Marshall training will help to reduce the risk of site accidents.