I'm off to Alexandra Palace tomorrow and in the paperwork there is new instruction:
Please note that all exhibitors present during Friday set up and on Sunday break down, effectively during the period when vehicles are present in the hall, will be required to wear hi-vi jackets.
No hi-viz, no setup.
Mentioning this to a friend brought a huffing "Health & Safety gone mad" response, however I beg to differ.
If you have ever driven a van in a confined area (something my friend has never done) then you'll know the challenges involved in maneuvering a 2 ton vehicle around while not squashing anyone, or demolishing a stand. It's bad enough when those driving are the sort of stand setup worked who live in a transit. For us lot you've the added danger of people who hire a van a couple of times a year and don't get the same sort of practise.
So, the regulation may be aimed at "normal" stand setup staff but it's even more appropriate for us. Especially since "us" includes people who will nip in between a moving van and stand assuming that are immune from being squashed. As a driver, I'd like them to clearly visible, it gives me half a chance.
I'd expect this rule to spread to any venue where people and vehicles mix in close confinement. I wouldn't be surprised to see the NEC implement it for a start.
Anyway, I already own a fluorescent yellow jacket but it's a bit bulky to wear when assembling a layout (ideal for waiting for the RAC though) so £6.99 from my local workwear shop bought me a tabard in orange and reflective. For cheapskates, I'm told that Lidl are selling something similar for a couple of quid. If it avoids squishing, money well spent.
No hi-viz, no setup.
Mentioning this to a friend brought a huffing "Health & Safety gone mad" response, however I beg to differ.
If you have ever driven a van in a confined area (something my friend has never done) then you'll know the challenges involved in maneuvering a 2 ton vehicle around while not squashing anyone, or demolishing a stand. It's bad enough when those driving are the sort of stand setup worked who live in a transit. For us lot you've the added danger of people who hire a van a couple of times a year and don't get the same sort of practise.
So, the regulation may be aimed at "normal" stand setup staff but it's even more appropriate for us. Especially since "us" includes people who will nip in between a moving van and stand assuming that are immune from being squashed. As a driver, I'd like them to clearly visible, it gives me half a chance.
I'd expect this rule to spread to any venue where people and vehicles mix in close confinement. I wouldn't be surprised to see the NEC implement it for a start.
Anyway, I already own a fluorescent yellow jacket but it's a bit bulky to wear when assembling a layout (ideal for waiting for the RAC though) so £6.99 from my local workwear shop bought me a tabard in orange and reflective. For cheapskates, I'm told that Lidl are selling something similar for a couple of quid. If it avoids squishing, money well spent.
ReplyDeleteAre these the same as worn by the numpty trainspotters who were wandering all over the East Coast Mainline to get a photo of Flying Scotsman - as if a loco coming the other way would either swerve to miss them or bounce off them because of the magical powers of Hi-Vis. By the time an express driver saw them it would be too late - however I'm sure you'll be safe at Ally Pally as the vans won't be going at over 100mph!!
I completely agree with you, I'm surprised that this is something that's already widely in use. The halls are generally not the best lit areas and with so many people milling around, the danger is very real. It's not as if the organisers are asking people to wear them the whole weekend, just when there's a very credible danger.
ReplyDeleteMike - I agree with you. Hi-vis is worn for train drivers going through sections where they know eneigneering work will be taking place. Both they and the other worker can then often see each others in often difficult conditions.
ReplyDeleteNumpty trainspotters wear the stuff because they think it's cool. Then they think they know better then everyone else, put themselves in danger and cause problems. I'd mount lasers on FS front and fry them...
Call me cynical, but I suspect it is mainly so that the insurance company can avoid paying damages if you aren't wearing a vest, but in those circumstances I do see the point of Hi-vis. The ever present danger of squishing someone is one reason I don't drive a car.
ReplyDeleteWe'll see who hasn't read their joining instructions tomorrow! ;)
ReplyDelete