The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and other relevant authorities in Singapore have specific requirements and guidelines for lorries, particularly those used for transporting workers. These regulations aim to enhance the safety and well-being of the workers.
Here are the key requirements for a "shelter lorry bed" (which refers to a lorry deck with a canopy for transporting workers):
1. Protective Side Railings and Canopy:
Side Railings: The lorry must be fitted with higher side railings. These railings must be at least 700mm high when measured from the carriage deck and at least 300mm from the top of the sideboards.
Canopy: A canopy with rain covers is mandatory. Rain Covers: Rain covers must be installed on all non-enclosed sides of the canopy, including partially open gaps. Transparency: At least one side of the canopy must have a transparent rain cover to provide sufficient light inside.
Height Limits: There are also height restrictions for the canopy structure to ensure vehicle stability: Light Lorries (G-Plate, MLW ≤ 3,500 kg): The canopy height must not exceed 1.35 times the height of the lorry's cabin when measured from the road surface. Heavy Lorries (X or Y Plate, MLW > 3,500 kg): The canopy height must not exceed 3.2m when measured from the road surface.
2. Lorry Bed and Loading Safety:
Securing Loads: Any loads being transported must be properly secured to prevent movement, especially during braking. This is crucial to prevent the load from injuring workers in the rear deck or other road users.
Proper Lashing: Loads should be lashed down to prevent side lateral movement.
No Unsecured Equipment: Equipment and materials on the rear deck must be secured.
Seating and Positioning: Workers must be seated properly and their bodies should not project beyond the sides of the vehicle.
Height Restriction: Workers in the rear deck should not be seated more than 1.1m above the rear deck.
Boarding and Alighting: Proper and secure footholds must be provided for workers to safely enter and exit the lorry deck.
3. Driver and Vehicle Safety Measures:
Speed Limits: The lorry must not travel faster than the road speed limit or 60 km/h, whichever is lower.
Speed Limiters: All new and existing heavy lorries (with a maximum laden weight exceeding 3,500 kg) are required to be equipped with speed limiters.
Vehicle Buddy: Employers are required to designate a "vehicle buddy" for all lorries transporting workers. The vehicle buddy must be seated in the cabin next to the driver to ensure the driver remains alert while driving.
Rest Period for Dual-Role Drivers: If a driver also works on-site for at least six hours, a rest period of at least 30 minutes is mandatory before they can ferry workers.
Daily Checks: Drivers should perform daily checks on the general condition of the vehicle before driving.
4. Additional Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Guidelines:
The Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC) also provides guidelines on the safe loading and unloading of vehicles.
These guidelines recommend that cargo be arranged in a safe and stable manner, with lighter loads stacked on top of heavier ones and the weight distributed evenly.
Workers should not be in the cargo area when loading or unloading is in progress.
It is important to note that these regulations are subject to change, and businesses should refer to the latest advisories and circulars from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to ensure full compliance.
