School of Physics Safety Manual

13. TRANSPORT

Use of the School’s Vehicles

The School of Physics has a vehicle which may be driven by authorised persons on the School’s business.

• If you need to use the vehicle, contact the Stores
• Drivers are advised that the University Motor Insurers, Commercial Union, involve excesses in cases where claims involve drivers under the age of 24, and over 25 years of age, where a full driving licence has not been held for 12 months. Drivers qualified to avoid the excesses should drive wherever possible.
• Private vehicles should not be used for School business when the School’s vehicle is available (see below).
• In the event of an accident involving damage to persons or property other than the School’s vehicle or its occupants: details must be reported to the persons involved (or the owner of the property) or to the police and also to the School Manager, Head of School and the Academic Registrar and Secretary of the University. If only the School vehicle is damaged, a report need only be made to the Laboratory Superintendent.
• The University Insurance Office holds the certificates of insurance of the vehicles.
• Only authorised persons may travel in School vehicles.
• Any unauthorised use or the misuse of vehicles may lead to withdrawal of the privilege of using them
• Users must ensure that the vehicle is in a safe condition (check the oil and water and condition of tyres etc) before a journey.
• First aid kits are kept in each vehicle.

Use of Private Vehicles on the School’s Business

It is recommended that personnel use the hired vehicles or School’s vehicle whenever possible. If the use of a private vehicle is unavoidable then the following points must be considered:

• The vehicle must be taxed, road-worthy and suitable for the intended purpose.
• The insurance cover must be adequate, ie, it must specify for business use.
• The Supervisor/Head of School considers such a use is necessary.
• The driver holds a full UK driver’s licence.

A pro forma (available from School Finance office) for Staff Use of Private Vehicles on University Business must be completed and signed, and countersigned by the School Manager.

Minibus Passenger Transport Vehicles

Although fatal accidents involving minibuses are rare, recent examples have underlined dangers specific to this form of transport. It will not be possible to completely eliminate the dangers associated with driving minibuses, but practicable means exist to reduce the likelihood of an accident occurring and mitigate the extent of personal injury. Details of safety procedures and precautions are available via the documents page of the Health and Safety office website.