Chamber and committees

In designing the new service yard and garage, both the safety of the overall operating system and the safety of those using and accessing the garage were fully considered and assessed.   

Design assessments were made in relation to users’ safety and these assessments included: 

·        A design specification, setting out the safety requirements of the new system.  

·        An access report, covering the proposed flow of vehicle travel in the system.  

·        A design risk assessment.  This was carried out by the gate manufacturer to reduce or eliminate risks from gates and barriers with appropriate safety measures.   

·        Safety features including automated traffic controls and safety sensors on all moving parts, including all barriers and gates. 

·        A health and safety review which resulted in updated health and safety arrangements in the service yard area. 

The design process set out the safety standards the component parts of the new vehicle entry system was required to comply with.  These included the European Standards relating to the safety of security gates and barriers.  These were therefore installed and commissioned to appropriate European Directives.  This process was carried out in conjunction with the Parliament’s Health and Safety Adviser. 

In addition, a review of existing health and safety arrangements in the service yard area was carried out as part of the new system design.  Existing arrangements include a 5mph speed limit in the service yard, annual training including vehicle movement toolbox sessions, marked pedestrian walkways and the requirement for pedestrians to wear hi-vis clothing at all times in this area. These existing assessments are considered appropriate in addressing any safety risks in the area.