Glass Breakage Policy for Vehicle Operations
1. Purpose
This Glass Breakage Policy establishes the procedures and responsibilities for managing glass and brittle plastic within our logistics and vehicle operations. The policy aims to mitigate risks associated with glass breakage, ensure compliance with the British Retail Consortium (BRC) standards, and maintain the highest levels of safety and hygiene during transportation activities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all personnel, contractors, and visitors involved in vehicle operations, including the transportation of goods, vehicle maintenance, and storage. It covers the management, inspection, and response to glass and brittle plastic items used in vehicles, as well as procedures for addressing glass breakage incidents.
3. Definitions
Glass: Any item made of glass, including vehicle windows, mirrors, light fixtures, and instruments, that poses a risk if broken during operations.
Brittle Plastic: Plastics that are prone to cracking or breaking, potentially posing similar risks as glass in the event of damage.
Glass Contamination: The presence of glass fragments in or around transported goods, which can lead to serious safety hazards.
BRC Accreditation: A certification by the British Retail Consortium, recognising compliance with global standards for safety and quality in logistics and transportation.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
Operations Manager:
Ensure the implementation of this Glass Breakage Policy across all vehicle operations.
Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with BRC standards and identify areas for improvement.
Investigate any glass breakage incidents and ensure appropriate corrective actions are taken promptly.
Fleet Manager:
Oversee the daily implementation of the Glass Breakage Policy within the fleet.
Ensure that all glass and brittle plastic items in vehicles are registered and regularly inspected.
Coordinate training for drivers and maintenance staff on glass breakage prevention and response procedures.
Drivers and Vehicle Operators:
Adhere to the Glass Breakage Policy at all times during vehicle operations.
Immediately report any glass breakage or risk of contamination to the Fleet Manager or Operations Manager.
Participate in regular training and refresher courses on glass breakage prevention and response.
5. Glass and Brittle Plastic Control Measures
Glass Register:
Maintain a comprehensive register of all glass and brittle plastic items used in vehicles, including their location, condition, and inspection frequency.
Update the register promptly if any new glass or brittle plastic items are introduced or removed from vehicles.
Inspection and Monitoring:
Conduct regular inspections of all registered glass and brittle plastic items in vehicles to check for damage, wear, or risk of breakage.
Document inspection findings and address any issues immediately, replacing or removing any items that pose a risk during transit.
Restricted Use:
Minimise the use of glass and brittle plastic within vehicles. Where possible, replace glass with shatterproof alternatives.
Implement strict controls for any glass items that must remain in use, ensuring they are securely fixed and protected from potential impact.
6. Glass Breakage Response Procedures
Immediate Action:
Stop the vehicle in a safe location immediately upon discovering glass breakage.
Isolate the area to prevent further contamination or injury and notify the Fleet Manager.
Containment and Clean-up:
Carefully remove and dispose of any visible glass fragments using designated tools and equipment to avoid injury or further contamination.
Clean and secure the affected area thoroughly to ensure no glass fragments remain in the vehicle or on the goods.
Inspection and Verification:
Conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle and cargo to ensure all glass fragments have been removed.
Verify that the clean-up was effective and document the incident, including the location, time, and nature of the breakage, as well as the actions taken.
Product Contamination Checks:
If glass breakage occurs near transported goods, quarantine the affected products for inspection and testing for glass contamination.
Dispose of any contaminated products in accordance with company procedures and legal requirements.
Reporting and Documentation:
Complete a detailed incident report, outlining the cause of the breakage, the extent of the contamination, and the corrective actions taken.
Report the incident to senior management and notify relevant regulatory authorities if required.
7. Training and Awareness
Employee Training:
Provide comprehensive training to all drivers and vehicle maintenance staff on the Glass Breakage Policy, including prevention, reporting, and response procedures.
Conduct regular refresher courses to ensure ongoing compliance and awareness among all staff.
Visitor and Contractor Awareness:
Inform all visitors and contractors of the Glass Breakage Policy upon entering the facility or vehicles, including the requirement to report any incidents immediately.
8. Review and Continuous Improvement
Policy Review:
Review the Glass Breakage Policy annually or after any incident to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with BRC accreditation requirements.
Update the policy as necessary to reflect changes in vehicle operations, technology, or regulations.
Continuous Improvement:
Use incident reports, audit findings, and employee feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.
Implement changes that enhance the prevention and management of glass breakage risks during vehicle operations.