Coupling & Uncoupling of Trailers Tool Box Talk

Coupling & Uncoupling of Trailers Tool Box Talk

Coupling & Uncoupling Coupling is the linking of a semi trailer to a towing truck, tractor unit, leading trailer or dolly. Uncoupling is the detachment of the trailer from the tow vehicle.

Coupling Procedure Before any action is taken, complete the daily checks for both the tractor unit and the trailer. Check the trailer is on solid level ground. Ensure the trailer Park Brake is applied. Reverse the tractor unit under said trailer slowly and safely until pin locks, taking care to make sure the trailer has been dropped at the correct height. If it is too high raise the suspension or vice versa. Drive forward in 2 nd gear to check that the pin has locked on.

Coupling Procedure (2) Apply handbrake before getting out of tractor unit. Use the grab handle and steps to exit unit. Visually check that the fifth wheel arm is locked in place then attach safety clip accordingly (if fitted). Walk round the vehicle anti-clockwise and using the grab rail and steps, climb onto the back of tractor, taking care not to slip. If there is no grab rail or steps, do not attempt to climb onto the vehicle and report to a supervisor immediately.

Coupling Procedure (3) Once on the rear of the tractor unit you can commence with the connecting of the electrical lines and air-lines. Take care not to get your feet caught up in any of the lines. Once the lines are connected leave the tractor via the same route, using the handrails and steps. Climb down backwards. DO NOT JUMP OFF. Carrying on around the trailer in an anticlockwise direction. You will then arrive at the landing legs. Using the winding handle raise the legs up until they are fully raised then remove parking brake.

Coupling Procedure (4) Carry on around the trailer until you reach rear of the trailer. At this point you will then be in a position to place the number plate onto the trailer. Return to the tractor unit, once again using steps and handrail climb into unit turning on all the lights and indicators and complete the daily walk around check.

Uncoupling Procedure After reversing your trailer onto a safe, solid and even grounded area. Apply handbrake and turn off engine. Exit vehicle via steps going backwards using handrail and steps again. Walk round trailer again in an anti-clockwise direction. Apply parking brake on trailer. Lower landing legs down until they touch the floor but do not over wind, store the winding handle away safely.

Uncoupling Procedure (2) After this you can then climb onto the back of your tractor unit using the handrail and steps, again taking care not to slip (e.g. if vehicle is wet having just been washed, or it is icy, etc) Un-couple your suzies and air lines and stow them away appropriately. Again taking care not to get your feet tangled in the lines. Climb off the tractor unit going backwards again using the grab rail and steps. DO NOT JUMP OFF.

Uncoupling Procedure (3) Walk round trailer removing number plate. Un-clip the fifth wheel handle and unlock the fifth wheel. When a driving tractor unit away from trailer do so slowly and steadily. Once clear of trailer check the air suspension is set to the proper ride height. Park the tractor unit safely.

Potential Hazards Physical Injury Crushed or Struck By Slippery Surfaces Slip, Trip or Falls

Coupling Procedure: PPE Required 1. Gloves to protect against cuts and punctures. 2. Safety Boots to protect from falling loads. 3. Hi Vis Jacket to ensure you are visible to others.

Incident Reporting It is essential to report all Accidents/ Incidents and Near Misses to Ross Macleod or Mark Rudd who will then assess the situation and if necessary carry out an investigation.

Q & A Exercise Please complete your answers on the sheet provided.

Question 1 What should you ensure have been completed before doing anything?

Question 2 What PPE should you wear and why?

Question 3 What type of ground should the trailer be on?

Question 4 What can you do to ensure the trailer has been dropped at the right height?

Question 5 What gear should you drive forward in to check that the pin has locked on?

Question 6 What should you use when accessing/ exiting the unit?

Question 7 Which direction should you walk around the vehicle/trailer?

Question 8 What final checks should you complete?

Question 9 What hazards may be present during the coupling/uncoupling process?

Question 10 In the event of an accident, injury or near miss, who should you report it to?

Answers Please check your answers on the following slides.

Question 1 What should you ensure have been completed before doing anything? Answer: Daily checks on vehicle and trailer

Question 2 What PPE should you wear and why? Answer: - Gloves - Safety Boots - Hi-Vis Jacket

Question 3 What type of ground should the trailer be on? Answer: Solid level ground

Question 4 What can you do to ensure the trailer has been dropped at the right height? Answer: Raise or lower the suspension

Question 5 What gear should you drive forward in to check that the pin has locked on? Answer: Second Gear

Question 6 What should you use when accessing/ exiting the unit? Answer: Grab rails & steps

Question 7 Which direction should you walk around the vehicle/trailer? Answer: Anti-clockwise

Question 8 What final checks should you complete? Answer: - Position/Remove Number Plate - Check lights and indicators - Complete the daily walk around check

Question 9 What hazards may be present during the coupling/uncoupling process? Answer: - Physical Injury - Crushed or Struck By - Slippery Surfaces Slip, Trip or Falls

Question 10 In the event of an accident, injury or near miss, who should you report it to? Answer: Ross Macleod or Mark Rudd

Coupling & Uncoupling How well did you do? Do you now feel more comfortable in coupling and uncoupling trailers?

Thank You For Your Time...Any Questions? Please speak to Ross Macleod Please can you sign the Record of Training sheet.