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O4 Passenger safety

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Evidence required

Requirement

To carry passengers in such a manner that no danger is likely to be caused.

Purpose

To ensure passenger safety and comfort.

Demonstration

FORS Operators shall ensure that the permitted number of passengers for the vehicle is not exceeded.

FORS Operators shall have a passenger safety policy in place for each particular vehicle type. The policy shall be supported by a risk assessment or method statement.

For all vehicles designed to carry one or more passengers, the passenger safety documentation shall include information on:

  • Maximum permitted number of passengers
  • Passenger embarkation and disembarkation
  • Passenger safety instructions, including wearing seat belts and not distracting the driver
  • Special considerations when carrying children, the disabled and elderly
  • Safe parking procedures
  • Evacuation and emergency procedures
  • Actions to take in passenger conflict situations

Where vehicles are accessible to disabled people, the passenger safety documentation shall include instructions to the driver on:

  • Gangways and emergency exits not being obstructed
  • Restraint systems being safely stowed when not in use
  • Wheelchairs being secured in the vehicle
  • Instructions on securing and releasing accessibility restraint being readily visible to wheelchair passengers
  • All on-board instruction notices to passengers being clearly visible and clean
  • Serviceability of emergency equipment, such as first aid kit and fire extinguisher

Where vehicles are accessible to disabled people, the driver of the vehicle shall be familiar and competent with any operated equipment.

Where eligible, drivers and staff who come into contact with passengers within their role, such as escorts and conductors, shall be vetted as a pre-employment check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The DBS check shall be conducted every three years.

Documentation, records and data relevant to passenger safety shall be:

Prepare the following evidence

Documented passenger safety policy and procedure explaining how passenger safety risks are identified, managed, monitored and reviewed throughout the operation.

Where drivers or other staff come into contact with public passengers as part of their role, evidence that Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks have been completed and maintained. Examples of acceptable evidence include:

  • Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS certificates, as appropriate to the role
  • DBS check register or monitoring records
  • Evidence that DBS checks are renewed every 3 years
  • Records demonstrating that new starters have undergone DBS screening before undertaking relevant duties (where applicable)

The requirement for a policy and procedure applies to all company vehicles fitted with passenger seats.

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