What is a shunter driver

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It certainly did it for me. Nathaniel Owen Station Manager. Vacancy Closed. A shunter driver is the person who is responsible for maneuvering vehicles around a yard, onto loading bays etc. Shunter drivers manoeuvre vehicles around a site. These could be uncoupling trailer units and moving them to the holding bays, storage areas, loading bays etc. Both shunter drivers and banksmen are normally engaged in other activities within their roles such as loading and unloading, moving stock, general yard duties etc.

Yes a shunter driver is the person actually manoeuvring the vehicles and a banksman is the signalman for the shunter driving, giving clear instructions using hand signals to allow the vehicle to manoeuvre safely and to the correct position. Banksmen should only be used when there is no other way to control reversing risks. Because they often have to stand relatively close to a vehicle when it is reversing, it is very important that they are properly trained and competent.

In some industries, banksmen are only used in exceptional circumstances because of the size of vehicles involved. No formal qualifications are required to be a shunter driver however; employers must ensure that all their employees are fully trained to competently carry out their duties in a safe and efficient manner.

This means that all shunter drivers should receive training on how to safety manoeuvre. Shunter drivers should also be fully aware of and understand the banksman hand signalling system that is used universally throughout Europe.

What qualifications does a banksman need? Banksmen should use the standard hand signals used across Europe. These signals may not be enough to cover every situation and the law also allows for specific alternatives to be used if they are more appropriate, including BS Code of practice for hand signalling for use in agricultural operations.

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