Contractors confused over quick hitch code

With the approaching voluntary deadline for quick hitch manufacturers to stop supplying semi-automatic units for new machines, there is growing confusion among contractors and plant hirers about the legality of semi-automatic couplers on existing machines.

Kevin Minton of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) said: "The deadline is 1 October but it only applies to fitting semi automatics to new machines. Those fitted to existing plant remain perfectly legal."

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirms this but adds the proviso that quick hitches need to be used correctly and where the design has a safety pin, as with a semi-automatic, that pin must be used. "Plant operators and managers of sites where quick hitches are used incorrectly leave themselves open to prosecution," said the HSE.

In order to bring some clarity to the situation the CPA is drafting a template letter its members can send to customers reassuring them that existing semi-automatics remain legal.

It is also drawing up a risk assessment and method statement relating to the correct use of semi-automatic quick hitches and producing window stickers to remind operators to fit the safety pin to the coupler before using the attachment.

While current CPCS training now includes information on quick hitches the CPA is working with the National Construction College on a short training course on the correct identification and use of quick hitches for existing CPCS cardholders. This may be combined with another course on using an excavator for lifting, and should take no more than half a day.

The short course may also be made available to contractors.