4WD training rolls out for Power Generation

The roll-out of ESB 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) specialist driver training to Networks staff has been so successful in the last 8 months that Andy O'Brien, Safety Officer with Turlough Hill Power Station, approached the Safe Driving Bureau to find out how a programme could be tailored to the needs of local Power Generation staff.

After a successful meeting with Michael Doyle and John Moran of Training - Shared Services, plans were set in motion to develop a course specific to Turlough Hill staff who operate vehicles on and off-road in a mountainous environment.

So far, four courses have been rolled-out, with all 16 staff successfully qualifying for the Specialist Vehicle Driving Licence, which will be mandatory from 2007 on for any staff operating specialist vehicles

The driving course consisted of a combination of classroom and practical sessions, with classroom sessions covering the basics like: Health and Safety requirements/P.P.E., vehicle models and types, fundamental rules for using 4WD's, pre-use vehicle inspection, collision statistics/case studies, site/route assessment procedures, load capacities trailed and carried. Practical on/off-road training covered demonstration and handson: vehicle inspections; site/route assessments; 4WD skills; emergency procedures and, of course, driving.

Comments from Attendees

"Very practical and serves as a very worthwhile refresher course towards proper vehicle and road use."
Tim Moran, Civil Works Dept.

"An opportunity to realise some bad habits developed over years of driving."
Kieran Kennedy, E&I Dept.

"The course content was very suitable for Turlough Hill Stns. and presented very well"
Tom Martin, Mechanical Dept.

"Very good course, well worth doing, course presenters very helpful"
Tim Downes, Technical Officer.

"Turlough Hill would like to thank all involved in supporting the preparation and delivery of the course, including John Moran, Michael Doyle and Michael Tracey in Training - Shared Services. Thanks also for the continued support from ESB Safe Driving Bureau."
Andy O'Brien, Safety Officer, Turlough Hill