This document forms a record of the assessments of hazards and risks associated with the delivery of the 'Formula 1' lecture. It has been drawn up in accordance with guidelines set out by the UK Health and Safety Executive.
F1 Pitstop Simulation |
Up 20 people are involved in a high speed pitstop using a go kart in place of an F1 vehicle |
Pit Crew Activity |
Lollipop Operator (controls starting, stopping and readiness of the vehicle) Wheel changing crews (responsible for changing all 4 wheels) Jack Operators (responsible for raising and lowering front and rear ends of vehicle for wheel crew access) Fuel Crew (responsible for delivery of fuel from fuel rig to vehicle) Driver |
Equipment |
Lollipop, front and rear jacks, power wrenches, fuel rig simulator, sound effects player. |
Crowding |
Accidents caused by uncontrolled movements of junior audiences when excited, within and without the pit area. |
Audience |
Children aged from six to thirteen. Adults. |
Participating Audience |
Children aged from six to thirteen and/or adults selected from audience. |
Participating Staff |
Trained adults and/or children over 13 |
In order to maintain acceptable risks of safety whilst retaining the excitement, teamwork and skill levels, the go kart’s engine is not used. The vehicle is pushed into and out of the pit area as appropriate. It follows therefore that the engine (and tanks) have been drained of fuel stuffs. The fuel rig is a simulation device and contains no fuel or gas under pressure.
Because the vehicle is not part of a race and has no running engine there are no high temperature areas, which need to be guarded against. Since lack of dexterity can cause accidents it has been decided that the pit crew will not use gloves for their operations. The driver may have gloves for reasons of authenticity.
Bump caps (a rigid “baseball style cap” ) are provided for all crews, and are compulsory to the wheel changing crews. Junior pit crews are provided with overalls. Older/larger crew members have their clothing checked to ensure that there are no loose sections of clothing that can become entangled with moving parts. Where necessary remedial measures such as elastic bands, are taken.
We believe that safety is an active part of all procedures rather than an imposition on them, and so the implementation of safety standards and procedures are not only practised but indeed is passed on to junior audiences. As safety equipment is used the reasons are often discussed with the children first.
The first part of the lecture is centred on demonstration of Formula One technology; specifically Friction and aerodynamics. No part of this section is judged to present a hazard.
F1 Pitstop Simulation |
The overall nature of this activity can involve up to 20 people engaged in high speed co-operative manual tasks. Since the operatives will not be used to this task, it is inevitable that errors will occur. Because of this, the activities and equipment have been designed to limit the dangers from any single or even compound errors. Details of this are shown below… |
Pit Crew Activities |
Pit-crews are rehearsed at slow speeds whilst learning their tasks. Children are invited (and guided) to spot danger points. The appropriate procedures are agreed and adopted. The level of guidance and imposition is subject to the age and ability range of the participants. |
Equipment |
Lollipop: This item has been constructed from lightweight materials, particularly the head. Consequently no serious injury can result from a rapid erroneous movement. Front & Rear Jacks: The vehicle is lifted to height of approximately 15cms only, off the ground. Should the vehicle drop and a wheel be missing and a foot be under the precise point of impact, then that operator would suffer only minor injury. Should a jack be raised or lowered at the wrong time this would impede progress but not cause injury. No procedure calls for any part of any body to be under the elevated vehicle at any time. Further it is difficult for anyone to accidentally endanger themselves or others. Power Wrenches: These are used to remove and replace wheel nuts. There are four in operation. They are made from adapted rechargeable cordless drills. They have no sharp or fast moving parts. Wrench operators are required to raise the tool above their heads to signal readiness. They are reminded to check that wheel crew operatives are clear before doing so. Error here would not result in serious injury. Fuel Rig Simulator: This device offers no risk. Refuelers are made aware of possible minor collision with rear wheel crew. Sound Effects Player: This is used enhance the reality of the procedures and to reduce conversation during the stops. Though loud, the instructors raised voice can be heard over it. The sound is quieter than that of the real F1 track because the operatives will not be using ear defenders. The maximum time at high volume will be up to 4 minutes per run. |
Crowding |
To prevent children from injuring themselves and others and to prevent uncontrolled access to the equipment, lectures are not undertaken if there is not sufficient supervisory control. If behaviour then proves to be a problem additional controls are sought or the lecture is terminated. The essence of a pit stop requires efficiency and agility and the factors are present in the simulated process too. This means the opportunity for minor collisions of personnel still remains in spite of the above procedures. It is our contention however that the risks and their consequences are small. |
At the time of writing, all hazards have been identified and procedures are in place to ensure safe operation.
Complacency can often compromise good safety procedures and familiarity can sometimes bring about a blindness to potential hazards. For this reason we welcome safety suggestions from any observers.