This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-33702639

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Inquiry told that bin lorry crash risk was 'tolerable' Inquiry told bin lorry crews 'abused' after Glasgow crash
(about 1 hour later)
The inquiry into the bin lorry crash which killed six people in Glasgow has heard that a council document rated the risk of a crash as "tolerable". The inquiry into the bin lorry crash which killed six people in Glasgow has heard other crews were verbally abused in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Glasgow City Council waste supervisor Douglas Gellan told the fatal accident inquiry (FAI) that the evaluation was included in a risk assessment document. Glasgow City Council waste supervisor Douglas Gellan told the fatal accident inquiry (FAI) that large vehicles were no longer used in pedestrian precincts.
Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that the document covered risks for bin lorries travelling around city. He told Glasgow Sheriff Court that this was due to public sensitivity about large bin lorries after the crash.
The inquiry is examining the lorry, its route and driver Harry Clarke's health.The inquiry is examining the lorry, its route and driver Harry Clarke's health.
The court previously heard that the 58-year-old driver was unconscious at the wheel as the Glasgow City Council bin lorry went out of control on Queen Street in the city centre, killing six pedestrians and injuring 15 others.The court previously heard that the 58-year-old driver was unconscious at the wheel as the Glasgow City Council bin lorry went out of control on Queen Street in the city centre, killing six pedestrians and injuring 15 others.
'Standard position' 'Public sensitivity'
Mr Gellan, an area manager with Glasgow City Council's land and environmental services department, was giving evidence on the sixth day of the FAI, which is being overseen by Sheriff John Beckett QC.Mr Gellan, an area manager with Glasgow City Council's land and environmental services department, was giving evidence on the sixth day of the FAI, which is being overseen by Sheriff John Beckett QC.
The inquiry had previously heard that bin lorry crews received no training in what to do in the event of a driver falling ill. He told the court that large bin lorries, of the type involved in the crash on 22 December last year, were only used in pedestrian precincts between 07:00 and 08:00 and between midnight and 05:00.
Mr Gellan confirmed there was nothing in the council's risk assessment document with regard to crews responding to a driver falling ill. The witness said there was no concern from the council but the decision had been taken out of "sensitivity" to public following the crash.
He also revealed that some bin lorry crews had been subjected to abuse from members of the public after the tragedy.
The inquiry previously heard that bin lorry crews received no training in what to do in the event of a driver falling ill.
Mr Gellan told the FAI on Wednesday that there was nothing in the council's risk assessment document with regard to crews responding to a driver falling ill.
He told the court this was a standard position as no training existed for staff for such a circumstance.He told the court this was a standard position as no training existed for staff for such a circumstance.
The witness said the document covered risks for bin lorries travelling around city, including crashes, and that the risk of a crash was rated as "tolerable".The witness said the document covered risks for bin lorries travelling around city, including crashes, and that the risk of a crash was rated as "tolerable".
Mr Gellan gave details of the training given to drivers and crew members on how to handle identified risks. He also outlined a series of safety measures taken by the council in relation to bin lorry collections such as driver training, regular driver and licence checks, refresher training after infringements and route and work supervision.
He said drivers had to take a number of training courses relating to travelling to and from sites along the public highway. 'Competent professionals'
Supervisors checked crew members each morning, he said, and monitored them along routes and inspected their work. In relation to the risk assessment of routes taken by bin lorries, it was noted these covered collection points and possible concerns such as schools, low bridges and narrow roads
Drivers themselves carried out vehicle maintenance checks before and after each shift. Mr Gellan said that drivers determined their own routes as they were licensed and "competent" professionals who knew how to assess everyday risks like weather and traffic.
'Points system' The witness said drivers were informed about events in the city centre - such as demonstrations - and routes were altered to accommodate these with drivers told to avoid them.
The council also checked all drivers' licences four times a year and told bin lorry drivers to notify supervisors of any issues outside work, such as points on their licence. Collections were also avoided at closing time around pubs and clubs for safety reasons.
Mr Gellan said the council had "points system" for driver infractions - self-reported or flagged up by the crew or public - which could trigger refresher training. He said it would be "hugely impractical" to have a detailed route assessment which covers every street and turn.
'Driver responsibility'
Mr Gellan said the council did not undertake seasonal risk assessments and said that at Christmas the city centre was about as busy as a normal Saturday afternoon.
He added: "It's down to the driver to drive properly and safely during these times, whether it's busy or quiet."
Erin McQuade, 18, her grandparents Jack Sweeney, 68, and his 69-year-old wife Lorraine, all from Dumbarton, died in the incident in the city's Queen Street and George Square.Erin McQuade, 18, her grandparents Jack Sweeney, 68, and his 69-year-old wife Lorraine, all from Dumbarton, died in the incident in the city's Queen Street and George Square.
Stephenie Tait, 29, and Jacqueline Morton, 51, both from Glasgow, and Gillian Ewing, 52, from Edinburgh, were also killed when the truck mounted the pavement before crashing into the side of the Millennium Hotel.Stephenie Tait, 29, and Jacqueline Morton, 51, both from Glasgow, and Gillian Ewing, 52, from Edinburgh, were also killed when the truck mounted the pavement before crashing into the side of the Millennium Hotel.
A further 15 people were injured.A further 15 people were injured.
The Crown Office has already concluded that there will be no criminal prosecution over the crash, with senior lawyers deeming it a "tragic accident".The Crown Office has already concluded that there will be no criminal prosecution over the crash, with senior lawyers deeming it a "tragic accident".