Section 1: Scope of application
Article R4515-1
The provisions of this chapter apply to loading and unloading operations carried out by external companies transporting goods from or to a location outside the user company's premises, known as the "host company".
They derogate from the provisions relating to :
1° Transmission to the Labour Inspectorate of the statement of hours spent carrying out the operation, as provided for in Article R. 4511-12.
2° The joint preliminary inspection provided for in articles R. 4512-2 to R. 4512-5
3° The prevention plan provided for in articles R. 4512-6 to R. 4512-11
4° Informing and communicating to the Health, Safety and Working Conditions Committee the information and documents provided for in Articles R. 4514-1 and R. 4514-2.
Article R4515-2
A loading or unloading operation is defined as the activity involved in placing or removing products, funds and valuables, equipment or machinery, waste, objects and materials of any kind on or in a road transport vehicle.
Article R4515-3
Repetitive loading and unloading operations are those involving products or substances of the same nature, performed at the same locations, using the same procedures, and involving the same types of vehicles and handling equipment.
Section 2: Safety protocol
Article R4515-4
Loading and unloading operations are covered by a written document known as a "safety protocol", which replaces the prevention plan.
Article R4515-5
The safety protocol includes the information needed to assess the risks of all kinds generated by the operation, as well as the preventive and safety measures to be observed at each stage of the operation.
Article R4515-6
For the host company, the safety protocol includes the following information:
1° Safety instructions, particularly those concerning loading and unloading operations
2° Place of delivery or pick-up, access and parking arrangements at loading or unloading points, accompanied by a map and traffic instructions.
3° Specific equipment and machinery used for loading or unloading
4° Rescue resources in the event of an accident or incident
5° The identity of the person in charge appointed by the host company, to whom the employer delegates his or her powers in accordance with article R. 4511-9.
Article R4515-7
For the carrier, the safety protocol describes, in particular :
1° The vehicle's characteristics, layout and equipment
2° The nature and packaging of the goods
3° Any special precautions or requirements resulting from the nature of the substances or products being transported, in particular those imposed by regulations governing the transport of hazardous materials.
Article R4515-8
The safety protocol is drawn up as part of an exchange between the employers concerned, prior to carrying out the operation.
A specific safety protocol is drawn up for each non-repetitive operation as defined in article R. 4515-3.
Article R4515-9
Repetitive loading and unloading operations involving the same companies are subject to a single safety protocol drawn up prior to the first operation.
This safety protocol remains applicable as long as the employers concerned consider that the conditions under which operations are carried out have not undergone any significant change, in any of their constituent elements.
Article R4515-10
When the service provider cannot be identified in advance by the host company, or when the prior exchange has not enabled all the necessary information to be gathered, notwithstanding the provisions of article R. 4515-8, the employer of the host company provides and collects, by any appropriate means, the information relating to the safety protocol.
Article R4515-11
Heads of host and transport companies keep a copy of each safety protocol, dated and signed, at the disposal of :
1° The health, safety and working conditions committees of the companies concerned
2° Labor inspectorate
