General Requirements Relating to the Management of Lift Truck Operations

What is a Lift Truck

Within the Department of Engineering there are two types of lift truck: the counterbalance forklift (rider-operated)and theelectric pedestrian stacker.

  • The counterbalance forklift truck (FLT) has a counterweight to balance the load on the fork arms. The fork arms and load project out from the front of the machine.
  • The electric pedestrian stacker offers powered lifting and movement. This can help reduce the physical strain when using it.
Who can be a Forklift Truck operator

Before selecting someone to become a FLT operator the following should be considered:

  • FLT operators should be carefully selected and be reasonably fit, both physically and mentally, to safely control and operate lift trucks, with the learning ability and potential to become competent operators and reliable, with a responsible attitude to their work.
  • Before undergoing initial training, all FLT operators must undergo an occupational health assessment to ensure they are fit to operate the equipment.
Health Surveillance

A Forklift Truck Driver Health Assessment Form (OHF07) will be provided by the CUED Safety Office on request and the form MUST be completed prior to an in-person appointment being scheduled with Occupational Health (OH).

Further health assessment reviews will be at intervals determined by OH for the individual operator.

If an operator is unwell or their fitness to operator changes, then this should be reported to their line manager/supervisor. This may then require a management referral being made to OH.

Training

Following health surveillance novice operators will undergo an initial training course. The duration of this course will depend on how many people attend the training course.

  • Anyone starting employment, who already possesses a FLT licence/certificate and identified as a potential FLT operator, will be asked to complete a refresher course to ensure their competence following OH health surveillance.
  • Conversion training is also available for anybody who has been trained on an alternative type of FLT. For example, if someone has had training on a reach truck, they must attend a one-day conversion training session to assess competency with a counterbalance FLT.
What are the ongoing requirements for Forklift Truck operators
  • A record will be kept showing that an operator has received training, including initial, refresher and familiarisation training to use the specific lift truck(s).
  • Familiarisation training must be delivered by an experienced, competent operator for that FLT.
  • Lift truck operators must be re-assessed to ensure that they continue to operate lift trucks safely. This should be done at an interval of not greater than three years.

In addition to the routine refresher training formal re-assessment is likely to be needed where operators:

  1. Appear to have developed unsafe working practices.
  2. Have had an accident or a near miss.
  3. Have experienced a change in personal circumstances which could potentially affect their performance as a lift truck operator.
How are Forklift Trucks managed within the Department of Engineering

A responsible person will be designated to coordinate lift truck operations within each site where a FLT is located. This person is responsible for issuing the key, arranging maintenance, and ensures that everyone knows who they can report any defects to.

The responsible persons are:

  • Whittle Laboratory: Dominic Basham – dwb38
  • Civil Engineering Building: Pieter Desnerck – prhd2
  • Schofield Centre: John Chandler – jac44
  • Trumpington Street: Richard Boothroyd - rpb36
Maintenance

Lift truck servicing and maintenance should be arranged by the responsible person in line with the lift truck manufacturers recommendations and records kept.

Daily pre-use check routines should be established locally, and records kept. This should include the use of the “Forklift Tag” system.

Statutory Inspections

Statutory inspections under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), are undertaken by university appointed insurance engineers and records kept. These ensure that lifting equipment is in a safe condition.

The insurance engineer will visit the department and inspect lifting equipment i.e. lift trucks at least every 12 months. Lift trucks and non-integrated working platforms intended to lift persons will be undertaken every 6 months.

Inspection reports will be generated for each inspection and sent to the nominated site point of contact for British Engineering Services (BES). The reports will list any remedial work that must be carried out, and/or at other times make recommendations.

Risk Assessment

Local lift truck assessments will be in place and task specific risk assessments will be required where hazards have been identified in the local assessment. These are to be read, understood, accepted and adhered to by all operators before using the specific lift truck.

A review of an assessment should be made following any incident, a change in the workplace layout or at least annually.

A Department “model” risk assessment, (#3104), for lift truck operations is available.