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22 Edition Date: 10 Feb 2011 Page 1 of 8

Health and Safety Services. 10 February 2011

Operation of Fork Lift Trucks

Procedure

1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Procedure is to define the rules for the safe operation of
Forklift trucks within the University.

2. SCOPE
These rules apply to all rider-type forklift trucks operated on University
campuses.

3. DEFINITIONS
Forklift trucks This procedure concerns rider-type forklift trucks.
(FLT)

Qualified Someone who has been trained and recognised by the

Instructor Road Transport Industry Training Board, RTITB, as an
approved instructor in the use and operation of mobile
equipment, namely counterbalance and reach trucks.

Authority to This is the form whereby a manager formally gives an

Drive employee the permission to drive and operate mobile
equipment. The form contains training and license
information, evidence that a medical examination has
taken place, expiry date and the manager’s signature.
Form is shown at the end of this procedure.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1. The Vice Chancellor
On behalf of the Council the Vice-Chancellor has executive responsibility to
ensure, that the requirements of the health and safety legislation and the
University health and safety policy are complied with. The Vice-Chancellor
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Health and Safety Services. 10 February 2011

will ensure that responsibility for health and safety is properly assigned and
accepted at all levels within the University.
4.2. Deans, Directors, Heads of Schools and Departments and Research
Institute Directors, Managers who are responsible for ensuring that all
forklift truck operations are managed in accordance with this procedure.

5. PROCEDURE
5.1. Drivers
5.1.1. Medical Certification
A medical examination must be arranged with Occupational Health
Department for each prospective Truck driver before training
commences, and every 3 years thereafter.
A driver must be certified fit to drive and authorised by the
Occupational Health Department.
The Occupational Health Department will indicate on the report any
special conditions applicable to an individual driver.
Medical must be completed within 3 months of the current expiry
date otherwise the candidate will not be considered authorised to
drive,
Authority to Drive records will be held by the department and any
special conditions monitored where appropriate.

5.1.2. TRUCK TRAINING

The training of drivers should be carried out by a qualified instructor
and always include three stages;
 basic training - the basic skills and knowledge required for
safe operation (course duration typically 5 days)
 specific job training - knowledge of workplace and experience
of any special needs and handling attachments (these stages
may be combined but should always be off the job)
 familiarisation training – driver on-the-job under close
supervision

Further Training: Managers should periodically reassess all drivers

to ensure that they continue to operate lift trucks safely and to
identify a need for refresher training, particularly for those drivers
who have not used trucks for some time or for those who only use
them occasionally.
It is essential that supervisors of drivers, even if they don’t drive
trucks themselves, have sufficient training to recognise unsafe
practices. Training records, detailing the nature and content of the
training and testing should be kept for each driver.
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Health and Safety Services. 10 February 2011

5.1.3. Authority to Drive.

5.1.4. The Authority To Drive form must be signed and dated by the
individual’s manager.
Personnel should not be allowed to operate a FLT without a written
authorisation. The authorisation should relate to a specific type of
FLT and the work for which the employee has been trained. The keys
should be removed from the FLT when not in use and kept in a safe
place to prevent unauthorised use.
Authority to Drive forms will be held by the department and any
special conditions monitored where appropriate.

5.2. Equipment
5.2.1. Forklift truck SWL and associated equipment
 Every forklift truck must have a safe working load (SWL) rating
plate. This must:
 be firmly fixed to the forklift truck
 be visible and legible
 provide all the information required by the applicable
standards and included details of any modifications and
additions made over time
 If a forklift truck is fitted with safety equipment (seat belt, flashing
light, reversing alarm, shock detectors, etc.) these must be in
good working order and must be used by the operator.
 The forklift truck must be fitted with a battery retention device
preventing the battery from falling out should the forklift truck
overturn.

5.2.2. Regulation Checks, Inspections and Maintenance of

forklift trucks
 Before use, the forklift truck must be subject to a visual and
operational check using the pre-work checklist.
 The pre-work checklist must be completed and signed-off by the
first person using the vehicle on a particular day.
 All problems must be recorded on the pre-work checklist
 The specific issue must be recorded on the reverse of the pre-
work checklist
 When the pre-work check has been completed the card is placed
into its holder
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Health and Safety Services. 10 February 2011

 If a ‘serious’ problem is detected, i.e. damaged forks, pins or

overhead guard, faulty horn or hand or foot brake, the forklift
truck must not be used
 It is the manager’s responsibility to ensure that problems noted
during the pre-work check are scheduled for repair and that
serious problems are repaired before the truck is used again.
 Pre-Work inspection cards must be retained and kept for a period
of one year for reference and audit purposes in the event of an
incident.

5.2.3. Maintenance of forklift trucks

 Forklift trucks can only be maintained by duly trained and
authorised maintainers
 Each forklift truck will be the subject of a routine maintenance
programme
 The maintenance will be to the manufacturers’ recommendations
 The maintenance of each forklift truck must be recorded.
 More thorough weekly maintenance should be carried out on the
truck.
 There should be a thorough examination and test of the trucks on
an annual basis. A certificate should be issued by the examiner
to the effect that the truck is safe to use.

5.3. Driving
 Forklift truck drivers must apply the techniques and rules of operation
learned during training.
 When using a forklift truck, he/she must respect the environment in
which he/she is driving e.g. pedestrians, equipment, buildings, etc.
 Specifically, he or she must:
 Respect the lifting capacity of the forklift truck. Attachments such
as clamps and cages will reduce the SWL of the FLT and an
authorised dealer should be contacted for advice regarding the
reduced SWL. The operator should be given additional training on
the use of such attachments.
 Drive at a speed that will allow him/her to control and stop the
vehicle at any time.
 Know the operating and stability limits of the forklift truck.
 The use of a forklift truck as an elevating platform for personnel is
prohibited except where this is an option included by the
manufacturer that has been officially approved.
 Never carry a passenger on a forklift truck.
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 Travel with the load in the lower position with the mast inclined to
the rear. When circulating without a load it is imperative that the
forks are kept in the lower position, 20 to 30 cm from the ground.
 Travel in reverse gear only when strictly necessary and only if
visibility in forward gear is insufficient, or when carrying a load down
a slope.
 Slow down and if necessary use an audible warning device when
approaching a junction or intersection and where visibility is poor.
 Stop at each and every stop sign. Ensure that the way is clear and
sound the horn before setting off again.
 Park the forklift truck only in the designated places.
 When stopped, the forklift truck operator must ensure that:
 the forks are kept on the ground,
 the parking brake is on
 the ignition key is removed
 Wear personal protective equipment suitable for the work being
carried.
 Drivers are advised to wear their seat belt (this rule does not apply
to forklift trucks with retractable masts or equipped with another
restraint system).
 The use of computer, audio, telephone equipment, etc. and the
reading of documents are prohibited when the forklift truck is
moving, regardless of the speed.
 The operation of a forklift truck while under the influence of alcohol
or drugs is strictly prohibited.
 The keys to the truck should be kept in a secure place when the
equipment is not in use. Keys should be issued to authorised
operators only and be retained by such persons until the end of the
work period, when they should be returned to the manager
responsible for the operation.

5.4. Operating Area

Layout and maintenance of operating areas for forklift trucks are
important in ensuring safe operation. The following points are relevant:
 Floors and roadways should be of adequate load-bearing capacity as
well as being smooth-surfaced and level.
 Ramps should be installed to prevent displacement of the load at
gutters, changes in floor level, etc.
 Gradients should never exceed 10% and there should be a smooth
gradual change of gradient at the bottom and top of the slope.
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 Aisles should be of adequate width and overhead clearance to facilitate

turning and safe movement, and should be kept clear at all times.
 Lighting should be adequate with a minimum overall luminance level of
100 Lux.
 Adequate general vehicle parking facilities should be provided away
from the main operating areas and preferably in a secure compound

5.5. Use of forklift trucks by subcontractors

 loan of a forklift truck to a contractor is prohibited
 If a subcontractor must use his own forklift truck:
 the contractor shall strictly apply the requirements of this procedure.
 the contractor must be able to show the existence of documents
relating to the training of the operators and the conformity of the
forklift trucks used.

6. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
The Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order (1978)
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
L117: Rider Operated Lift Trucks - Operator Training - Approved Code of
Practice and Guidance
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Health and Safety Services. 10 February 2011

FORKLIFT TRUCK DRIVER

AUTHORITY TO DRIVE
NAME:
DEPARTMENT:
CAMPUS:
MANAGER
BASIC TRAINING
MODULE
DATE COMPLETED:
TRAINER:
LICENCES HELD:
ATTACHMENTS

MEDICAL AUTHORISATION:
THIS CANDIDATE IS CONSIDERED MEDICALLY FIT TO OPERATE A
FORKLIFT LIFT TRUCK
ANY SPECIAL
CONDITIONS
SIGNED: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
DEPARTMENT
DATE:
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Health and Safety Services. 10 February 2011

DAILY INSPECTION CHECKLIST

FLT NUMBER: WEEK COMMENCING:
Mon Tues Wed THUR FRI SAT SUN
Check Fork Arms / Pins / Overhead Guard / Horn / Footbrake / Handbrake

IF FLT FAILS ANY OF THE ABOVE CHECKS – DO NOT OPERATE

Check Lift / Lower / Tilt / Reach / Cylinder Condition / Attachments

Check Forward / Reverse Direction Control Lever

Check Chain / Pulleys / Backrest extension / Carriage Plate / Mast rollers / Slides

Check Mast Channels / Chain / Cylinders and Mast Extended

Check Steering / Seat Switch / Footplate / Emergency Stop / Dials / Lights

Check Oils Leaks / Tyres / Wheels / Seat / Seat Belt / Bodywork

Check battery / Cover / Connections / Filler Caps / Charger

Check battery lifting hoist / Hoist Clips / Sling / Hooks / Controls (if applicable)

UNDERLINE FAULTY PARTS

RECORD ON THE REVERSE OF THIS CARD