In March 2013 the Health and Safety Executive Published “Approved Code of Practice and guidance for Rider-operated lift trucks.
ACOP – Rider-operated lift trucks – Download a free copy
This revised edition of L117 is aimed at employers and those responsible for the safe operation of lift trucks, as well as those in control of worksites, the self-employed, managers and supervisors. It includes an outline of the main legal requirements relating to lift trucks; the Approved Code of Practice text (unchanged from the previous edition) and guidance on operator training for stacking rider-operated lift trucks. It also includes the some of the guidance from HSG6 Safety in working with lift trucks (and replaces HSG6), for example, information about lift truck features; guidance on the safe use of lift trucks and how to protect pedestrians; and guidance on the maintenance and thorough examination of lift trucks.
And of most interest to BuildHealth, are Clauses 50 – 53 related to Medical Considerations
- People selected to operate lift trucks should be free from disabilities, either physical or psychological, that might pose a threat to their own health and safety or the safety of others who might be affected by them operating lift trucks.
- People with disabilities do not need to be excluded from work with lift trucks and may have developed skills which compensate for their disability. You should obtain medical advice about their suitability for the particular work they will be required to do.
- The Drivers’ Medical Unit at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)publishes At a glance: “Guide to the current medical standards of fitness to drive” At A Glance Guide – Downlaod a free copy
- For most work with lift trucks, a standard of fitness equivalent to that for the Group 1 entitlement (ordinary driving licence holders) would be appropriate.
- HSE is not prescriptive about the need for medical assessment for fitness to drive lift trucks and there is no legislation relating directly to this topic. However, you may choose to screen potential operators before placement and then follow the guidelines for Group 2 licences in At a glance which require medical examination every five years from age 45, and every year from age 65 (in line with licence renewal periods).
Fitness for operating should always be judged on a case-by-case basis.
