Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS) reports a stream of
queries from fork lift truck users who are looking for
guidance on the use of working platforms.Chas Day,
technical manager comments

Leading fork lift truck industry figures
have raised concerns that confusion
surrounding working platforms may
lead British businesses to fall foul of the law.

Fork lift trucks are designed to lift
materials – not people.Working platforms,
or man-up cages, allow personnel to work at
height. Despite their simple design and
deployment, it’s crucial to remember that
working at height is a high-risk activity.

The laws governing the use of fork lift
trucks state that any machine over 12
months old must hold a current Report of
Thorough Examination. On top of this,
LOLER Regulation 9 sets out that lifting
equipment used for the lifting of people,
including fork lift trucks and working
platforms used for working at height, must
be thoroughly examined by a Competent
Person at least once every six months.

Companies accredited to the CFTS
Thorough Examination Scheme benefit from
the trade body’s expert technical and
legislative advice on the complex issues
affecting the use of integrated and nonintegrated
working platforms. LOLER,
PUWER, the EU Machinery Directive and
the Health and Safety at Work Act each
include regulations on the use of these vital
pieces of equipment.

Vigilance during inspections is
paramount. From the truck’s data plate to its
safety harness, a ‘Competent Person’ should
thoroughly inspect your working platform to
ensure compliance with the law.

The onus is on the user to choose and
maintain appropriate equipment to carry out
operations safely.We are concerned with the
Thorough Examination of the fork lift truck
and working platform combination as well
as the individual attachment.

Developed in co-operation with the HSE,
CFTS Thorough Examinations are designed
to address the special needs of fork lift
trucks. The scheme was established through
collaboration between the British Industrial
Truck Association and the Fork Lift Truck
Association.