Report on fork lift truck safety conference

The FLTA's annual safety conference was highly successful and covered a wide variety of topics thanks to the speakers from industry and the HSE.

"It's little wonder that end users need help and advice," said FLTA chairman Richard Baxter when outlining the breadth, depth and variety of issues facing anyone who owns or operates a fork lift truck.

He was introducing the Association's annual Safety Conference, held this year at Warwick University in September.

The event, he said, represented a "practical solution to real end users' problems, set up at the request of real end users _ to answer a clear and pressing need expressed by real end users".

In a well-rounded programme tackling the issues of greatest current concern, authoritative speakers gave presentations on the following subjects.

Site Surveys Jungheinrich (UK) stressed that a thorough survey of the workplace had to be considered as the first step towards safety.

Without a proper understanding of the truck's operating environment and duties, users cannot fully appreciate the risks involved.

A thorough survey makes it possible to decide what equipment should be chosen and what safety practices should be employed to avoid or minimise the risks identified.

Reversing Safely Statistics in a recent HSE report on common lift truck accidents included the fact that 43 per cent of the serious incidents in which people were struck by counterbalance trucks involved reversing.

As Brigade Electronics pointed out, today's electric fork lift trucks present particular dangers, as they are so quiet, but even the approach of an IC engine truck can go unnoticed amid the conflicting noises of a busy workplace.

In either case, the driver's rear vision is often restricted.

What the unseen and unwary pedestrian needs is a clear audible warning.

Brigade introduced delegates to the concept of broadband - or multi-frequency - sound.

This tells pedestrians instantly and unambiguously the accurate location of the alarm's source.

What's more, the sound is confined to the hazard zone and is less intrusive for workers and neighbours than that of a traditional alarm.

Working Safely with Battery Power CMP Batteries explained the risks that come with electrical power and advised on best practice.

The electricity itself - whether AC or DC - and the associated mains supply present certain dangers.

Other risks arise from manual handling of large batteries - with plenty of scope for back strains and finger trapping, for instance.

Then there are hazards relating to chemicals within, produced by or stored for use in the battery.

Leak prevention and treatment, careful disposal, ventilation, monitoring of emissions, and storage of related substances and equipment were all considered, along with provision of safe areas for battery charging and maintenance.

The Safe Storage and Use of LPG Principles of good practice in storage and use of LPG were outlined by Calor Gas, with examples of their application.

A discussion of fire precautions covered the different classes of fire, the suitability of fire extinguishers and general preventative measures.

The need for appropriate personal protective equipment was highlighted, along with advice on LPG-related first-aid treatment.

Calor also took time to point out the key commercial and safety-related benefits of LP gas trucks, as well as new developments.

A recent change in the LP Gas Association Codes of Practice has opened up new opportunities, while telemetry and the use of fixed fuel tanks on trucks are among the latest advances on offer.

Thorough Examination David Ellison, Chief Executive of the FLTA, explained what Thorough Examination involves, what it requires of the end user, how the new accredited scheme helps and what progress has been made so far.

Crucially, every fork lift in service needs to go through a Thorough Examination at least once a year _ and the legal responsibility for ensuring that it has a valid Report of Thorough Examination lies with the end user, whether the truck is owned, leased or hired.

Brought to the market by the FLTA and BITA, working together under the banner of CFTS (Consolidated Fork Truck Services), the new scheme's certification can only be used by accredited companies - who are bound by its strict standards.

New Rules for the Use of Working Platforms Gil Male of the HSE explained why there is a need for HSE Guidance Note PM 28 - Working Platforms on Forklift Trucks - and why it is being revised.

He did this with reference to accident statistics and research into the ways in which fork lifts and other types of mobile equipment are being used to help people work at heights.

He covered the implications of current legislation on lifting of people in relation to design, selection and use of platforms.

He outlined changes in the new document, which will give guidance on the law and on the actual use of such equipment, and stressed that CE marking of temporary platforms is no longer appropriate.

Delegates were left with a much better understanding of what is and what is not acceptable.

Working in Explosive Atmospheres Pyroban Group took the audience through the special considerations necessary when working in explosive atmospheres - a situation more common and more complicated than people might think.

As well as fuels and inflammable gases, there are many other explosive hazards.

These were noted, along with the regulations applying to them and the practical steps that can be taken to minimise their danger.

Pyroban also outlined regulations concerning exhaust emissions and presented solutions.

These included a variety of catalytic and particulate filters designed to combat eye irritation, drowsiness, nausea, respiratory problems - and worse - in workers, and prevent contamination of products.

Commenting on the success of the conference, FLTA chief executive David Ellison said: "With the information they have gained here, delegates will be able to start implementing improved safety measures as soon as they return to their workplaces.

"At the same time, the presentations and the delegates' reactions have raised further questions.

"As always, we are committed to tackling every key safety issue head-on, and what we have discussed today will help to shape our work over the coming months".

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