Hazardous Substances
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, assessments must be made of the risks involved with handling, storing and using substances that are hazardous to health. Examples of such activity could include electric truck battery maintenance and charging, and the storage of spare LPG bottles. Further information is given in: L25 - Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations, and HSE Guidance Note CS4 The Keeping of LPG in Cylinders and Similar Containers. When operating a truck in a potentially flammable or explosive environment, it must be protected according to the nature of the risk. Specialist guidance on methods of protection must be sought. The ATEX Directive will become fully effective from 30th June 2003.

Driving On The Public Highway
If a lift truck is used on the public highway it must be registered, taxed and comply with relevant road vehicle lighting regulations. IC engined lift trucks are classified as "Works Trucks" and are taxed higher than electric powered lift trucks which are classified as "Special Concessionary Vehicles". The minimum insurance required must cover third party risks. No MOT certificate is required for the lift truck but it must be safe and fully serviceable. When driving a lift truck on the public highway, the driver must hold a current Department of Transport Category B Driving Licence. Further information can be obtained from DVLA, Swansea or Local Vehicle Licencing Offices.

Useful References
The following notes are not meant to be a definitive statement of the legal position. Attention is drawn to U.K. Statutory Instruments, Health and Safety Executive Regulations and Guidance that cover these subjects in detail. Four general booklets that will be of interest are available from HSE Books and titled:
HS(G)6 Safety in Working with Lift Trucks
HS(G)76 Health and Safety in Retail and Wholesale Premises
L22 Safe Use of Work Equipment, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
L113 Safe Use of Lifting Equipment, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations: 1998, LOLER
Thorough Examinations One requirement of these regulations is that all items of lifting equipment must be subject to Thorough Examination to detect any safety related deterioration. The frequency is set by the Competent Person who carries out the Thorough Examination depending on the operational usage, specification and environment. The maximum length of time between Thorough Examinations is 6 months for "man up" machines (such as elevating cab order pickers), and lifting accessories (such as personnel cages, battery lifting beams), and 12 months for conventional lift trucks. With regard to used equipment, a copy of the current Thorough Examinations Report must be provided when you take delivery of your lift truck. Thorough Examinations are also required following exceptional circumstances such as an accident or dangerous occurrence, following a significant change in conditions of use or following a long period out of commission.

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations: 1998, PUWER
All lift trucks supplied since 5th December 1998 must have Falling Object Protection, (FOPS), i.e. Overhead Guard, and Roll Over Protection, (ROPS). The Health and Safety Executive accept that in the vast majority of cases the lift truck mast acts to prevent roll over of more than 90º. There is also a requirement for lift trucks most at risk from roll over, i.e. centre control, forward facing operator, counterbalance trucks up to 10t capacity, to be fitted with an Operator Restraint.

Rating Plate
All lift trucks must be fitted with a rating plate that clearly shows the safe working load at relevant load centres and lift heights, and reflects the actual specification of the truck, upright height, attachment type, fork length, etc. If any of these features are changed, a new rating plate must be obtained showing the revised specification and safe working load. The rating plate, instruction decals and Owner & Operators guide must all be legible and written in English. If the truck supplied was manufactured between 1989 and 1996, its should bear an "E" mark. If it was manufactured after 1996, it should bear a "CE" mark.

Operator Training
As a minimum, all employers are obliged, under Regulation 9 of PUWER, to provide basic training to Lift Truck Operators. If more than one type of lift truck is used on the premises, i.e. reach and counterbalance, then basic training on both types of lift truck must be given. Documentary proof of satisfactory completion of training, and the employer's authorisation to operate the lift truck must be held.

Maintenance Of Equipment
Employers are obliged, under Regulation 5 of PUWER, to ensure that all work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. To discharge this responsibility, employers should ensure that the Maintenance Contractor selected has full Manufacturer’s back up and complies with the requirements of the Special Waste Regulations 1996 for the safe and environmental handling and disposal of waste generated, i.e. oils, filters, spark plugs, contaminated rags, tyres, etc.