Posted By Raj A typical incident was encountered at a work site. They used a forklift to lift and move another forklift from one level to another. Of course this is a wrong practice, but the usual question "Tell me Why" crops up. Please advise and tell me the regulation if any that governs operations like this. Thanks and warm regards raj

Posted By Raj Well, it was within the SWL of the lifting device. raj

Posted By Merv Newman Hang on. This reminds me of the photo from the Philippines a couple of years ago. As I remember there was, in addition to the two drivers, someone standing on the back of the raised truck, probably acting as a counterweight. I think the foreman was supervising from a position almost under the truck. More smartly dressed managers were supervising from delivery level. Photo available on application by e-mail I also have a photo, poorer quality, of a fork lift raising a scissor lift which is extended to full possible height. I think the passenger is visible well away from the lift, at the very edge of an unprotected sloped roof. Only (?) in America. Merv

Posted By David Whaley I could be missing something here. Are you lift the truck from one level to another, i.e. from ground to first floor to work independent at a different level. Or are you lifting one truck with another to achieve a greater lift height? If it's the former, I don't see a problem providing the lift is carried out by competent persons and is within the capacity of the truck carrying out the lift. It's only a load. If it's the latter you have major problems. Stability being one, lifting a person (the driver) in a non-approved cage. I could go but it is a definate no-no. David

Posted By Paul Oliver Any lifting operation should be properly planned in accordance with LOLER. An appointed person should produce a lifting plan that thoroughly assesses the lift along with any ancillary equipment that may be required. To say that you shouldn't lift an FLT with another FLT is completely wrong. Plan the lift correctly using suitably qualified personnel in accordance with LOLER. If you do not have suitably qualified personnel to undertake this task, then outsource it. Paul ;-)

Posted By Merv Newman Raj, I do not respond to "me toos" on this site. Only a direct e-mail request will get a reply. Click on my name above and you will get the link. Merv

Posted By Eddie Campbell A real life example might help. Working an environmentally sensitive site one of the 16 tonnes capacity FLTs burst a sump on a rock. It was the middle of winter and the temperature was minus 5C. The mechanics workshop was 1 mile away and the most efficient method of transportation was to send one of the 50 tonnes capacity FLTs to recover the smaller machine. The operator applied a spill kit to the under side of the sump and carried the machine back to the workshop where repairs could be made. The job was carried out by operators with prior experience who had participated in the formulation of the emergency recovery procedures, method statements and risk assessments. The total weight of the 16 tonnes capacity machine was well within the capabilities of the 50 tonnes capacity machine. Recovery job done and repairs carried out in the heated comfort of the workshop. As long as controls and procedures are in place then this is an acceptable procedure. Without controls and procedures this would not be an acceptable procedure.

Posted By Eddie Campbell A drive on recovery truck with a suitably powerful loading winch would have been a good alternative but none were available in the area with the line pull required to haul a 16 tonnes capacity FLT. The towing option was ruled out due to the lack of power assistance to the steering cylinders. On a FLT of this size it is just about impossible to steer without hydraulic assistance.