Posted By Paul Duell
I also believe it to be standard practice - it's what we used to do when I was a storeman.

Talk to the people and ask why they think it wouldn't be safe: I'm a bit of a cynic so my first thought is that they want a shiny new bit of kit, but the people who do the job usually know more about it than anyone else - they might know something you don't!

Posted By Eddie Campbell
I’m sure that your FLT supplier would tell you this as it will undoubtedly still be the case in many premises. This method of access was a widely accepted practice in days gone by.

However, what your FLT supplier may not have mentioned is that `the times they are a changing` and there are now some safeguards and procedures that you must put in place to ensure that your folks are working safely.

What you would seem to be proposing is the use of a `non integrated working platform` on a forklift.

This mode of access is not so common as it once was and this may or may not be due to the requirements contained in the guidance published in the HSE document PM28 (3rd Edition) Issued 2005.

Here's a link to get you there:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/pm28.pdf

This will give you information on the procedures, equipment, safety related issues and training that will be required to help with your risk assessment and the decison making process.

HTH

Eddie

Posted By Eddie Campbell
Stephen

I have obviously read something in to your original question that wasn't there in the first place!

You are quite correct in stating that f you are not using the forklift to raise people then the link I have sent is of no use to you other than academic interest.

Now I'm I'm not sure what the problem is with your chaps being wary of using the forklift for a generic forklift work activity. As others have noted this is a common everyday activity in yards and stores etc.

Perhaps taking them in and carrying out a risk assessment exercise with them may allay what fears they may have.

Regards

Eddie

Posted By Darren (Daz) Fraser
As an alternative, if the order is sufficiently large enough, could you not load the pallet directly into the Transit, thereby eliminating manual handling altogether? you could adjust the price of the order to cover the cost of the pallet if not returned etc.

As previously mentioned talk to the people involved to discover their concerns, highlighting that whilst there could be a leak from a hose, the chances of it happening is low (if the FLT is maintained and serviced regularly by a qualified and competent person), and the issue of the forks lowering onto their feet would be the same with a high lift manual truck.

One of the safeguards / control measures you could put in place regarding the use of the FLT is that the key is removed and the driver assists with the loading of the boxes.

There may be some concern regarding the safety of persons in the vicinity of traffic movement, but I expect you have already conducted a RA and have suitable controls (if any identified) in place.

Not being aware of your environment and working area, but there are platforms on the market, that auto adjust in height as weight is removed thereby maintaining a consistent height once setup and adjusted. These are mainly used in production packing areas, and would not be suitable, as far as I am aware for external use (if that is your situation).