Again as above I know the thread started a while ago but I have just updated our RA on this as the original was carried out by someone who had no knowledge of FLT use and the people doing the job were not consulted. I am an RTITB approved instructor and have a lot of years experience in loading/unloading of various types of trailers. In my experience a curtian sided trailer with all straps fastened can be as solid as a solid side trailer. If people are trained and assessed in how to actually load and unload and take the right lines in and out of the trailer on a loading bay they should never actually go that close to the sides. We allow counterbalance FLT's to load curtain sided trailers and over the last three years have had zero near misses or accidents, obviously I would not be so bold as to say that it could never happen but in my opinion the potential with the training we give is very low.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/411093/safetyloadsonvehicles.pdf

16.3 Unless they are purposely designed for a specific load, the curtains of curtain-sided vehicles MUST NOT be considered as part of any load restraint system. They are provided to contain rather than to restrain the load and should be considered as weather protection only. If the curtains have been designed as a restraint system then the load capability should be clearly marked, if no mark can be seen then it should be assumed that the curtains have no load bearing function. Similarly, where vertical inner curtains are fitted and they are not purposely designed for a specific load, they also MUST NOT be considered as part of the load restraining system. They should be considered purely as a means of containing any small, loose items that may have become dislodged during the journey.

Hi, Just to clarify, we do not use the curtain as a restraint we train and assess loaders to use a tried and tested loading method which basically means that they are never within approx 6inch (150mm) of the side of the trailer, the same as with a solid trailer. In theory there could be no curtain and a flatbed trailer could be loaded in the same way although not advised. In nearly 30 years of loading and unloading myself and then as a H&S officer and RTITB trainer I have not seen a counterbalance FLT go off the side of a trailer or come across any near misses which may lead to it. I am not saying that it couldn't happen, it could with any type of loading MHE, but I do believe we have, through trianing and job familiarisation reduced the risk of it happening to minimal levels.

MickD you can PM me if you want something mailing over although I am on holiday after today so probably won't get it to you until Mid June.

I would like to offer a possible solution, a fairly standard FLT is a heavy beasty, however a powered lift truck (with the operator walking behind it) is a lot lighter.  So employ this to unload trailers and flatbeds and then let the larger FLT move the goods in the warehouse.  I've seen this approach in other warehouses.  

As for the percieved risk of trailers and flatbeds being driven away whilst being unloaded, perhaps you could simply talk to the drivers of your deliveries and come to an arrangement? 

Originally Posted by: Kim Hedges

I would like to offer a possible solution, a fairly standard FLT is a heavy beasty, however a powered lift truck (with the operator walking behind it) is a lot lighter.  So employ this to unload trailers and flatbeds and then let the larger FLT move the goods in the warehouse.  I've seen this approach in other warehouses.  

As for the percieved risk of trailers and flatbeds being driven away whilst being unloaded, perhaps you could simply talk to the drivers of your deliveries and come to an arrangement? 

Thanks Kim

I've considered the powered lift trucks/walk alongs and feel they are more of a risk should they go through a curtain as the operator has no safety cage or seatbelt, and human nature being what it is, I think most people would keep hold of the handles to try and regain control and get pulled off the side.