You are almost implying that you need training in actual snow conditions! Whereas that is ideal, it is not realistic. Would it not be a better control measure if the route used by the FLT with attachment route is first gritted/cleared such that the slip risk is reduced. I doubt it can be eliminated completely. Secondly, it is my understanding that the centre of gravity for the snow-plough attachment is such that the FLT is unlikely to topple, but there will be some skidding/slipping. Have you not got any information from the snow plough attachment supplier??

I've spent hours researching gudiance and dissapointingly speaking to suppliers, no one can provide any firm information regarding what is deemed "suitable" training (whether a specific RTITB license is required, or if there is a course). Supplies just go back to the get out clause "complete a risk assessment", which is fine, but there has to be some science behind why we have the control measures in place, and it is forseeable that operating a counterbalance in snow would increase the risk of slipping / sliding which could lead to collision with property etc and result in injury to the operator, therefore surely we cannot go ahead untill training is provided / guidance sought? (and the training / guidance has some science behind it). The ideal situation would be for the RTITB (or other accredited body) to support the use of snow plough attachements (and offer a course in the safe use of the attachement and the counterbalance in such circumstances.) The idea of the snow plough would be to clear the snow from HGv traffic routes and pedestrian walkways, therefore if it were to be used for the purpose intended it would defeat the object of require the path of the lift truck to be gritted first. Of course external areas are checked daily and if pot holes are identified they are filled. It was just an example of, during heavy snow for a prolonged period, in a large open space with hundreds of meters of traffic routes, a single pot hole could be missed. Additionally if, like last year our warehouses in northern England and Scotland recieve heavy snow for days / weeks it would get to a point where you cannot distingusihes between traffic route and pavement, which would also be a toppling hazard. The answer would be to not use the counterbalance in such extreme weather conditions, but this would defeat the point of having them in the first palce (to ensure our warehosue can continue to operate 24/7). It would be interesting to get other large organisations point of view regarding snow plough attachements, as I know they are in use and quite common throughout the UK!

Jake I have used these so called FLT ploughs before and have found them less than useful. CBTs simply do not have the traction, in many situations and you end up sitting and spinning in anything deeper than a six inch build up! Buy a handy wee kubota with a plough on the front and a gritter on the back and you will be set for winter, as well as it coming in handy at many times of the year for grounds maintenance etc