Afternoon all. A query for the FLT instructors out there. We are looking for a best practice solution for using a FLT to safely loading transit type vans with pallets of boxes. We do this in relatively small numbers, up to ten a week and often need to load two pallets onto the same van, currently done by loading one from the side and the other from the back. Does anyone have a written safe system of work they can share for this or any practical advice we can share with our drivers?

I'm concerned about damage to the van from the truck and to the van driver if he gets too close. Someone here has suggested that we could hand load the trucks instead but I'm concerned about the manual handling aspects of this and would prefer to avoid it if possible.

Any advice is welcome.

Can't argue with Bigmac's response, look at 3.5 ton flatbeds with/out tail lifts? They're good and not currently bound by the new London Lorry Scheme.

I would add... keep the van driver away from the loading area. Send him/her for a cuppa whilst loading.

Simples!

Find a suitable loading place for the transit . Mark the area out and install buffers to the ground so when the transit is parked in its correct place the fork truck can not hit it.