A few points we considered:

- Fit snow chains to the forklift, they slide around a lot without
- Are there any curbs other minor obstructions that may be covered by snow in the area(s) to be cleared? You don't want the snow plough "catching" anything that could throw the forklift off balance. We used google maps and made a site plan showin operatives where they could and couldn't drive. In addition specific obstructions were highlighted by coloured snow poles in advance (e.g. reversing guides etc.)
- Make sure the forklift is externally rated
- Ensure that forklift has sufficient lighting to illuminate the path ahead
- PPE for the operative (we spec our freezer gear)
- Conduct plough when no other vehicles are in the area (or off peak times if you cannot eliminate)

All the general forklift management controls required of course. Consider getting a towable salt spreader if you haven't already!

for most, a forklift truck is also a major investment so I can understand why people might want to use it.

The question that is then left to be answered is;

"how is it snowplough attachments for forklifts are manufactured, appproved and sold through reputable companies if they're not to be fitted to forklifts?

I wasn't aware we were contravening legislation in allowing FLTs to be fitted with snow ploughs, could you provide a specific reference?

Surely it's a judgement call on suitability of the equipment etc. rather than a specific ban on using a snow plough attachement (irrespective of whether or not it's use is deemed good practice)?

Ours have been used, in line with our safety management system, without issue. FLTs and attachments have been statutory inspected without bother or comment from the competent engineer.

I stand to be corrected, always learning as they say.

Cant help wonder if snow ploughs cant be fitted to FLTs how can they be fitted to lorries by local authority / Highways Agency!

I would prefer to carry the courage of my convictions and make my comments on the public forum. Unless of course it's a secret or a conspiracy! ;-)

Courage of my convictions eh Smurfy – Surely as a qualified professional you should know where to find the answers I given enough clews. Why are you being so objectionable? I've got far better things to do than waste my time playing games with the likes of you.

Mr Flibble

Can't see how CE marked and suitable are related.

The suitability of the attachment lies with the truck mnufacturer, the CE mark of the attachment lies with the attachment manufacturer.

Same as any other FT attachment but applying the ethos of PM28 - written confirmation should be sought from the manufacturer or supplier of the truck as to the suitability of any attachment to be used with the truck.

As some other posters had already said, if the FLT plough attachment is properly designed and fitted to do the job, what is the problem. We are a College and have a FLT for our construction dept, we can not afford to purchase another vehicle to clear snow so have an attachment for the FLT. It was purchased from a reputable supplier, came with all appropriate paperwork, was fitted as per instruction by a competent engineer and users have received training.

We have only had a couple of mornings where we were required to clear snow but on those occassions it has proved invaluable enabling us to clear paths etc in a fraction of the time it took in previous years using shovels and manpower. This has also reduced the need for manual handling so reducing the risk to staff.

I too would be interested to know which specific piece of legislation horner suggests I am not complying with

I'm confused

You can buy the attachments from a range of sources,
I agree that the truck is designed for lifting and not pushing in snowy conditions,
I also agree surely this is a risk based decision.

If the manufacture and insurer think it's safe (I questioned both of these parties on a previous site where this was done and they said it was OK with a proper attachment?) and a risk assessment completed (in line with the reg's quoted by the lifting expert) then....

Do we need some clear guidance from the HSE on this maybe, this is becoming more and more common with our cold winters and all we are getting is strong opinion but no solid fact based answer???

Telehandler

A question i would also ask is, has the operator of the FLT been trained to use the attachment ? Dont forget that when a FLT operator undertakes training he would only have used standard forks. If in doubt please check out HSG6 which talks about the use of attachments and the requirements

JayJay

Just a quick comment regarding snow ploughs, i both agree and disagree with some comments, dont want to say which ones!! Flt is a very generic terms and i would be worried if someone were thinking of attaching a snow plough on to a reach truck. I have been a flt instructor for approx 15 years now and have worked for a major manufacturer of these machines. We have a snow plough that we fit to one of flts in the training centre. As long as a few basics have been put into place you should be fine, but as with everything risk assess first, speak to the flt manufacturer to ascertain if the flt can be used with that attachment, the flt and attachment must be compatable, the operative must be trained, it must be in a good condition, check the appropriate swl. And if in doubt stop ...... have not heard of anyone fitting snow chains to a flt but again speak to the manufacturer before commencing anything. As always the best piece of equipment for the job is the piece that is specifically designed for that job, but as usual we all have to worry about money these days. Hope this helps.