Good morning,

We are currently reviewing and updating our Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work relating to the use of vehicle tail lifts, which are mainly of the column type.

A specific question which has arisen as part of this, is the best (safest) position for the driver to be when stowing the tail lift. This in essence involves lifting it (with torsion bar assistance) from the horizontal (lowered) position to the vertical (closed) position.

For many years we have taken the view that the driver should stand to one side of the tail lift platform, when lowering and stowing the platform.
This is on the basis that in both instances they will be away from the potential 'danger' area should the platform fall during this process as a result of the driver losing their grip on the platform or the torsion bars failing.
However, a very small number of our drivers at one specific site have said that they believe that when stowing the tail lift, they should release the anti tilt lock and then get squarely behind the tail lift platform and raise it to the vertical using two hands as a means of reducing the likelihood of a manual handling related injury. A valid point in some respects, but as they will then be facing the rear of the vehicle. they may then not see any vehicles which unknown to them may be coming towards them.
The other thought on this would be that there should be no manual handling related issues if the driver is stood to one side of the platform, if the torsion bars are kept correctly adjusted, they should remove significant manual effort.
If the driver loses their grip whilst stood to one side, no injury is likely to result as they are clear of the platform.

So - stand to the rear left side, release the anti tilt lock and raise the tail lift one handed (with torsion bar assistance)? OR release the anti tilt mechanism, move to the rear of the platform, use both hands and raise to the closed position?

From our drivers perspective, there appears to be around 90% agreement that its best to stand to one side, but obviously we need to consult and take account of any variances.

All input gratefully received.

Thanks.

Mike