Posted By Karen Todd No mandatory requirements exist at the present time for goods vehicle drivers to hold certificates of competence to operate lorry-mounted cranes. However, under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 employers have a statutory duty to provide adequate instruction and safety training for all employees. A voluntary certification scheme is run by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to improve safety on construction sites. This scheme is strongly supported by the construction industry which may refuse entry to its own sites to non-certified lorry drivers. Mainly, the Board's scheme is concerned with ensuring a sound understanding of safety procedures for the use of a wide range of equipment, including lorry-mounted cranes and skip loaders. Under the scheme, the Board provided certification of existing lorry-loader and skip-loader operators who could show by means of employer confirmation that they were experienced in the use of such equipment. Existing operatives prior to June 1993 who could produce the employer declaration could obtain the Board's safety certificate for lorry-mounted operation under a grandfather rights arrangement. A similar arrangement applied to skip-loaders until the end of 1994. Newcomers seeking first-time certification and drivers renewing grandfather rights certificates have to undergo (re-) training and site-based assessment to show that they can operate such equipment with complete safety. CITB Safety certificates are renewable at five-yearly intervals. Another scheme is run my the Contractors' Mechanical Plant Engineers (CMPE), although this requires no specific training, certification being based solely on employers' references. Training is also provided by most member firms of the Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers (ALLMI). Additionally, the Association itself publishes a Code of Practice for Safe Application and Use of Lorry Loaders (£20?), and is currently preparing a training programme. Details are available from the Association at 14 Manor Close, Droitwich, Worcestershire WR9 8HG (tel 01905 770892 or 01905 451040). Other organisations providing suitable lorry-loader training include the Freight Transport Association, Centrex (previously the RTITB) and a number of commercial training firms. Karen