Posted By Andrew J. Boyle
Hi All,

I am looking for a FLT to use in our warehouse area, but it does need to traverse a steep hill outside our warehouse to get access to the lower part of our site.

I know there is three main types of FLT, battery, gas or diesel.

I have been told that we cannot use battery as the hill is too steep for battery. (Don't misunderstand me, the hill is steep for a FLT, but not dangerously steep)

So I am down to Gas or Diesel, does anyone have any evidence which is safer to run in a warehouse with closed doors.

I have been told Diesel with a filter on the exhaust is safer? but does anyone have any evidence or advice on which to use.

Posted By Paul Darby
Within the company that I work for we operate over 300 FLT's inside warehouses, and we do not own a diesel truck.

I am sure that if you go down the diesel route you will have issues with exhaust fumes in the building. Where I have been involved with diesel trucks in the past working in buildings I have always had complaints.

An LPG truck will cope with the slope, however it is more the risk of the slope that you should be concerened about.

In my experience FLT and slopes do not mix well. You will need a specific Risk Assessment relating to the use of the FLT on the slope, and I would seriously consider strongly enforcing the wearing of the seat belt and specific driver trining on how to handle the FLT safely on the slope.