Posted By clairel Depends on the circustances. If everyone is trained to operate a FLT and it is only kept inside then fair enough leave the keys in. But chances are you have people who are not trained to operate the FLT and therefore leaving the keys in the FLT promotes unauthorised use. An HSE inspector will nearly always check to see if keys are left in the ignition - if that's any help.

Posted By A Campbell An alternative method would be to have a security key pad installed, then no key would be needed.

Posted By Melanie Fellows We have the same problem, our FLT's are used by different people throughout the day and night, on a "hop on if it's free" basis. Because of this, the keys are always left in the ignition. All of our operatives are trained to drive FLT's, so there is no risk from that area (unless the receptionist decides to go for a joy ride). I thought that dealt with the matter, but I'm still told that we should remove the keys - just in case a member of the public trespasses onto our grounds and tries to operate one. Mel

Posted By Melanie Fellows Crikey, you have got problems if it's your managers doing it. You do right to insist on key removal. Good luck, Mel

Posted By Glyn Atkinson I may have mentioned this in a previous thread - in a past employment, the stores department allowed access to a FLT against company H&S procedures solidly in place, and there was a serious accident that left an employee off work until told to retire early through ill health. The unauthorised driver drove over the injured party twice when he panicked at the controls. The HSE were fully involved and interviewed the driver and his manager under oath. Result - a major payout from company's insurers. Advice - control use of all FLT's at all costs, including the control of ignition keys !

Posted By TonyB Hi all, This is one of those rare occasions when everybody agrees! I to agree. When I was an inspector I always looked to see if the keys had been left in the FLT and if they were the matter was always discussed. The legal references above are spot on. One comment regarding the last comment regarding copyright and HSE publications. The HSE is very relaxed regarding its copyright. They state that it's copyrighted material can be used for non-profit health and safety purposes as long as it is clear referenced. In fact they often give a blanket permission to training company's to use any copyrighted material in training courses. The only thing they don't want is people using it just to make money. So its not a breach of the copyright terms and conditions to post extracts on this forum, as long as they are referenced back to the HSE. (Sorry if this is off the point). All the best, TonyB.

Posted By Phil Rose Tony thanks, you're right about copyright (me being too cautious) so here it is in all it's glory and without my grammatical errors! "..issue keys or other activating devices for lift trucks to authorised operators only, who should retain them until the end of the work period; "on completion of work, park the lift truck in the designated parking area with the fork arms lowered to the ground and clear of walkways, with the parking brake applied and engine switched off. Shut off the power on battery-powered trucks. Turn off the gas on gas-powered lift trucks. Return keys or other activating devices to their place of safe keeping;" Source HSE - Para 71 HS(G)6 Operation of Forklift Trucks

Posted By J Ridley If it is part of your 'safe systems of work' e.g. work instruction, then it would fall under Section 2 of the H&S at Work Act and should be included within your risk assessment process under the Management of H&S at Work Regs. You may want to include the law of tort in your consiuderations in that you must not act 'negligently' or in 'breach of statutory duty'. I am sure that your employers/public liability insurers would be 'interested' to know that the keys were being left in the vehicles i.e. increases in insurance premiums. Accidents can be very costly with the Governments Compensation Recovery Unit recovering the costs of statutory sick pay and the NHS recovering their cost from the employer for 'accidents at work'. These costs can be mind-blowing as I have found out so be very aware. I hope it helps buddy John