Approved Code of Practice for Fork Lift Truck Operators

The Approved Code Of Practice, pictured left, was first published in April 1989 and was the first real attempt at "legalising" the training of Fork Lift Operators in the U.K. Training had existed as far back as 1972 when the so called "Red Book" was published by the Road Transport Industry Training Board. This contained a whole host of information to enable Instructors to train and test, lift truck operators effectively. At the same time the National Register of fork lift operator Instructors was set up by the RTITB. (Note: From April 2006 there is also a national register of fork lift operators. NORS).

Whilst many companies did carry out such training, others were under the impression that they did not have to although the need for this type of training has been stated in legislation since 1974. The publication of this ACOP had a dramatic affect on training in the U.K. since for the first time a quasi legal document existed which could be used in court as proof that a person/company was in contravention of the Health and Safety At Work Act and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, (PUWER).

The ACOP also brought home for the first time the concept of three stages of training which to this day are still defined as follows:

• Basic Training – A training course followed by a test
• Specific Job Training – Knowledge of the workplace and handling attachments
• Familiarization training – Working on the job under close supervision

The revised Approved Code Of Practice was published by the Health and Safety Commission late in 1999 and there are changes compared to the old ACOP mainly to incorporate the new LOLER and PUWER legislation. The Two main changes that stand out are:

• Training must be provided for all rider operated trucks whether sit on or stand on.
• Persons undergoing such training should ideally be aged 18 years

There are several other changes compared to the 1989 edition which are of a relatively minor nature and are therefore not mentioned here. Copies of this publication can be obtained from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk.

Anyone considering providing training for their employees in the UK should ensure that it is in accordance with this Approved Code Of Practice if they wish to make sure that they have complied with legislation so far as training of operators is concerned.