Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Figure 10.9
A brick elevator.
Figure 10.10
Reach truck designed so that the load 
retracts within the wheelbase to save space. 

---

Introduction to Health and Safety at Work
152
➤
lights, if fi tted, working correctly 
➤
mirrors, if fi tted, in good working order and properly 
set
➤
secure and properly adjusted seat
➤
correct 
fl uid levels, when appropriate
➤
fully charged batteries, when appropriate
➤
correct working of all lifting and tilting systems.
A more detailed inspection should be undertaken by a 
competent person within the organization on a weekly 
basis to include the mast and the steering gear. Driver 
training is essential and should be given by a competent 
trainer. The training session must include the site rules 
covering items such as the fork lift truck driver code of 
practice for the organization, speed limits, stacking pro-
cedures and reversing rules. Refresher training should 
be provided at regular intervals and a detailed record 
kept of all training received. Table 10.1 illustrates some 
key requirements of fork lift truck drivers and the points 
listed should be included in most codes of practice. 
Finally, care must be taken with the selection of 
drivers, including relevant health checks and previous 
experience. Drivers should be at least 18 years of age 
and their fi tness to drive should be reassessed at three-
yearly intervals. 
10.5.3 Other forms of lifting equipment 
The other types of lifting equipment to be considered are 
cranes (mobile overhead and jib), lifts and hoists and lift-
ing tackle. 
Cranes
may be either a jib crane or an overhead 
gantry travelling crane. The safety requirements are similar 
for each type. All cranes need to be properly designed, 
constructed, installed and maintained. They must also 
be operated in accordance with a safe system of work. 
They should only be driven by authorized persons who 
are fi t and trained. Each crane is issued with a certifi cate 
by its manufacturer giving details of the safe working load 
(SWL). The safe working load must 
never
be exceeded 
and should be marked on the crane structure. If the 
safe working load is variable, as with a jib crane (the 
safe working load decreases as the operating radius 
increases), a safe working load indicator should be fi tted. 
Care should be taken to avoid sudden shock loading 
since this will impose very high stresses to the crane 
structure. It is also very important that the load is properly 
shackled and all eyebolts tightened. Safe slinging should 
be included in any training programme. All controls should 
be clearly marked and be of the ‘hold to run’ type. 
Large cranes, which incorporate a driving cab, often 
work in conjunction with a banksman who will direct 
the lifting operation from the ground. It is important that 
banksmen are trained so that they understand recognized 
crane signals. 
The basic principles for the safe operation of cranes 
are as follows.