Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

11.10.4 Fork lift trucks
The mast of a vertical-masted fork lift truck will gener-
ally prevent it turning over by more than 90º, provided it 
has suffi cient strength and dimensions for this purpose. 
A variable reach fork-lift truck, however, is capable of 
Figure 11.11
Various construction plant with driver protection.

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Work equipment hazards and control
171
rolling over 180º or more and would need to be fi tted 
with a ROPS where there is a risk of it rolling over. Fork 
lift trucks fi tted with either a mast or a roll-over protect-
ive structure, should be provided with driver restraining 
systems where appropriate, to prevent the driver being 
crushed between the truck and the ground.
11.10.5 Safe 
driving
Drivers have an important role to play in the safe use of 
mobile equipment. They should include the following in 
their safe working practice checklist:
➤
Make sure they understand fully the operating pro-
cedures and controls on the equipment being used
➤
Only operate equipment for which they are trained 
and authorized
➤
Never drive if abilities are impaired by, for example 
alcohol, poor vision or hearing, ill health or drugs 
whether prescribed or not
➤
Use the seat restraints where provided
➤
Know the site rules and signals
➤
Know the safe operating limits relating to the terrain 
and loads being carried
➤
Keep vehicles in a suitably clean and tidy condition 
with particular attention to mirrors and windows or 
loose items which could interfere with the controls
➤
Drive at suitable speeds and following site rules and 
routes at all times
➤
Only allow passengers when there are safe seats 
provided on the equipment
➤
Park vehicles on suitable fl at ground with the engine 
switched off and the parking brakes applied, use 
wheel chokes if necessary
➤
Make use of visibility aids or a signaller when vision 
is restricted
➤
Get off the vehicle during loading operations unless 
adequate protection is provided
➤
Ensure that the load is safe to move
➤
Do not get off vehicle until it is stationary, with the 
engine stopped and parking brake applied
➤
Where practicable remove the operating key when 
getting off the vehicle
➤
Take the correct precautions such as not smoking 
and switching off the engine when refuelling.