The main requirement of PUWER is to plan the intended use of all work equipment. This will take the form of a basic risk assessment identifying what the equipment is to be used for, who will use it, how it will be used and the hazards that may arise from it's use both to the operator and others. Click here for a detailed description of the PUWER requirements.

LOLER expects all companies to plan all lifting operations. In most cases they can be carried out as the operator was taught to do during his/her basic training and there may be nothing else for a company to do other that to provide supervision.

Some general points specific to fork lifts worth noting are:

• All new and secondhand forklifts when used for the first time in a company must have restraining systems fitted to prevent the operator from being crushed in the event of a truck tip over.
• If the equipment is re-located it must comply immediately.

Where Seat Belts or similar are fitted they must be worn by the operator unless the risk assessments conducted under the 1992 Management of Health and Safety at Work regulations indicate that there is no likelihood of truck tip over. If a lifting operation cannot be carried out as originally taught then a system of work must be devised and implemented to ensure safe operations.

The British Industry Truck Association in collaboration with the Fork Truck Association have produced an HSE recognised system of Thorough Inspections which must be carried out in order to comply with the provisions of Loler and Puwer. Click here for details.