Exercise restraint
August 1st 2008 While car seatbelt use is
mandatory, the picture for
forklift trucks is less clear.
To help operators and
employers avoid the risk of
potentially damaging
litigation, BITA has
produced an easy-to-read
Guidance Note: 'Operator
Restraint', GN60.
The Provision and Use of
Work Equipment Regulations
1998 states forklift
restraining systems should
be in place where there is a
foreseeable risk of a truck
tipping onto its side or
overturning completely.
To help companies keep
within the law, BITA has
crystallised the essential
information into GN60. It
recommends counterbalanced
lift trucks with a centre
control, sit down, nonelevating
operator position,
including industrial variable
reach trucks, with a rated
capacity to and including 10
000kg, and single-side
loading trucks, should have
a restraint device, system or
enclosure fitted.
Clear guidance should be
provided on the truck and in
the operator's manual to
avoid the operator's head
hitting the ground in the
event of a tip-over; and
there should be warnings and
instructions on the use of
the protection provided, and
the action to be taken in
the event of a tip over.
Copies of GN60 are
available from BITA (£10.00
each). Members can download
a PDF version for free. More articles from BITA: | 
