The updated PUWER regulations came into force on December 5th 1998 and affect all work equipment. They update the previous 1992 regulations and this time have an accompanying set of regulations in the form of the LOLER statutes.

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.

LOLER again expects all companies to plan all lifting assessment. In most cases the operations 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:

Where seat belts are fitted to fork lift trucks 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 and again a risk assessment should be carried out.

Most of the LOLER regulations apply to cranes and similar machinery and the PUWER legislation is arguably more relevant to fork lifts. Obviously where a truck is to lift persons, maybe for maintenance purposes, then LOLER does apply. If the need arises to elevate personnel using the truck then the requirements laid down in the HSE guidance note PM28 should be followed.