The publication of this ACOP had a dramatic affect on training in the U.K since for the first time a quasi-legal document existed which could be used in court as proof that a person/company was in contravention of the Health and Safety At Work Act. The ACOP also brought home for the first time, the concept of three stages of training which to this day are still defined as follows:
- Basic Training – A training course followed by a test
- Specific Job Training – Knowledge of the workplace and any handling attachments
- Familiarisation training – Working on the job under close supervision
The latest Approved Code Of Practice was published by the Health and Safety Commission late in 1999 and there are changes compared to the old ACOP mainly to incorporate the LOLER and PUWER legislation. The Two main changes that stand out are:
- Training should be provided for all rider operated trucks
- Persons undergoing such training should ideally be aged 18 years
There are several other changes compared to the 1989 edition which are of a relatively minor nature and are therefore not mentioned here. There is a large amount of information on medical conditions for fork lift trucks operators listed and extracts from this can be found here>>
Copies of the ACOP can be obtained from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk. (Please note the latest revision is 2005 but the contents are similar to the 1999 version) |
