Selecting operators and trainees

Take care when selecting potential lift-truck operators.

They should be:

• Reasonably fit, both physically and mentally, to safely control and operate lift trucks, with the learning ability and potential to become competent operators;
• Reliable, with a responsible attitude to their work;
• Over the minimum school-leaving age (16), except in ports, where they must be at least 18 years old, unless they are undergoing a suitable course of training, properly supervised by a competent person. Children under 16 should never operate lift trucks.

For more information, look at  www.hse.gov.uk/youngpeople/index.htm.

This information has been taken from the HSE publication L117 Approved Code of Practice for Rider-Operated Lift Trucks which is available for download from www.hse.gov.uk