Guidance on the Lifting and Handling of Long Loads on the forks of forklift trucks Introduction The purpose of this document is to provide industry guidance for lifting and handling of long loads carried on the forks of forklift trucks. Whilst the primary use of fork lift trucks is to handle palletised loads, it is the intention of this document to provide guidance on the lifting and handling of long loads often associated with piling and foundation activities, which are not generally palletised. It is not the intention of this document to provide guidance on the carriage of underslung loads. Further information on this topic is available from This document should be read in conjunction with all other legislation, HSE and good practice guidance currently published - Definitions for the purpose of this document are - Forklift truck - covers a range of tracked and wheeled plant items which are or can be fitted with forks or a fork attachment, including but not limited to Telescopic Handler, Rough Terrain Fork Lift, Side Loader, etc; as well as a Loading Shovel or excavator fitted with forks. Long loads – typically loads greater than 3 times the fork width with the forks set at the maximum spacing that the fork carriage allows. It is recommended that for any long loads lifted in excess of 3 times the fork width serious consideration be given as to whether a forklift truck is suitable to carry out this work. Whilst load handling attachments are available and are indeed often appropriate, these must be approved by the lifting equipment manufacturer as suitable for a particular forklift truck model and a suitable and sufficient risk assessment be carried out along with a documented lift plan/method statement. The use of such attachments may reduce the safe working load rating of the forklift truck. General Lifting operations by mechanical means are common-place on piling sites or within plant yard areas, and a variety of lifting equipment or lifting accessories can be utilised. . Cranes and piling rigs carry out the majority of lifting operations on site and are the preferred option when planning lifting operations of long loads. However, it is recognised that forklift trucks may also be used due to methods of working, limited access, restricted space within the site, limited storage areas, the presence of utilities and other hazards which determine that cranes or piling rigs cannot be used. Planning UK Legislation requires that all construction activities are appropriately planned by competent people and carried out to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees and others who may
Guidance on the Lifting and Handling of Long Loads on the forks of forklift trucks Introduction The purpose of this document is to provide industry guidance for lifting and handling of long loads carried on the forks of forklift trucks. Whilst the primary use of fork lift trucks is to handle palletised loads, it is the intention of this document to provide guidance on the lifting and handling of long loads often associated with piling and foundation activities, which are not generally palletised. It is not the intention of this document to provide guidance on the carriage of underslung loads. Further information on this topic is available from This document should be read in conjunction with all other legislation, HSE and good practice guidance currently published - Definitions for the purpose of this document are - Forklift truck - covers a range of tracked and wheeled plant items which are or can be fitted with forks or a fork attachment, including but not limited to Telescopic Handler, Rough Terrain Fork Lift, Side Loader, etc; as well as a Loading Shovel or excavator fitted with forks. Long loads – typically loads greater than 3 times the fork width with the forks set at the maximum spacing that the fork carriage allows. It is recommended that for any long loads lifted in excess of 3 times the fork width serious consideration be given as to whether a forklift truck is suitable to carry out this work. Whilst load handling attachments are available and are indeed often appropriate, these must be approved by the lifting equipment manufacturer as suitable for a particular forklift truck model and a suitable and sufficient risk assessment be carried out along with a documented lift plan/method statement. The use of such attachments may reduce the safe working load rating of the forklift truck. General Lifting operations by mechanical means are common-place on piling sites or within plant yard areas, and a variety of lifting equipment or lifting accessories can be utilised. . Cranes and piling rigs carry out the majority of lifting operations on site and are the preferred option when planning lifting operations of long loads. However, it is recognised that forklift trucks may also be used due to methods of working, limited access, restricted space within the site, limited storage areas, the presence of utilities and other hazards which determine that cranes or piling rigs cannot be used. Planning UK Legislation requires that all construction activities are appropriately planned by competent people and carried out to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees and others who may
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