Forklift Safety: An employer’s guide to the L117 Approved Code of Practice

L117, also known as Rider-operated lift trucks: Operator training and safe use, Approved Code of Practice, is the HSE's main guidance on forklift truck operational safety and forms an integral part of understanding the Health and Safety regulations for forklift trucks. Aimed at employers and anyone in a position of responsibility for the safe operation of forklift trucks and work-site safety, L117 also extends to the self-employed, managers and supervisors.

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 What does L117 ACOP cover?

Are all lift trucks covered under the Approved Code of Practice L117?

ACOP L117 and the law

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What does L117 ACOP cover?

L117 focuses on employer safety responsibilities and the responsibilities of managers, supervisors, self-employed contractors and those in control of work premises. It contains the outline for the primary legal requirements for lift trucks including the Approved Code of Practice text and the operator training guidance for stacking rider-operated lift trucks. Alongside this it also replaces HSG6 as it contains some of the guidance from HSG6 Safety in working with lift trucks, for example:

• Information pertaining to lift truck features.
• Guidance on the safe use of lift trucks and the protection of pedestrians.
• Guidance on the proper maintenance and thorough examination of lift trucks.

Note: Whilst there are other roles that are involved with the operation of lift trucks, including trade union Health and Safety representatives as well as those involved in the training of forklift operators, L117 is not intended to replace proper training, although it can be a useful accompaniment.

Are all lift trucks covered under the Approved Code of Practice L117?

L117 applies to rider-operated forklift trucks, however other types of lifting trucks, such as pallet trucks still require employers to take responsibility for their safe operation. Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) operators of all types of lift truck should be properly trained. Whilst not intended for these types of lifting trucks L117 ACOP can be used to benchmark the standard of training employers need to provide for all types of lifting truck.

The integral point to emphasise here is that employers must meet their legal obligations and ensure that staff involved in the operation of all types of lifting trucks are properly trained.

ACOP L117 and the law

The L117 code of practice outlines all your legal responsibilities under UK Health and Safety legislation. The guidance contained in ACOP L117 relates to the seven main legal statutes under H&S law, including:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
• The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
• The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
• The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM)

L117 extends beyond the everyday standardised basics of Health and Safety such as forklift risk assessments, and basic forklift training. They state the Health and Safety regulations, and how they are applied in practice. Employers must be able to show that they understand the law and can actively demonstrate compliance.

In 2013 there were revisions made to L117, these included four considerations that are considered key for the safe operation of forklift trucks, this includes:

Refresher training:

Reassessment of operators allows employers to address any potential lapses in Health and Safety protocol that may occur over time. Part of the l117 forklift approved code of practice recommends that refresher training takes place every 3 to 5 years or based on risk assessment, to ensure operators remain competent. Reassessment may also be needed in cases where operators:

• Have not used a rider-operated lifting truck for a prolonged period of time.
• Only use forklift trucks occasionally.
• Have developed unsafe practices.
• Have experienced and accident or near miss.
• Have changed equipment.
• The working environment has changed.

Supervisor training:

This is already outlined in the HSWA, but L117 also mentions this due to it's importance and it being a requirement and not just a recommendation. In brief supervisors should be competent to:

• Carry out effective observation and know what to be on the look out for.
• Communicate effectively this especially includes operators and managers.
• Be able to recognise unsafe behaviour and practices.
• Ensure that the standards of Health and Safety are upheld.

Daily pre-shift checks:

As part of the revised guidelines, operators should be checking their lift truck in line with the vehicle handbook. All findings during these checks should be documented and any defects that are found upon inspection must be reported to a supervisor to ensure a proper fix.

Medical conditions:

Either mental or physical disabilities don't necessarily disqualify someone from operating a fork lift trucks. Fitness for work should be taken on a case-by-case basis, through proper risk assessment and professional medical advice.

Get Health and Safety advice from a Croner expert

L117 is vital for the correct Health and Safety management of materials handling operations. Non-compliance with correct procedure and protocol can result in completely avoidable accidents which can expose your business to costly legal action.

Our professionally qualified Health and Safety advisory team can help you ensure compliance with the latest Health and Safety legislation. Call today on 01455 858 132.