Simple steps to a safer industry
August 1st 2007 2006 saw over 400 serious injuries or deaths relating to forklifts. BITA aims to reduce the toll
BITA's role is twofold: to support
manufacturers in the promotion of
industrial trucks; and to advance
safety and efficiency in the way trucks are
designed, maintained and operated.
"We're a classic trade association in many
ways, yet untypical in others," explains
Brendon Sparks, BITA president. "The
emphasis that we place on promoting truck
safety is a major part of what we do."
In practical terms, this translates into the
publication of a raft of safety materials, and
the development of an industry standard for
truck servicing and a British standard for a
safe servicing environment.
Safety publications
BITA's safety publications cover specialised
topics such as Stability Awareness and Dos &
Don'ts for Users of Industrial and Rough
Terrain Lift Trucks.
"Practical, pocket sized books, they use
clear language and include diagrams where
possible; in effect they are the Highway
Code for industrial trucks," says Sparks.
The Association also publishes short
Guidance Notes at frequent intervals on very
specific subjects. The latest Guidance Note
covers Planning & Maintenance Of
Construction Sites For The Safe Use Of
Rough Terrain Telescopic Handlers. Others
focus on the engineering and servicing
aspects of industrial truck management.
Thorough Examination
In much the same way that cars have to pass
an MoT test annually once they are three
years old, industrial trucks must also be
inspected to ensure their safety. This process
is known as Thorough Examination.
Like an MOT, it is distinct from any
maintenance procedure, and is a legal
requirement that applies to every forklift
truck in service, including hired trucks. Unlike
an MOT however, it applies to trucks as little
as one year old. Significantly, the user is
responsible for ensuring that the truck has a
valid Thorough Examination document.
Trading as Consolidated Fork Truck
Services (CFTS), BITA and the FLTA now
provide a scheme of national accreditation
for Thorough Examination inspections that
serves as a hallmark of quality and safety for
this most crucial aspect of safe working.
PAS 90
BITA recently announced a major project that
will affect many UK industries - PAS 90.
Standing for 'Publicly Available Specification',
PAS 90 is a new BSi document, developed
jointly with BITA and other bodies, to provide
a specification for a minimum safe working
standard for industrial truck service
engineers working on-site. PAS 90 makes it
easier for relevant legislation, standards, and
best practice to be enacted, to the benefit of
the personal safety of all concerned, giving
vital assurance to both the industrial truck
industry and their customers of the safety
competence of service engineers.
BITA celebrates its 50th anniversary this
year and according to Sparks, it has never
been more relevant. "The logistics industry is
fundamental to the economic success of the
UK and it's essential that we continue to
strive for ever-safer working environments.
Our initiatives are simple and practical yet
effective and, as a result, make a significant
contribution to logistics safety." More articles from BITA: | 
