The following notes give advice to occupational health professionals about the medical fitness of operators of rider-operated lift trucks. The standard should be regarded as a guide which can be adapted to individual circumstances.
Reference will be made to existing medical standards for drivers, and guidance will be provided on how to apply these standards and adapt them to prevailing circumstances by assessing the risks inherent in the work to be carried out.
Medical standards
Detailed advice on medical standards of fitness to drive can be found in "At a Glance" published by the Drivers' Medical Unit of the DVLA, Swansea. This is regularly updated and is available on the internet at www.open.gov.uk/dvla/dvla.htm or from the Medical Adviser, Drivers' Medical Unit, DVLA, Longview Road, Morriston, Swansea SA99 1TU (tel.: 01792 783686). However, the DVLA does not have responsibility for licensing lift truck operators (provided they do not drive lift trucks on public roads). At a glance should always be consulted where there is any doubt about an individual's fitness to operate a lift truck.
At a glance lists separate medical standards for both Group 1 entitlement (holders of ordinary driving Licence) and Group 2 entitlement (HGV and PSV Licence holders).
Application of medical standards
Each person's fitness for operating a lift truck should always be judged individually. The underlying approach should be to match the requirements of the particular driving task with the fitness and abilities of the driver. For most work a standard equivalent to that of the Group 1 entitlement will be appropriate. In some cases, however, a more stringent standard may be required, for example when moving highly toxic or explosive materials, working in a particularly demanding environment, working at night, or if large, heavy trucks are to be operated. In these instances some or all of the medical standards equivalent to that of Group 2 entitlement may be appropriate.
Applying the principle of individual assessment of fitness should ensure that people with disabilities are not disadvantaged. Some people with disabilities have developed compensatory skills. Reasonable adjustment to work equipment, as can be required by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, may enable a disabled person to operate a lift truck safely. Competence in an emergency must, however, always be considered.
Frequency of assessment
All existing and potential lift truck operators should be screened for fitness before employment and at five-yearly intervals from age 40. Group 2 Licences are renewable five-yearly from age 45 and, where an individual is both a lift truck operator and holds a Group 2 entitlement, these assessments can be made at the same examination. A lift truck operator who continues after age 65 should have annual assessments for fitness.
Assessment is also recommended after an absence of more than one month or after a shorter absence if it is likely that the illness may have affected fitness to operate lift trucks. This assessment is recommended to provide positive confirmation of fitness to operate lift trucks in these circumstances. Fitness to return to work when signed off by a GP may not indicate fitness to operate a lift truck.
Assessment is also appropriate if lift truck operators, or their employers, suspect that they have developed a condition which may affect their continuing ability to operate lift trucks.
It is advisable for employers to agree requirements for medical screening and/or examination of employees, in advance, in a contract of employment.
The following is a summary of standards applicable to Group 1 drivers published by DVLA and is valid on the publication date of this document. Standards may change and reference to "At a Glance" is recommended. However, standards required for a particular work situation should be set, taking into account assessment of both health and safety implications and the physical and mental demands of the job. It may be necessary to obtain specific advice on standards from a suitably competent occupational physician who is familiar with the work environment in question. The Employment Medical Advisory Service (EMAS) located at HSE offices may be able to assist in locating such doctors.
Vision
Operators must be able to read in good light (with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if required) a vehicle registration mark at a distance of 20.5 metres, with both eyes together. This corresponds to visual acuity of between 6/9 and 6/12 on the Snellen chart.
Monocular individuals vary in their ability to compensate for their impairment and to operate a lift truck safely. Fitness to operate a lift truck cannot be assumed and, after medical assessment, this should be determined following practical lift truck operating tests. This approach should also be adopted for the experienced operator who becomes monocular, after allowing a period of adaptation.
Visual field defects. lift truck operation should cease unless an operator is confirmed able to meet the recommended national guideline for visual field. A full definition is provided in "At a Glance"
Uncontrolled diplopia will disqualify an individual from operating a lift truck. Resumption may be permitted when satisfactory control of symptoms is achieved. Regular review is recommended.
