A Notice to Owners and Users of Materials Handling and Plant Equipment – from BITA and the FLTA

25/03/2020

UPDATE FROM THE FLTA / HSE / BITA

In consultation with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), The British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) and The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) have issued a joint statement in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

In these uncertain times, a lot of companies have completely banned 3^rd parties from entering their sites, in an attempt to contain the Covid-19 virus from spreading and to keep their workforce safe. Barek Lift Trucks is 100% behind all companies looking to protect their workforce, but concerns have been raised by the HSE, BITA & The FLTA surrounding the maintenance and upkeep of materials handling equipment, which is putting employees/operators at risk of physical injury and risk to life.

The ongoing scheduled maintenance, repair and statutory inspection of materials handling and plant equipment is fundamental to its safe use. By stopping these activities, users are at very serious risk of jeopardising the safety of their staff and any person the equipment interacts with. Failure to maintain, repair and inspect equipment within agreed guidelines leads to component failures, damage, and ultimately accidents. Maintaining this equipment is also a legal requirement, so companies are putting themselves at risk of legal action being taken against them, should plant equipment cause injury due to maintenance issues.

Barek Lift Trucks have FLTA and CFTS certified engineers available to fulfil your maintenance requirements and keep your equipment safe. Please feel free to call us to discuss – 01482 218151

You can read the full statement for from the FLTA, HSE, BITA on the FLTA’s website –