Choosing between diesel, liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and electric power is a dilemma for any organisation employing fork trucks for handling materials inside and out. Like everything else in life, it seems there is no ideal solution and there is often a compromise. Those companies wishing to comply with the law may find it confusing and, as every environment is different, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations can only issue guidelines, based on risk assessment.

These regulations state that employers have a legal duty under Regulation 4 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) to ensure the suitability of all work equipment, including lift trucks. Employers must also assess the risks from substances harmful to health, such as fumes from exhausts of vehicles operated within the workplace premises.

This risk assessment should be carried out at an early stage because when a company is considering whether to employ internal combustion (IC) engined trucks or electric trucks to work indoors, there are no set rules. However, most sensible decisions can be based on basic common sense.

There are three parts of the equation that can help determine what type of truck should be used: emissions, airspace and ventilation. Most fork truck dealers would agree that they would recommend trucks as follows: diesel trucks for mostly outdoor use; LPG trucks for indoor/outdoor use and electric trucks for constant indoor use.

COSHH regulations state the following: “Lift trucks (LTs) powered by internal combustion engines (petrol, diesel, LPG) emit toxic exhaust gases and particulates. If these trucks are used inside a warehouse it may be necessary to provide adequate ventilation to remove exhaust fumes. Ventilation requirements will vary according to:

  • the number of LTs used;

  • the volume of the warehouse or LT operating area;

  • the type of fuel used (for example petrol engines emit more carbon monoxide than diesel or LPG engines);

  • the condition of the engine (proper engine maintenance will reduce toxic emissions).

    In some situations, for example where large numbers of LTs powered by internal combustion engines are used, it may be that the risk assessment under the COSHH regulations will indicate the need for action to reduce the risk.”

    In recent times the options for the timber industry have expanded with the introduction of new trucks suitable for handling long loads. These take two forms: the 4-way IC engined sideloader and the multi-directional electric sideloader, both of which can be used outdoors as well as indoors. The latter has been possible due to the development of super-elastic tyres that can now be satisfactorily fitted to smaller wheels.

    An incorrect choice of truck can be very costly, as the following example demonstrates: A company buys an LPG-powered truck to work indoors/outdoors based on the assumption that the truck will work in a split indoor/outdoor operation. The truck arrives and it works longer hours inside with the doors shut and employees complain of headaches. Tests can be carried out on the air quality and, if deemed unsuitable, the truck may have to be removed to outdoor duties only. A simple solution but the company then has to buy another truck to do the indoor work, and costs go up.

    The advice to give to any organisation looking to purchase trucks for indoor/outdoor use would be to consult truck dealers who can offer all three types of truck. This way, they can be sure of receiving an impartial advice. The Health & Safety Executive will also advise.