CoP 51.0 - Powered Lift Trucks

Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and
Health System Framework
(ADOSH-SF)
Code of Practice
CoP 51.0 – Powered Lift Trucks
Version 4.1
February 2026

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CoP 51.0 – Powered Lift Trucks - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 2 of 18
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Training and Competency ............................................................................................................................. 4
3. Requirements .................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Planning and Assessment.................................................................................................................. 7
3.3 Operator Selection................................................................................................................................ 7
3.4 Powered Lift Trucks ............................................................................................................................. 8
3.5 The Working Area ............................................................................................................................... 10
4. Record Keeping .............................................................................................................................................. 11
5. Document Amendment Record ................................................................................................................. 12
Appendix 1: Some Types of Powered Lift Trucks ..................................................................................... 13

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1. Introduction
(a) This Code of Practice (CoP) applies to all employers within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
This CoP is designed to incorporate requirements set by UAE and Abu Dhabi
regulatory authorities. If requirements of this document conflict with requirements
set by another regulatory authority, employers are required to follow the more
stringent requirement.
(b) This CoP sets out the requirements for the use of lift trucks. For the purposes of the
ADOSH-SF, these have been defined as follows (refer to Appendix 1, Figures 1-7 for
further information):
(i) Powered Industrial Truck: An industrial vehicle used to carry, push, pull, lift or
stack material that is powered by an electric motor or an internal combustion
engine. Included are vehicles that are commonly referred to as forklift trucks,
rider trucks, motorized or powered hand trucks, pallet trucks and tugs. Not
included are farm vehicles or vehicles intended primarily for earth moving or
over-the-road hauling; and
(ii) Rated Capacity: The maximum weight that the truck is designed to lift as
determined by the manufacturer.
(c) This CoP does not cover all lifting operations and lifting equipment, which specific
requirements are defined within
ADOSH-SF – 34.0 – Safe use of Lifting Equipment
and Lifting Accessories.

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2. Training and Competency
(a) Employers shall ensure that OSH training complies with the requirements of:
(i)
ADOSH-SF – Element 5 – Training, Awareness and Competency.
(ii)
ADOSH-SF – Mechanism 7.0 – Occupational Safety and Health Practitioner and
Service Provider Registration.
(b) Employers shall ensure that specific training programs are developed for each
different type of lift truck that is operated within their premises.
(c) Prior to permitting an employee to operate a lift truck (except for training purposes),
the employer shall ensure that each operator has successfully completed the training
required by this section.
(d) Operators of powered lift trucks shall hold the appropriate vehicles operator’s license
as required by the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic Department.
(e) Training shall include a combination of formal instruction (eg. lecture, discussion,
interactive computer learning, video, written material), practical training
(demonstrations performed by the trainer, and practical exercises performed by the
trainee), and evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace.
(f) Operator training and evaluation shall be conducted by competent persons, certified
by an independent third party, who have the knowledge, training, and experience to
train powered industrial truck operators and evaluate their competence, as per the
requirements of ADOSH-SF – Mechanism 7.0 – Occupational Safety and Health
Practitioner and Service Provider Registration.
(g) Training on Lift Trucks shall include three stages:
(i) Basic – the basic skills and knowledge required to operate the powered industrial
truck;
(ii) Specific – operating principles and controls of the truck, use of the truck in work
specific conditions and the type of work to be undertaken; and
(iii) Familiarization – application of skills learned under normal conditions, with close
supervision by a competent person / trainer.
(h) The training program shall incorporate a complete presentation of issues and
information on powered industrial truck operations as prescribed by the Regulatory
Authority, regarding:
(i) the truck(s) to be operated;
(ii) their operation and limitations; and
(iii) workplace related topics.
(i) Refresher training in relevant topics shall be provided to the operator when:
(i) the operator has been observed to operate the vehicle in an unsafe manner;
(ii) the operator has been involved in an incident or near-miss incident;

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(iii) the operator has received an evaluation that reveals that the operator is not
operating the truck safely;
(iv) the operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck;
(v) a condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect safe
operation of the truck; or
(vi) required by risk assessment and/or legal requirements.
(j) An evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator's performance shall be
conducted at least once every year.
(k) Employer shall maintain a record of the training and evaluation required by this
section. The record shall include;
(i) the name and Emirates ID number of the operator;
(ii) the date of the training;
(iii) the date and results of the evaluation; and
(iv) the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation.
(l) Training records required by this section are to be maintained by the employer for
the duration of employment plus 1 year.

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3. Requirements
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities
3.1.1 Employers
(a) Employers shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the
general requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 1 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-
Regulation Section 3.2.5.
(b) Employers shall ensure that all persons who are required to use a powered lift truck
are trained, competent and licensed to do so. The employer shall also ensure that a
system is implemented to prevent untrained employees form using powered lift
trucks.
(c) Employer shall ensure that all powered lift trucks are maintained and inspected in line
with legal and manufacturers requirements.
(d) Employers shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, separate the movements of
pedestrians and powered lift trucks.
(e) Employers shall ensure that all traffic routes are safe and in accordance with the
requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 44.0 – Traffic Management and Logistics.
3.1.2 Employees
(a) Employees shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the
general requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 1 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-
Regulation Section 3.2.7.
(b) Employees shall only use powered lift trucks that they have been trained in the use
of and are authorized to use by the employer.
(c) Employees shall only use powered lift truck for the tasks they have received training
in and shall not undertake any task that the lift truck is not appropriate for.
(d) Employees shall ensure that any defect on the powered lift truck is reported
immediately and the truck taken out of service until such times as a competent
engineer has inspected the lift truck and declared it fit for use. Employees shall not
undertake any type of repair unless competent and authorised by the employer.
(e) Employees shall ensure that they immediately report any hazard or information that
may affect, adversely or otherwise, the works being undertaken.

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3.2 Planning and Assessment
(a) Employers shall evaluate each site or operation to determine what hazards are
present in relation to the use of powered lift trucks and shall assess the risk using
risk management practices as required by ADOSH-SF – Element 2 – Risk Management.
3.3 Operator Selection
(a) Employers shall ensure that all persons selected to operate powered lift trucks are
medically fit to do so and have shown a reliable and mature attitude to work.
(b) Employers shall undertake appropriate medical screening prior to authorizing any
person to use a powered lift truck. The minimum checks are highlighted in table 1.
Refer to
ADOSH-SF– CoP 5.0 – Occupational Health Screening and Medical
Surveillance for further information on medical screening.
Issue Reasoning
Health
questionnaire
To identity any pre-existing condition which may affect the
ability to operate a lift truck safely; to identify any medication
which is taken which may affect the ability to operate a lift
truck safely.
Eyesight testing
Eyesight shall comply with the Group1 standard, which is the
ability to read a vehicle license plate at a distance of 20.5
meters. Complete field of vision and good depth perception are
also required.
Blood pressure Raised blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and
stroke.
Mobility
Operators shall have appropriate flexibility and mobility to
enable them to look behind them and to maintain good control
over the vehicle.
Height/weight Being very overweight may restrict mobility and may also make
it difficult to operate the lift truck comfortably.
Hearing
Appropriate hearing may be required to ensure that the operator
is able to hear warning shouts or alarms. Good conversational
hearing will usually be considered appropriate, but audiometry
may be conducted where there are specific concerns.
Table 1 – Medical Screening Prior to Authorization to Operate a Powered Lift Truck

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3.4 Powered Lift Trucks
(a) Employers shall ensure that powered industrial trucks used in the workplace are in
good condition, well maintained and appropriate for the type of service required.
(i) if at any time a powered industrial truck is found to be defective or in need of
repair, or in any way unsafe, it shall be removed from service until it has been
restored to safe operating condition in accord with the manufacturer’s or
supplier’s requirements; and
(ii) only industrial trucks approved for the particular class of hazard shall be
operated in hazardous locations.
(b) Modifications shall not be made to the powered lift truck without prior written
approval from the manufacturer. Capacity, operation and maintenance instruction
plates, tags or decals shall be updated to reflect any changes.
(c) Fuel tanks shall not be filled when the engine is running.
(d) No truck shall be operated with a leak in the fuel system until the leak has been
corrected.
(e) Open flames shall not be used to check the level of fuel in fuel tanks or the level of
electrolyte in storage batteries.
(f) Powered lift truck batteries shall be charged, stored and changed by competent
trained person(s), in accordance with both the vehicle and battery manufacturer
requirements.
(g) Attachments shall not be fitted to fork trucks unless appropriate for the type of truck
and loads carried. Fitting of attachments may alter the rating and stability of the lift
truck.
(h) Employers shall ensure that powered industrial trucks are operated in compliance
with the following operating procedures.
(i) industrial trucks shall be inspected by the operator before each use or each shift,
whichever is greater;
1. the employer shall develop a written checklist for the inspection. The
checklist shall specify the specific truck inspected and the appropriate
inspection items for that class of truck; and
2. completed checklists shall be maintained by the employer for a period of
one year.
(ii) unauthorized personnel shall not be permitted to ride on powered industrial
trucks. A safe place to ride shall be provided where riding of trucks is authorized;
(iii) when a powered industrial truck is left unattended, load engaging means shall
be fully lowered, controls shall be neutralized, power shall be shut off, keys
removed and brakes set. Wheels shall be blocked if the truck is parked on an
incline;

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(iv) a powered industrial truck is unattended when the operator is 10 meters or more
away from the vehicle which remains in view or whenever the operator leaves
the vehicle and it is not in view;
(v) there is to be appropriate headroom under overhead installations, lights, pipes,
sprinkler system, etc;
(vi) an overhead guard shall be used as protection against falling objects. It shall be
noted that an overhead guard is intended to offer protection from the impact of
small packages, boxes, bagged material, etc., representative of the job
application, but not to withstand the impact of a falling capacity load;
(vii) Powered lift trucks shall be fitted with:
1. audile and visual reverse alarms; and
2. appropriate mirrors (rear view and wing);
3. appropriate headlights if required to work in reduced visibility conditions;
(viii) all traffic regulations shall be observed, including authorized workplace speed
limits. A safe distance shall be maintained, approximately three truck lengths,
from the truck ahead, and the truck shall be kept under control at all times;
(ix) the driver shall be required to look in the direction of, and keep a clear view of
the path of travel;
(x) under all travel conditions the truck shall be operated at a speed that will permit
it to be brought to a stop in a safe manner;
(xi) brakes shall be set and wheel blocks shall be in place to prevent movement of
trucks, trailers, or railroad cars while loading or unloading. Fixed jacks may be
necessary to support a semi-trailer during loading or unloading when the trailer
is not coupled to a tractor. The flooring of trucks, trailers, and railroad cars shall
be checked for breaks and weakness before they are driven onto;
(xii) dock board or bridge plates shall be appropriately secured before they are driven
over. Dock board or bridge plates shall be driven over carefully and slowly and
their rated capacity never exceeded;
(xiii) Powered lift trucks shall not be used for lifting people to and from height unless
authorized and appropriate fit for purpose attachments are fitted to the truck;
(xiv) only stable or safely arranged loads shall be handled. Caution shall be exercised
when handling off-center loads which cannot be centered; and
(xv) only loads within the rated capacity of the truck shall be handled.

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3.5 The Working Area
(a) Employers shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that pedestrians are
separated from vehicle routes through the provision of physical barriers. Physical
barriers shall be of appropriate construction and strength to withstand collision from
a lift truck and continue to provide a safe route, refer to
ADOSH-SF – CoP 22.0 –
Barricading of Hazards for further information.
(b) Where it is not reasonably practicable to segregate through physical barriers, the
employer shall ensure that pedestrian routes are clearly marked and employees who
are required to use these walkways are fully aware of the hazards.
(c) Employers shall ensure that all powered lift trucks are fitted with audible and visual
warning devises to ensure that pedestrians are aware of their presence.
(d) Employers shall ensure that all areas where lift trucks are working are appropriate
and safe for the tasks being undertaken.
(e) Employers shall ensure that all aisles/passageways or roads where lift trucks are
used are kept in good repair, with appropriate safety signage and clearly marked.
Safety signage shall be in compliance with
ADOSH-SF – CoP 17.0 – Safety Signs and
Signals.
(f) Employers shall ensure that the concentration of vehicle emissions are monitored
and controlled within the work environment to ensure they are within safe limits as
required by applicable local and federal regulations.

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4. Record Keeping
(a) Employers shall maintain records appropriate to their work, including but not limited
to:
(i) valid and up to date test and inspection certificates for Powered Lift Trucks
undertaken by approved third party;
(ii) inspection records shall be maintained on site for a minimum period of one year;
(iii) maintenance records shall be maintained on site for the lifespan of the vehicle;
(iv) training records for operators shall be kept on site for the duration of their
employment; and
(v) copy of operator’s vehicle operator license shall be kept on site for the duration
of their employment.

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5. Document Amendment Record
Version Revision Date Description of Amendment
Page/s Affected
4.0
15th July 2024
System acronym updated from OSHAD-SF
to ADOSH-SF to accurately reflect
document title
Throughout
Change from OSHAD to ADPHC
Change of Logo
Minor editorial changes throughout the
document without changing requirements.
Title of Mechanism 7.0 updated to ADOSH-
SF – Mechanism 7– Occupational Safety
and Health Practitioner and Service
Provider Registration
OSHAD-SF - Mechanism 8.0 - OSH
Practitioner Registration deleted
4.1
16th February
2026
Minor editorial changes throughout the
document without changing requirements
Throughout

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Appendix 1: Some Types of Powered Lift Trucks

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