• Basic course objectives
• By the end of the course operator will:
• be aware of the need for operator communication between driver and cage rider
• know the responsibilities and legal duties operators have to themselves and others when operating the cage.
• be able to identify and safely attach the cage to the lift truck.
• know how to check the load centre for your cage and that all the relevant plated information that is stated is correct
• know how to identify safe operating positions and heights for use with the cage along with operator protection and coning off of a safe working area.
• able to select traction aids and operate correctly over wet and/or rough ground with loaded pallets/bucket attachments
• Prepare and take the appropriate written test to complete the course test.
   
• Each Operator will receive:
• Copy of Note PM28 (Second Edition)
• Pocket card of communications techniques
• Certificate of attendance

Here is the major change for use of cages as extracted from the new Note PM28. (Non Integrated)
There is a free down load pdf file link at the bottom of this article.

OCCASIONAL USE
12. The Work at Height Regulations 2005, regulation 7(2)(b) places a duty on employers to select the most suitable work equipment for the task to be carried out regardless of the duration of the task. Nevertheless, it is foreseeable but unacceptable that people will often use unsafe methods of access to height for short duration and occasional tasks. For example, a substantial number of serious accidents occur when people are lifted on the forks or a bucket and on pallets or stillages placed on the forks of fork lift trucks. To encourage safer working practices, in these exceptional circumstances, occasional use of non-integrated working platforms with forklift trucks is allowed in the UK in accordance with this guidance note. This occasional use is allowed in the UK but may not be allowed in some other EU member states. As such, there is NO free movement of non-integrated working platforms throughout the EU and they MUST NOT be CE marked.

Examples of occasional use are..

• a. non-routine maintenance tasks for which it is impractical to hire in purpose built access equipment,

• b. the replacement of light fittings in high rise warehouses if the task is not carried out as part of periodic maintenance operations

• c. tasks that would otherwise be carried out using less safe means of access such as ladders, because it is impractical to hire in purpose designed people lifting equipment due to the short duration and occasional nature of the task, e.g. clearing a blocked gutter d. checking on high-level damage to racking suspected of causing an immediate risk or checking on the condition of damaged roof lights.

14. Routine or planned tasks particularly those associated with production or pre-planned activities, such as periodic maintenance or stocktaking, are not exceptional circumstances and are thus not examples of occasional use. Generally, non-integrated work platforms do not provide as high a level of safety as purpose built access equipment. Consequently, forklift trucks fitted with non-integrated working platforms are not suitable for order picking, routine maintenance or the transfer of goods or people from one level to another.

Training
34. People expected to work on platforms and truck operators shall be aware of the restricted uses given in paragraphs 13 & 14. They should be properly trained and given full instructions on safe systems of working with platforms, including the action to be taken in the event of an emergency and the dangers associated with leaning out of the working platform.

Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
77.The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA) places duties on employers and persons who have control of premises to ensure the safety of their employees and others who may be affected by their work activities. A risk assessment of any work at height shall be carried out under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The assessment shall identify the measures needed to comply with all relevant legislation applicable to the intended work at height.
.No Responsibility accepted for the accuracy of this article  (8/9/05)