The right vehicle for the job

Key messages

• Employers must make sure that vehicles can do the job that is required of them.
• Vehicles should be stable, whatever job they are doing.

Questions to ask

Your specification when choosing a workplace vehicle should include answers to the following questions

• What are the dimensions of the load it will carry?
  • height
  • weight
  • width
• How will loads be secured?
• How far will the vehicle travel?
• What terrain will the vehicle be driven on?
• In what conditions will the vehicle be used, for example:
• In a confined space (where an electric model may be more suitable)
• In extremes of heat or cold? And will this affect the operation of the vehicle and/or the driver's ability to control the vehicle?

Resources

Find out more about:

• Safety of loads on vehicles – code of practice (Department for Transport)
• Diesel engine exhaust emissions