Forklifts & Powered Lift Trucks

Counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, telehandlers, and all powered lift trucks — ADOSH-SF CoP 51.0 requirements, operator licensing, pre-use checks, and safe operating procedures for UAE sites.

Regulatory Framework

Forklifts and all powered lift trucks on UAE construction sites and warehouses are governed by ADOSH-SF CoP 51.0 (Powered Lift Trucks). This CoP sets out comprehensive requirements for operator training and certification, pre-use inspection, safe operating procedures, maintenance, and pedestrian segregation. CoP 51.0 applies to counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, telehandlers, and all other powered lift trucks.

Primary standard
ADOSH-SF CoP 51.0 — Powered Lift Trucks (July 2024)
critical
Scope
All counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, telehandlers, order pickers
critical

Operator Certification

ADOSH-SF CoP 51.0 requires that all forklift operators hold a valid forklift operator certificate from an ADOSH-SF approved training provider. The certificate is specific to the type of forklift (counterbalance, reach truck, telehandler, etc.) and must be renewed every 3 years. Operators must also hold a valid UAE driving licence for on-road operation, or an RTA Special Nature Driving Permit for on-site-only operation.

Forklift operator certificate
ADOSH-SF approved training — specific to forklift type
critical
Certificate validity
3 years — renewal required
critical
On-road operation
Valid UAE driving licence required
critical
On-site-only operation
RTA Special Nature Driving Permit acceptable (Dubai)
critical
Minimum age
18 years
critical
Medical fitness
Operators must be medically fit — vision and hearing checks
critical

Pre-Use Inspection and Maintenance

ADOSH-SF CoP 51.0 requires a documented daily pre-use inspection of all forklifts before the first use of each shift. The inspection must cover tyres, forks, mast, hydraulics, brakes, lights, horn, and seatbelt. Any defects must be reported immediately and the forklift must not be used until repaired. A formal periodic maintenance schedule must be in place and documented.

Daily pre-use inspection
Before first use each shift — documented checklist
critical
Defect reporting
Immediate report — forklift removed from service until repaired
critical
Periodic maintenance
Per manufacturer schedule — documented
critical
Annual thorough examination
By competent person — certificate issued
critical
Fork inspection
Forks inspected for cracks, wear, and deformation — annually minimum
critical

Pedestrian Segregation

ADOSH-SF CoP 51.0 requires that pedestrian and forklift routes are physically segregated wherever practicable. Where segregation is not possible, a pedestrian priority system must be in place with clear signage and markings. Speed limits must be posted and enforced. Forklifts must not be used to carry passengers unless a specifically designed passenger seat is fitted.

Pedestrian segregation
Physical barriers or marked lanes — mandatory where practicable
critical
Speed limit
Posted and enforced — typically 10 km/h in pedestrian areas
critical
Passengers
No passengers unless specifically designed passenger seat fitted
critical
Visibility aids
Mirrors at blind corners, flashing amber beacons on forklifts
critical
Pedestrian right of way
Pedestrians always have right of way — forklift must stop
critical