FEM 4.102 (E) : Federation Europeenne de La Manutention Product Group

FEDERATION EUROPEENNE DE LA MANUTENTION
Product Group
Industrial Trucks

FEM recommendation - Foot and leg
protection for pedestrian controlled battery
powered trucks
FEM
4.102 (E)

2013 (E)
I n d e x

0. Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1
1. Scope ............................................................................................................... 1
2. Normative references ...................................................................................... 1
3. Recommendations .......................................................................................... 1
3.1 Design recommendations................................................................................................. 1
3.1.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 1
3.1.2 Acceleration/Speed .......................................................................................................... 1
3.1.3 Distance frame-floor ......................................................................................................... 2
3.1.4 Toe guarding .................................................................................................................... 2
3.1.5 Tiller arm configuration ..................................................................................................... 2
3.1.6 Contact Sensors ............................................................................................................... 2
3.1.7 Trucks equipped with foldable platform ............................................................................ 2
3.2 Recommendations for use ............................................................................................... 3
3.2.1 Risk assessment .............................................................................................................. 3
3.2.2 Training............................................................................................................................. 3
3.2.3 Maintenance ..................................................................................................................... 3

Fdration Europenne de la Manutention (Product Group Industrial Trucks)

Copyright by FEM Product Group IT Available in English (E)
Page 1
FEM 4.102 (2013)

0. Introduction
This recommendation is intended to provide guidance of construction and use for pedestrian controlled
battery powered trucks regarding foot and leg protection against frame collisions.
There are several requirements covering some foreseeable hazards in published standards regarding
pedestrian controlled battery powered trucks.
However, depending on different handling situations and local arrangements of load handling logistics,
other hazards may occur. One design suitable in one typical situation could lead to a hazard in another
handling situation.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of pa-
tent rights. FEM shall not be held responsible for identifying for any or all such patent rights.
If there is a contradiction between these recommendations in this document and the respective manufac-
turers instructions; the statement made in the manufacturers operating instructions shall apply.

1. Scope
This guideline specifies recommendations regarding foot and leg protection and is applicable to pedestri-
an controlled battery powered trucks.
It does not exclude other solutions which give similar protection.

2. Normative references
ISO 3691-1: Self-propelled industrial trucks, other than driverless variable-reach trucks and burden-
carrier trucks
FEM 4.004: Periodic inspection of industrial trucks

3. Recommendations
3.1 Design recommendations
3.1.1 General
The safety measures can be used as a single measure or in combination. The best effect depends on
truck design and specific truck application. The safety measures have to be analysed to avoid other kinds
of risks.
3.1.2 Acceleration/Speed
The truck should have the possibility to be adjusted by the driver to different values of acceleration and
speed suitable for the current working and load handling situation.
It is recommended that the maximum acceleration should not exceed 2,3 m/s
2
.

Page 2
FEM 4.102 (2013)
3.1.3 Distance frame-floor
In order to avoid foot injuries the truck frame should have a maximum clearance to the floor of 40mm at
its outermost lowest point and the contour of the frame should not protrude outside the profile shown in
figure 1.

Figure 1: Frame dimensions including 5% percentile female safety shoe and 95 % male safety shoe

3.1.4 Toe guarding
The frame should be designed so that it can be equipped with an additional toe guarding i.e.
rubber toe guard.
3.1.5 Tiller arm configuration
The length and pivoting point of the tiller arm should be designed in such a way that established ergo-
nomically principles and good manoeuvrability are met and hazards are minimized to avoid conflict be-
tween feet and frame in normal handling situations.
3.1.6 Contact Sensors
Contact sensors put on the frame, leading to a stop when activated, could be an optional means in very
narrow handling situations.
NOTE: The effectiveness of such systems can be restricted to a maximum speed, typically 1 km/h.
3.1.7 Trucks equipped with foldable platform
If a pedestrian controlled battery powered truck is equipped with a foldable platform, a corresponding risk
assessment shall be done to maintain the safety intention according to this FEM recommendation.
Page 3
FEM 4.102 (2013)

3.2 Recommendations for use
3.2.1 Risk assessment
A risk assessment shall be done by the person responsible for the area where the truck is to be used:
- Local legislation and company safety rules.
- Floors: uneven, slippery, objects and obstacles on floor.
- Risky situations when loading/unloading.
3.2.2 Training
To ensure use in safety, the operators need to know the characteristics, the instructions for use and the
safety features of the truck.
The employer shall make sure that the truck driver has adequate skills and knowledge to drive a truck.
Practical and theoretical training is recommended and shall be documented to obtain that a formal training
session shall be performed.
The following areas should be covered:
-General description of different truck types and use
-The design of the truck: brakes, wheels, steering, power source, lifting mechanism, operator position,
functions and symbols.
-Basic principles: Load centre point, information on machine plates and capacity plates, attachments, driv-
ing on inclination, difference in behaviour when driving with and without load.
-Material handling: Pallets, aisle widths, loading and unloading procedures, visibility.
-Ergonomics: Correct way of working to avoid injuries.
-Adaptation of driving speed to loads and environmental conditions, reversing, truck acceleration.
-Operating in pedestrian areas.
-Daily service and safety inspections and checking points.

3.2.3 Maintenance
It is the users responsibility to have the maintenance operations carried out according to the manufactur-
ers instructions.
3.2.4 Period Inspection
Inspection should be carried out according to FEM 4.004

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