who are we?
Formed in 1972, the Fork Lift Truck Association is the most representative body of its kind in Europe.
It exists to maintain and raise standards in the materials handling industry. In doing so, it helps in protecting the interests of consumers as well as enhancing both safety and productivity in the workplace.
Because FLTA members have access to the latest Health and Safety information and meet a stringent Code of Practice, they operate to a higher standard… which is reflected in a better service - and peace of mind - for their customers.
The FLTA represents companies of every size, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers and suppliers of ancillary equipment and services. Membership is open to all of these - on condition that they meet the required standardsand agree to abide by the Association's rigorous Code of Practice. The Association also operates a Safe User Group that meets the specific needs of end users such as owners and drivers.
Members of the Fork Lift Truck Association benefit from a range of services designed to take their companies to a higher level in terms of improving efficiency, meeting legislation and ensuring safety. They also gain the right to use the Fork Lift Truck Association membership marque - recognised by customers as symbolising professionalism, competence and integrity.
For members, the initial value of joining the FLTA has been calculated at more than £20,000… with annual deliverables worth many thousands of pounds - and yet the subscription is just a few hundred pounds.
To consumers, the FLTA marque is a guarantee of quality: a reassurance that the member company has up-to-date knowledge of Health and Safety regulations, works to the highest standards and adheres to nationally agreed principles. Dealing exclusively with FLTA members doesn't cost customers a penny more but can save them a fortune.
Benefits of membership
As a member of the Fork Lift Truck Association, you will be recognised as part of an organisation which insists on the highest standards of service, safety and conduct. You will have the right to carry the FLTA marque - a sign of quality and trustworthiness which gives customers complete peace of mind. You will be seen as benefiting from the backing of the most authoritative body of its kind in Europe.
In practical terms, the initial value of joining the FLTA has been calculated as at least £20,000… and there are also annual deliverables worth many thousands of pounds.
This website is a major benefit of membership. Entries in the Find a member or service sections, which includes an on-line directory and hyperlinks, provides contact opportunities for potential new customers.
Publications
Essential manuals and software, covering subjects such as Health and Safety, risk assessment, legislation and personnel management, are issued free to members and are updated free of charge. Additional copies are available at discount prices. Other regular publications include a Members' Directory, quarterly Uplift newsletter, monthly updates on Health and Safety and Technical Bulletins on important issues.
Helplines
The Association runs helplines to offer expert guidance on Health and Safety, commercial legal issues, employment law and other questions of a professional nature.
Alerts
Security Alerts are communicated all members to notify them about stolen trucks or other forms of malpractice. The main inputs to this service come from the members themselves. The system can also be used to highlight issues concerning safety or other commercial matters.
Training
A programme of courses for service engineers is administered by the Association. The courses are run by North Warwickshire and Hinckley College at their facility at Bedworth, near Nuneaton. Details are published in a course brochure and can be viewed on the website under training. Other professional courses are also run from time to time.
Apprenticeships
The Association is working hard to provide meaningful apprentice programmes for the industry. A fork lift truck specific apprenticeship, for young service engineers, is managed on our behalf by the City of Bristol College, with training facilities at Bristol, Bedworth and Carlisle.
Surveys
The Association carries out a number of regular surveys which are highly valued within the industry and whose detailed results are only made available to participating members.
Publicity
The Association employs a public relations and marketing company to maintain the FLTA's public profile and its prominence in the materials handling press. By constantly reinforcing the Fork Lift Truck Association brand, its work provides members with a marketing edge. Its work also includes managing the Annual Awards, running the Association website and providing other help and guidance.
Certificates
Framed membership and Code of Practice certificates are provided so that members can publicly display their membership.
Events
Events organised for members include the Awards, a National Conference, AGM and open meetings, factory visits and golf days. Since the formation of the Fork Lift Truck Association in 1972, the marque has become a symbol of quality.
For a Member of the Fork Lift Truck Association, the marque is a valuable asset.. offering clear evidence of a supplier's integrity and professionalism.
For a customer, the logo offers the reassurance of dealing with a reputable supplier that meets high and clearly defined standards.
Further information on benefits of membership
Our role
The role of the Fork Lift Truck Association is to raise standards within the materials handling industry.
The Association:
- Provides information and technical support to our members.
- Promotes best practice throughout the industry.
- Protects the interests of truck users.
Conduct
Members of the Fork Lift Truck Association are expected to achieve the highest standards of professional conduct, and must therefore adhere to a strict Code of Practice.
Code of Practice
Every member of the Fork Lift Truck Association must adhere to a Code of Practice. They must:
- Ensure trucks are delivered in a safe and serviceable condition.
- Satisfy themselves that the equipment is suitable for the intended application
- Ensure only competent engineers service and repair trucks.
- Carry out regular servicing as per contract.
- Carry out all Health & Safety requirements including Thorough Examination as appropriate
- Use a contract which has been approved by the Fork Lift Truck Association.
- Accurately represent facts relating to a contract.
- Ensure that the contract embodies all the express terms and conditions of the agreement.
- Respect confidential business information supplied to them in the course of their business.
- Have public liability and product liability insurance of at least 5 million pounds
- Make available the insurance document for inspection.
- Behave with integrity and encourage sich conduct by others in the business of hiring lift trucks.
- Transact business in such a manner as will reflect credit on that Member and the industry.
- Strive to improve their own competence and that of others in the industry.
- Exercise care in the day to day conduct of business relationships.
- Make available up-to-date records for inspection by a person authorised by the Fork Lift Truck Association.
- Deal promptly with all queries or complaints from a customer.