Crane, forklift and slinging are a common part of the goods driver's day. Here are the legally required operator certificates — lorry-mounted crane over 8 tonne-metres, forklift/stacker and telescopic handler — as well as the basic rules for slinging and lifting.
Introduction
Many goods drivers load and unload themselves with a lorry-mounted crane, forklift or telescopic loader. Operating these technical aids is not free: for most of them, the Working Environment Authority's regulations require a certificate (training certificate), because incorrect use can cost lives — both the user's and bystanders'. Know the rules and you know when you can operate what and when paperwork is required.
Truck-mounted crane
A truck-mounted crane (typically a hydraulic articulated/telescopic arm behind the cab) is operated according to the Labour Authority's rules on cranes. The threshold is the crane's lifting moment, measured in tonmetres (tm) — load in tonnes multiplied by the reach in metres. Cranes up to and including 8 tonmetres have less stringent requirements than larger ones, which require a proper crane operator certificate.
- 01Truck-mounted crane over 8 tonne-metres: generally requires crane operator certificate (crane basics + relevant crane class).
- 02Crane up to 8 tonne-metres: less strict requirements, but the operator must still be instructed and familiar with the crane and its instructions.
- 03Personnel lifting with crane is generally prohibited and only permitted under special, strictly regulated conditions.
- 04Look up the precise limit, current certification requirements and exemptions in the Danish Working Environment Authority's current regulation on driver certificates and cranes — never make up a limit.
Forklift and forklifts
Forklifts and pallet stackers are used daily for loading pallets. Here too the Danish Working Environment Authority requires an operator certificate for most types because tipping and being struck are serious hazards. There is a distinction between truck types, and the certificate requirement depends on whether it's an operator sitting or standing on the machine and the lift height/type.
- 01Forklift/stackers with driver: generally requires a forklift certificate according to the Labour Authority's rules.
- 02Certain low-lifting machines (e.g. low pallet lifters/stackers below a certain lift height) may be exempt from the certification requirement — but still require instruction.
- 03Telescopic loader (drainage digger/telescopic forklift loader) has its own requirements depending on function (forklift vs. crane function).
- 04Check the current certificate scope (truck types, lift height, exceptions) in the Danish Working Environment Authority's regulation on driver certificates — the rules change.
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