Traffic in the truck zone

Familiarise yourself with the truck routes, the marked walkways and the crossing points (doors, ramps, lifting platforms). Keep truck aisles and walkways free of storage and obstructions — a blocked aisle forces traffic together where it should be separated.

Walkways are marked with floor lines and/or physical pedestrian barriers so pedestrians do not step into the truck area. Do not drive across pedestrian zones, and expect pedestrians to step out at crossings. Physical separation is the most important safety measure in the warehouse.

Indoors, the speed is normally no more than 10 km/h, and lower in narrow aisles and at pedestrian crossings. Your speed must give you time to stop for a person who suddenly steps out. Slow down even further at crossings and doorways.

Look in the road mirrors at blind bends and corners. Use the horn at crossings, and let the amber roof beacon and any blue/red LED floor light warn of the truck's position and direction. Always look in the direction of travel — reverse if the load blocks your view.

When forks are raised above 2 metres, there is a particular risk of falling goods. The area under and in front of the mast must be clear of people, and an automatic red warning light should be activated at 2 m. Never stand — and never let others stand — under a raised load.

Fixed installations (rack ends, columns, fire-fighting equipment) are protected with steel or flexible plastic barriers precisely because they can be struck. Drive with a margin — a truck barrier is the last line of defence, not a driving lane. Report collisions so damage can be repaired.

Only persons with a valid certificate (A or B depending on the machine) may operate the truck, and driving in areas covered by road traffic law also requires at least a tractor driving licence. Never leave a truck with the key in where unauthorised persons can get into it.