Specialist training around the transportation of abnormal indivisible loads has been announced by the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).
Abnormal indivisible loads (AILs) are transported as a whole, because it’s typically to expensive or risky to divide them.
The course opens to FORS members from the end of February 2021 and offered via FORS’ virtual classroom. The aim of the course is to give operators more information on how to handle and transport AILs safely.
The movement of AILs is covered by specific government legislation, with rules that have to be considered by operators.
Key stakeholders must be informed of any movement, depending on the type of load. Failure to inform these groups – and the police – could lead to more risk for other road users.
The FORS course is six hours in total and concentrates on the most important elements of AIL transportation. A big part of the learning is how and when to notify other agencies involved in the planning process.
A toolkit is included alongside the training session, to help FORS members put into practice what they have learned.
The downloadable toolkit includes full details of regulations in place to ensure safe transportation of AILs. It lists the notification periods required for each vehicle and load type and best practice tips on how to successfully plan AIL movement.
“FORS members will benefit from downloading the toolkit and attending this free course,” said Paul Grafton, FORS Compliance and Training Officer. “It will help them to meet the requirements regarding specialist operations as set out in the FORS Standard.”
