FORS reveals its new best-practice Standard

Date: Tuesday, October 16, 2018 | Author: Sean Keywood

FORS director John Hix: "Committed to best practice."

Revised requirements for safe working have been set out by the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).

The fifth iteration of the FORS Standard, which is updated every two years, has been revealed at the organisation’s annual members’ conference.

Key changes for van fleets include an added emphasis on air quality improvements, and requirements to help operators mitigate against the threat of terrorism.

FORS director John Hix said: “FORS has always been committed to promoting continuous best practice, both in the progressive nature of our accreditation, and in the way we work to ensure our requirements remain relevant.

“The FORS Standard is not a static document, because best practice is not static.

“The FORS Standard must respond to emerging best practice and new legislations which affect members, and the feedback of members themselves.”

Under the new FORS Standard, silver accreditation requires van drivers to complete the FORS Professional ‘LoCITY – Time to clean up’ eLearning module within the 24 months prior to accreditation.

At gold level, drivers must have completed either the FORS Professional LoCITY Driving training course, or a FORS Approved environmental awareness course within the past five years.

Silver now also includes a commitment to tackle noise pollution – formerly only needed for gold – with operators required to complete noise assessments at operating centres and noise sensitive locations.

On the subject of counter-terrorism, FORS has introduced a new requirement for bronze level operators to have a policy and supporting procedures in place, which names a counter-terrorism champion.

Members must also have completed the FORS Professional Security and Counter Terrorism eLearning module within the 24 months prior to audit.

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