Ok, here is my scenario,

This processing plant has been operational for 40years and during that time there has been the daily use of small forklift transportable hoppers to carry sand around in.

These hoppers hold abnout 2 - 3 tonnes and have a chute with a slide on the bottom.

Here's the controversial bit. The forklift operator uses an long metal hook and from the seated position, extends the hook between the mast uprights and opens the chute on the bottom of the hopper.

Now the DEIR regulations for the state of Queensland covering prohibited acts for forklifts states:

"An operator's arms, hands, legs, and head must not leave the confines of the cab or be placed between the uprights of the mast"

Technically speaking there are no body parts extending outside the cab during this task but the operator is holding a rod which does travel through the mast.

I'm very interested in hearing any thoughts on this. We are trying to achieve safety compliance with our forklift operation but we are finding it difficult to completely replace this act in our forklift operations