You might want to contact the attachment manufacturer for assistance on the single - double pallet handler.

I believe we are talking about the same type of unit: The "Double Stack" - "Double Fork" units allows driver to use the same lift truck to handle either single or double pallet loads. Spreading the four forks allows handling of two pallets side by side. When brought together, the four forks convert to two forks ready for single pallet handling. As I said I am sure that they have thier benefits but here are a couple of my concerns with these units / attachmetns: 1. When forklifts are used in areas also used for pedestrians (other workers) such as in a production facility, you need to ensure proper aisle share space. Therefore if you are going to use or move loades twice as wide as a single, that space must increase. Often there is no more space to add. Therefore these units must then only be used in "designated areas", e.g. loading, warehousing. So, if I can use a "single load" unit throughout the facility why would I want to introduce a unit which can only be used in a specific area. The switching on and off would be a time concern. Again, I am talking specifics here. Our drivers load, unload and service produciton lines (with forklifts). 2. The stability (as I watched loads being placed, removed) is somewhat of a concern. Our product is light and a "soft touch" when handling is needed. This isn't a big problem, but when "double pallet" handling the load simply doesn't appear that stable. 3. I mentioned this before, but when removing a double pallet, often it simply is two wide to remove from older, aging, trucks. The loads often get stuck or hit (damage) the dock side seal rubber units. The operator needs to drop the load and remove them one at a time, again, making the double pallet unit back to a single pallset unit. I guess to sumarize it I am not seeing a gain, at least in this specific situation. Appreciate the input and would entertain others. Thanks.

We use the Single/Double in several of out facilites around the United States and our operators love them. It cuts the unload and load time down tremdously and we do store product in racking in several of our locations. As for operation, it is very easy to use and the training we have is a very nice video/manual/hands on program. I have never heard it called Double Fork, so I hope that we are talking about the same unit. Ours are attachments that can have the 4 forks closed and utilized as a regular fork, or they can be expanded with the hydraulic controls and becomes 4 forks capable of picking up 2 pallets side by side.

The "Double Fork" units are simply an attachment which mounts on a "Conventional" forklift. I don't have to many concerns with these units (attachments) if used in an acceptable mannner and facility. They do pose a problem when space is a concern and we found them to often be difficult when loading trailers. Often the side by side pallets are too wide when removing from a trailer and the loads will hit, get stuck on the bay door seals (weather stripping cushions). Another concern is the use of these double wides for the lack of any other term when removing or stacking pallets on racks. They have their benefits, I guess, but again when forklift traffic, pedestrians and the activity vs allowed material storage, shipment space is a constant risk - battle; the introduction of newer, different, units is not the answer. Sorry for the leangth of the response, it is just I am not sold on either the "Double Stack" or "Flexi" at this time. I am open for consideration and if proven useful can change my mind.

Are you referring to the Single/Double Fork attachment?

My original post was a little misleading. I wanted to get some support and information on the need for "specific" training associated with the "Double Pallet" and "The Flexi" forklift units. As a 30 plus year retired OSHA Compliance Officer and now a Private EH &S Consultant I was aware of the need for specific training (OSHA Regs.) but often when you show a client other individuals in the business such as member of this group who support your position the need is better accepted (Best Practices). So thanks for the comments and the OSHA quotes and I agree. What I really need is for someone who has and uses these units in their facility or warehouse. The "Flexi" what I have found is widely used in Eruope but I have yet run across one until now. As all of you know, forklift and workers (pedestrians) in a manufacturing setting don't alway mix well and is a "risk factor" which must be addressed. The last thing I need is for this client is to introduce a "Newly Designed" forklift which has its own inherent risk concerns. So, if anyone has comments on these two units, Likes, Dislikes, Risk, Improvements etc., I am very interested. Many thanks.

I would be glad to point you to a safety training vendor we recommend.

ICSConsulting -

You are correct that the previous training would not be sufficient for such forklifts. OSHA 1910.178, Powered Industrial Trucks, 1910.178(l) - Operator training requires specialized training in the forklift to be used and in the environment in which it will be used including the following:

1910.178(l)(3)(i) - Truck-related topics:

1910.178(l)(3)(i)(A)
Operating instructions, warnings, and precautions for the types of truck the operator will be authorized to operate;

1910.178(l)(3)(i)(M)
Any other operating instructions, warnings, or precautions listed in the operator's manual for the types of vehicle that the employee is being trained to operate.

Your best bet is to contact the forklift manufacturer to see what training material they may have available. At a minimum, obtain the operation and safety manuals from the manufacturer. I doubt if any canned programs exist which could meet the OSHA training requirements.