The following is a list of the FORS safety equipment required for vehicles over 3.5T for each level of FORS accreditation Bronze, Silver and Gold.
The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is a voluntary accreditation scheme for fleet operators which aims to raise the level of quality within fleet operations. It requires fleet operators to adhere to various policies and standards regarding procedures, licensing & safety, among others. Once the fleet operators can demonstrate they are operating at a certain level they are assessed by FORS and awarded FORS accreditation, Bronze, Silver or Gold.
FORS Safety Equipment Required
Bronze Requirements
- Class V and VI mirrors
- Side under-run protection fitted on both sides of the vehicle
- Warning signage fitted to the rear of the vehicle to warn vulnerable road users about getting too close to the vehicle
Silver Requirements
- Left turn audible alerts
Verbally communicating the danger to warn vulnerable road users when the vehicle is about to make a left turn (eg ‘Warning this vehicle is turning left’) - Reverse audible alert
Communicating the danger to warn vulnerable road users when the vehicle is about to reverse, (this can be white noise) engages automatically when vehicle is in reverse - A combination of direct and indirect vision aids (indirect vision aids would be cameras and mirrors. Direct vision aids would be Fresnel lenses or a low-level window in the nearside cab door.) These ensure front, side and rear blind-spots are eliminated or minimised as far as is practical / possible.
Camera Monitor Systems Mounted at the front near side of the vehicle facing backwards looking down the side of the vehicle. Covers blind spots you can’t see in the mirror. Images are transmitted to a monitor in the cab showing the camera view down the left side of the vehicle.
Ultrasonic Obstacle Detection a sensor system which increases safety when turning left or low speed manoeuvring which is both an audible beeper and visual led alert mounted inside the divers cab.
Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes
In addition, a reverse camera transmitting the view behind the vehicle to a monitor in the cab, should also be fitted to the rear of rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight
Gold Requirements
There is no additional equipment required for FORS Gold accreditation.
For comprehensive information about each level’s requirement including, health & safety, systems and procedures go to FORS Standards.
For a quick overview visit Five Reasons to go FORS
If you need advice about how your vehicles can become FORS compliant go to our FORS page please call us on 01446 334005 and we will do our best to help you and your fleet.