What is a LUEZ (Load/Unload Exclusion Zone)?

• A LUEZ is a clearly defined and visually segregated area around a vehicle during loading or unloading.
• It is designed to prevent injury from moving plant, shifting loads, or interaction between people and forklifts

• The Zone must include physical or visual barriers such as cones, tape, bollards or line marking - it cannot be left undefined. 
  

LUEZ Operation - Driver and Forklift Protocol

• Once instructed, the driver parks the truck within the LUEZ and prepares the truck for loading or unloading.
• The driver must wait for direction from the forklift operator, who controls activity within the LUEZ.
• After preparation, the driver moves to the designated driver safe zone, located outside the LUEZ, and must remain there until advised.
• Forklifts and pedestrian must never operate within the LUEZ at the same time - exclusion is strictly enforced.

The golden rule for forklift to pedestrian is 3 metres, though this may be reduced only with additional, documented controls in confined space.

Secondary Segregation - Confined Area During Driver Load Restraint

• In confined or shared-use areas, bollards or barriers are used to create a secondary segregation zone within or beside the LUEZ.
• This controlled area allows the driver to safely apply load restraint while maintaining separation from moving forklifts.
• Forklifts may drive nearby, but must not enter the driver’s segregated zone while load restraint is in progress.

This setup ensures compliance with the LUEZ rule, with engineered and administrative controls in place to manage the reduced space.

Clear visual barriers (e.g. bollards, cones, or physical fencing) must be in place and maintained for the duration of the task.