We have put together some frequently asked questions about forklift training. However, if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us on 01204 822051/07719529722 or email us at admin@ukforklifttrucktraining.co.uk and we will be happy to help and discuss your training requirements in more detail.
What will I need for you to be able to train at my premises?- All that we require for onsite training is the following:
- A safe reliable truck with a LOLER certificate( thorough examination) for the duration of the course
- A flat area for steering exercises inside or out
- A safe area set aside from the main working area and preferably under cover
- A supply of empty pallets uniform in size
- 2 or 3 realistic loads
- An office or room to carry out the theory element of the course
What forklift training courses do you offer?Training courses tend to fall into four main categories for:
- A Novice Operator – someone who has never operated a forklift truck before and never been certificated.
- A Semi Experienced Operator – someone who has operated a forklift but never been certificated.
- A Refresher – someone who has been previously certificated to operate a forklift truck but needs to be brought up to date with current regulations.
- A Conversion – someone who has been certificated but now needs to drive a different type or different size forklift truck.
Do employers have to train their operators?Yes. In the UK reference to this is made under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the HSE Approved Code of Practice for Rider Operated Lift Trucks, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998. The forklift truck is classed as a piece of work equipment and under those regulations you must provide documentary evidence that the training has been satisfactorily completed and a forklift licence provides proof that your operators are competent to drive a forklift truck.
How often should my staff have refresher training?Legally there is no set frequency for refresher training but the HSE recommends refresher training between 3 and 5 years or as specified by your Risk Assessment and Insurer’s requirements. Their Code of Practice states that employers should continually monitor their forklift operators to ensure their competence. It is only a 1-day course and up to 3 operators can be trained at the same time.
Will A Counterbalance Licence Also Cover Driving a Reach Truck?No. Counterbalance and Reach trucks are classed as different machines and do not have the same operating procedures. However, if they are already certificated, it will only require a conversion course to enable them to drive both types of forklift.
Does a Counterbalance Licence Cover All Size Counterbalance Trucks?No, ITSSAR has 3 different size categories for counterbalance trucks. Those categories are up to and including 5 Tonne; Over 5 Tonne and up to and including 15 Tonne and Over 15 Tonne so a conversion course will be required for each type.
Do forklift instructors have to be registered?
Yes. In the UK all Forklift instructors must be registered and all of our instructors are ITSSAR (Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register) accredited and registered.