Lift Truck Operator Training

Who is the course for?

This qualification is for employees who work in a warehouse or storage depot and need to operate a lift truck to carry out their duties. It is also suitable for those seeking employment in the warehousing / Ports and Logistics industry.

Course Outline

Delivered to RTITB (Road Transport Industry Training Board) standards, this course includes:

Theoretical Training

• Induction
• The Operators Safety Code
• Daily Inspection
• Hydraulic systems
• Operating procedures
• Fork truck stability
• Theory Test

Practical Training

• Introduction to the equipment
• Daily inspection, take-over and maintenance
• Starting, stopping, steering
• Simple corners and manoeuvring
• Operation of Hydraulics
• Weight Assessment
• Handling laden and unladen pallets
• Manoeuvring in confined spaces
• Driving on and off ramps
• Vehicle loading and unloading
• Handling awkward loads
• Practical tests

Delivery

Training can last up to five days (depending on the candidates prior experience and number of candidates on the course) and takes place in our training centre or on an employer's premises anywhere in the UK. It combines theory with practical exercises and leads to a standard test approved by the Health and Safety Commission. There are three elements in the test: a theoretical test, a pre-use check of the lift truck, and a practical test, which includes laden and unladen manoeuvring, stacking and de-stacking within an aisle, and correct parking procedures.

Forklift truck operators need to take refresher training and be re-assessed from time to time to ensure that they continue to operate forklift trucks safely. This might be appropriate if operators have not used trucks for some time, they are occasional users or there is a change in their working environment.

Entry

No formal educational qualifications are required, but basic maths is useful when working out safe loads.  Courses are available for novices, experienced operators and refreshers.

To drive a forklift truck unsupervised you must be at least 18. Training can be undertaken before then, but work must be supervised until trainees are 18. For this reason, many employers prefer applicants to be over 18. If a truck is used on public roads, traffic legislation applies and you must hold a driving licence.

Course Options

Training is available on all types of lift trucks, including Counterbalance, Reach, Telescopic Handler, Pallet Truck, Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, Combi Truck, Bendi/Flexi Truck, Hydraulic Lorry Loader plus many more on request.