Forklift operator Training

Forklift Trucks (FLT) are amongst some of the most hazardous vehicle types in the workplace, incidents involving lift trucks are usually serious and often fatal. However, the dangers associated with use of lift trucks in the workplace are often underestimated. Operating a forklift truck is a specialised skill. Many accidents are caused by untrained drivers operating trucks in ignorance of the special conditions that apply to forklifts.

This course is intended for forklift truck drivers wishing to either gain certification or refresh/ renew previous certification.

COVID-19 Rider Operator Lift Truck Training Requirements

Health & Safety Authority:

“The Authority recognises that employers, as a result of national measures to prevent the spread of COVID 19, may find it challenging to source training courses or competent persons to provide the required training in the current circumstances. Notwithstanding any such difficulties, employers are reminded of their general duty to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety health and welfare at work of their employees and also others who may be present at the place of work. Employers are reminded of the need to take all measures, so far as reasonably practicable, to that end.

Requirements relating to Rider operated lift truck [ROLT] training are provided in Code of Practice Rider-operated lift trucks: operator training and Supplementary Guidance. This COP is currently undergoing revision as part of the Authority’s 2020 legislation update program.

The COP outlines that persons shall not work, nor be required to work, on, at or with any machine unless they have been fully instructed as to the dangers arising in connection therewith and the precautions to be observed and has received a sufficient training in work at the machine. The training of lift truck operators may be broken down into three stages:

Basic training – the basic skills and knowledge required for safe operation;
Specific job training – knowledge of workplace and experience of any special needs and handling attachments;
Familiarisation training – operation on the job under close supervision.
The Code of Practice advises only on basic training of lift truck operators and there is no specific requirement to provide refresher training after set intervals.”

(Health & Safety Authority Website, 11th May 2020), VIEW.

Available as an Onsite Course

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Available as a Public Course

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Course Objectives

On completion of the Forklift Operators training course participants will be able to demonstrate safe forklift operating skills and avoid danger to people and property.

On completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Operate a forklift safely, reducing the risk of injury to operators and pedestrians and increase the efficiency of forklift truck operators.
Use safe operating techniques.
Refuel/ recharge forklifts safely.
Correctly position forklifts in relation to task requirements.

Course Topics

Legislation.
The operators’ safety code.
General safety rules.
Daily inspection procedures.
Lift truck controls and instruments.
Starting/ moving/ stopping and steering the truck.
Operation of hydraulic controls.
Vehicle loading and unloading.
Stacking and de-stacking.
On/ off ramp driving.
Lift truck stability.
Loading and stacking procedures.
De-stacking and unloading.
Maintenance.
Charging and changing batteries.
Fueling procedures.

Legislation

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Participants

A maximum of 3 participants can attend each Forklift Operator training session. The 3:1 Ratio applies to the practical portion of this course.

More than 3 participants can be trained per session, provided the ratio of 3 participants : 1 trainer is maintained.

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Duration

Forklift Operator training sessions are usually a duration 1 to 5 days in duration depending on the participants’ competence, experience and the types/ number of forklifts they require certification for.

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Certification

On successful competition of the Forklift Operator course participants will receive a House Certificate. The certification will expire after 3 years.

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Renewal

Participants are required to renew their training by completing the 1-day (per machine) forklift operator refresher training course. Renewals should happen before the certification expires, or sooner if indicated by their company’s risk assessment.

Course Entry Requirements

Participants experience is designated as follows :

Novice: No previous experience required
Experienced Non Certified: 6 months
Re-certification: Participants must hold valid operator certification in the type of forklift they are being trained on
Cross-over: Participants must hold valid operator certification in another type of forklift that that they are being trained on.

If participants do not display competency in operating the forklift, additional training days will be required.

Site Requirements

The client is required to provide access to the forklift which the participants are being trained on during this course.
The provided truck must hold a current Report of Thorough Examination, in the event the forklift does not have this, the training will not proceed but the training will still be charged.
The client is also required to provide access to the site for the practical and suitable space for trainer and participants to demonstrate forklift maneuvers.
Only 1 machine can be trained per course

Duration Based on 1 Machine to Be Trained

Please Note:

The Pivot Steer Truck forklift truck training is +1 day to estimated/standard duration of forklift training courses listed above based on participants experience (as illustrated in the table above).

Types of Forklift Truck

Counterbalance:
Counterbalance forklift trucks are the most common type of forklift truck, and the type most people instinctively think of when thinking of forklifts. On counterbalance trucks, the forks protrude from the front of the machine, with no outrigging legs or arms, meaning the truck can be driven up to the exact location of the load or racking. This means that no reach facility is required, and lends itself to straightforward operation. As the name suggests, counterbalance trucks operate a counterbalance weight design, with a weight at the rear of the truck off-setting the load to be lifted at the front. Electric counterbalance machines are able to operate with a smaller counterweight as the battery serves as ballast as well as a source of power.
Reach Truck:
Reach trucks are designed predominantly for warehouse operation. They offer maximum lift height with excellent maneuverability. The name refers to the ability of the fork carriage to ‘reach’ out beyond the stabilising legs and therefore ‘reach’ into racking. The combination of this reach capability and the stabilising legs means reach trucks can lift to great heights while still operating in very tight working environments. The stabilising legs and batteries within a reach truck negate the need for any counterbalance weight within the truck construct. While excellent for use indoors, reach trucks are not ideally suited to work outside.
Electric Ride on Pallet Truck:
Pallet Trucks are a basic form of a forklift and are intended to move pallets within a warehouse. There are both sit-down and stand-up models of Ride on Pallet Trucks.
Sideloader:
Sideloaders are, as their name suggests, trucks that operate by picking up their load from the side, from the perspective of the operator. They are very good at handling wide (or long) loads that would otherwise be unstable on a conventional counterbalance machine.
Telescopic Handler:
The telescopic handler, also called a telehandler, teleporter, is a machine that is somewhat like a forklift but has a boom (Telescopic cylinder) that the operator can fit one of several attachments. A machine may have a single telescopic or an articulating boom, that extends forwards and upwards from the vehicle.
If you require Telescopic Handler training for a construction site – click here.
Pivot Steer:
The Pivot Steer Forklift is also refereed to as: Flexi, Swing Mast, Turret Truck, or Bendi. The Pivot Steer Truck resembles a standard forklift with the exception that there is an additional function to swing the mast to a 90 degree angle to either side by way of the truck being articulated. These trucks are designed in this way to allow them to work in very narrow aisles. This forklift is most likely to be used in warehouses with very narrow aisles and high racking systems.