So be sure to allow additional time for job-specific and familiarisation training.Īnother requirement to consider is forklift refresher courses, because while new operators need training, it’s vital you don’t presume that experience guarantees competence.
This could mean productivity is slowed, disrupted or even halted completely, should an accident occur. So that’s basic training covered, but if you stop here, you’ll lose out on significant boosts to efficiency gained during the remaining two elements of training, and your new operators may not yet be ready to work safely alongside their experienced colleagues, who’ll be going at their usual pace.
Therefore, more experienced lift truck operators may, understandably, need less training than those with little or no experience. The specific guidance is that the course should last as long as it takes for delegates to meet the requirements of L117’s Appendix 1 and 2: basic training objectives and tests of operator skills. The following guidelines refer to basic training any job specific and familiarisation will be an additional time investment (but a necessary one to ensure you meet the legal requirements set out in L117).Ī course of basic training will typically last between 3 and 5 days, dependent on factors such as equipment type, experience level and delegate numbers. When determining suitable course lengths for forklift operator training, its key that we’re specific about the type of training in question, to avoid confusion. Allows the operator to put into place what has been learnt, in normal conditions. Familiarisation training: Carried out ‘on the job’ under close supervision.Gives operators a working knowledge and understanding of the equipment that they will use day-to-day and how it should be used in the workplace. Specific job training: Delivered ‘off the job’ by the employer and will be tailored to the employer’s needs.Delivered ‘off the job’ by a qualified in-house instructor or an external provider (look for one who trains to an accredited standard). Basic training: Foundation-level training necessary to operate the type of lift truck and any attachments that will be used.
#On the job forklift training code#
L117 - the Approved Code of Practice for Rider Operated Lift Trucks - focusses on operator training and safe use and offers simple, straightforward advice on the subject.īefore we can discuss course lengths, it’s important to note that there are three elements of forklift training which must be must be satisfied by employers before an operator is deemed ready to work. Well, once again we can turn to the HSE for guidance. For the sake of staff safety, productivity and your budget (not to mention legal compliance), it’s important to ensure your team is spending the right amount of time on training.īut, how can you be sure that you’re following best practice, getting the best value and making the best use of everyone’s time? When your forklift operators are in training, they aren’t working, but without the proper training, they aren’t working at their best.