Forklift operator training can result in employers over training staff and spending their budget when perhaps just conversion training is required. Here are a few of the most common lift truck training myths:
Myth: A forklift operator must hold a valid license
Wrong! There is no such thing as a forklift truck license! If it was you would obtain this via the DVLA.
However, what is a legal requirement, for compliance with regulations under the law such as Regulation 9 of PUWER and Approved Code of Practice L117 ( Forklift Highway code if you will) , is ensuring forklift operators have completed the required training, which is broken down into three stages – Basic Operator Training, Specific Job Training, and Familiarisation Training.
On completion of training, a certificate is issued. However, this is not a legally requirement either. but it does provide evidence of training for current and future employers., or similar still a training records is required to be kept by the employer.
Employers should also ensure an ‘Authorisation to Operate’ is issued before allowing an individual to drive a forklift on their premises. This authorisation, may be time limited or valid only for a certain area. Without it an operator should never be driving a forklift at their employer’s premises.
Myth: A lift truck operator must redo their training from scratch to operate a different type of truck
Operators must be trained on the specific equipment they are required to operate. However, rather than starting their training from the beginning, existing trained operators can gain their qualifications and competence through a lift truck operator conversion course, which is usually much quicker and cost-efficient for employers.
For example, training for a beginner (novice) requires up to 5 days of training, however the same qualification taken as conversion training for an already qualified truck operator requires just 2 days, saving almost two days of potentially lost working hours.
Myth: An experienced forklift operator without a formal qualification must start training as a novice
Let us say a new employee may arrive with experience of operating equipment but has never completed any formal lift truck training. Experience does count, even for untrained operators. They will still need to gain the proper qualifications but assess their ability first, as they may be suited to training designed for existing operators rather than total beginners. A good training school should help you prove this is the case with a short evaluation of their skills.
Myth: You are legally required to put forklift operators through refresher training every 3 years
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines state that operators should take refresher training every 3-5 years, but this may be needed more frequently. Instead of blindly following guidelines and completing this training routinely every three years, operators should have access to refresher training at the most timely and appropriate occasions. Supervision and assessment can help to determine exactly when this is required to manage spending and comply with regulations.
For enquiries on our training please contact us via our website www.acetrainers.co.uk/or call us on 01256 889489