Forklift training warning
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), some businesses allow lift truck “training” to simply be carried out by a forklift operator, who may or may not be correctly trained themselves, rather than using professional lift truck instructors.
“Forklift training should be delivered by an instructor who is trained and qualified, as clearly outlined in the Approved Code of Practice for Rider Operated lift truck guidance (L117) from HSE,” says Laura Nelson, MD at workplace transport training accrediting body RTITB.
RTITB lift truck instructor courses can be purchased from a network of RTITB accredited providers or from the RTITB Instructor Academy. The courses take just 10-12 days to complete and can be undertaken onsite at the training provider’s premises, or at a dedicated training centre.
To enrol on an RTITB instructor course a trainee should hold a certificate of Basic Operating Skills for the specific machine type, completed in the last 12 months. RTITB also recommends that candidates provide evidence of at least six months’ industrial operational experience to enhance their application, as instructor positions are competitive.
A video that advises employers on the specific qualities and skills to look for in an instructor is available via the RTITB App for iPhone and Android devices.
