Fork lift operator training
In theory anyone can train someone to drive a fork lift truck. After all, it's just like a car isn't it?
The problem is that, although anyone can train someone else, it is very likely that the company who arranged for this to happen would leave themselves open to a prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act, section 2 (c), in the event of an accident.
The act states that employers must take all reasonable practicable steps to ensure that employees are safe and that training has been carried out. By utilising another truck driver to conduct the training, (which is still practiced by some employers), a company runs the risk that the experienced operator will either teach the newcomer bad habits or will fail to teach them important safety facts.
In addition, the Approved Code of Practice for the training of operators has been around since April 1989 and this too emphasises the need for proper training to be carried out and also details the three stages of fork lift operator training.
It is for this reason that an accreditation scheme exists. The accrediting bodies do their best to make sure that the training companies who are accredited do actually conduct the training correctly. They lay down minimum course durations, they dictate what is taught and they invented both the written and practical tests. They also monitor training companies to make sure the training is being done correctly and suitable records are being kept.
If you are responsible for arranging training you should keep in mind the above and make use of the accrediting bodies to make sure that your training is being carried out to the correct standards. Be especially aware of anyone offering a one day course. One day is ok for re-tests with a maximum of three people attending or for the training of one very experienced operator. It is NOT allowed under ANY other circumstance. There are still some "cowboy" training companies around so let the buyer beware!
I often get asked about re-tests: i.e. are they mandatory and after how long? The 2005 Workplace Transport Regulations states that they are mandatory and the NORS system allows for operators to be re-tested every three years. The RTITB will write to a trainee at their home address when re-testing is due to advise them and remind them who trained them. In addition, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations calls for refresher training.
It is not possible to say that refresher courses MUST be done after three years as I don't think an exact time frame is laid down in any legislation. (Please let me know if you know different). What can be stated is that, following an accident, an investigating officer would want to know how long it had been since training had been conducted and if it was too long it could influence the prosecution case. An example of a training record is here