Introduction to Lift Truck Operator Training

The HSE Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) recommendation is that all lift truck operators receive ‘adequate training’ and this is also evident in the 1998 PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment) Regulations.

We are a training provider whose training is accredited by RTITB Limited who are one of the five bodies recognised by the Health & Safety Commission as competent to accredit and monitor organisations to train Instructors, and to train, test and certificate operators.

The vast majority of our lift truck operator training is certificated under the RTITB Scheme which are accepted universally. For various reasons, however, some employers prefer not to use the RTITB Scheme and require what has become known as a ‘Health & Safety Certificate’. This has the effect of limiting the employee’s authority to operate to their existing employer.

The essential difference between the two certificates is that the RTITB certificate trains and tests operator in accordance with published standards of basic training issued by the HSE’s approved bodies. Health & Safety certificates on the other hand are only appropriate to meet an employer’s specific training needs, which are limited in comparison with the HSE approved scheme. For example, some employers may require an operator to carry out extremely limited functions with a lift truck, which as a consequence requires shorter duration training and testing.

Operator training consists of three stages; basic training, job specific training and familiarisation, all of which are explained in the HSE approved Code of Practice. Subject to all of these stages being satisfactorily completed, the employer should then issue the employee with a written authorisation to operate the type or types of truck on which they have been trained and tested, Training providers such as ourselves are normally only required to carry out the basic training; job specific and familiarisation training are then carried out on-the-job by the employer.

ACCREDITED TRAINING – NATIONALLY RECOGNISED CERTIFICATION

In order for us to issue accredited certification we must show a minimum training period of 20 hours (3 days) training for experienced, but previously un-certificated operators.

If your employees are operating on other company premises as well as your own, we would recommend they receive Accredited Training & Certification.

  • Initial/Novice Operators – 5 days
  • Operators with previous experience (un-certificated) – 3 days (20 hours)
  • Refresher Training (a copy of previous certificate required) – 1 day
  • ‘Conversion’ Training – 2 days (counterbalance to reach or reach to counterbalance)

RTITB – National Operator Registration (NORS) – £20.00 per operator per lift truck category.

IN-HOUSE (HEALTH & SAFETY) CERTIFICATION

  • Initial/Novice Operators – no experience – 3-5 days
  • Initial Operators with limited operating experience – 3 days
  • Initial Certification for Experienced Operators – 1 day
  • Refresher Training after a period of time – 1 day

TRAINING VENUE

/
FEES
AT DLT TRAINING CENTRES / £120.00 per trainee per day
(To include admin & Cert Fees)
AT CUSTOMER PREMISES (Weekdays) / £250.00 per Instructor day
AT CUSTOMER PREMISES (Saturdays) / To be arranged
AT CUSTOMER PREMISES (Sundays) / To be arranged
RTITB NORS Registration (where applicable) / £20.00 per operator, per lift truck category
CERTIFICATION FEE(only for In House Cert) / £5.00 per trainee

The above training fees are based on a maximum 3:1:1 ratio

3 Trainees to 1 Instructor to 1 Lift Truck

All fees are subject to VAT.

Courses are normally arranged two or three weeks ahead but short-notice bookings are often arranged for customers with urgent training needs.