There’s no such thing as a forklift licence
It’s true. Although the terms ‘forklift licence’ or ‘forklift ticket’ are commonly used by operators, employers, and recruitment agencies, there really is no such thing as a forklift operator’s licence.
When people say ‘forklift licence’ what they are referring to is a Certificate of Basic Training.
What’s wrong with using ‘forklift licence’ and why does it matter?
Let’s start with why it matters (apart from the fact that licences don’t exist).
As part of Regulation 9 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98), employers must ensure that lift truck operators receive adequate training before they are allowed to operate on site.
So, when employing or recruiting a forklift operator, it’s important to check that the candidate has received appropriate training that is correctly documented in the form of a certificate and can be verified. If the training has been provided through an accrediting body — such as AITT (a member of the Accrediting Bodies Association or ABA) — the verification process is quick, simple, and certain.
What training is required to operate forklift trucks?
As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure operators have completed three stages of training:
- Basic Training
- Job-Specific Training
- Familiarisation Training
Refresher Training will also be necessary to maintain an operator’s skills.
A Certificate of Basic Training is the qualification that is routinely, and incorrectly, referred to as a ‘forklift licence’. It is worth noting that if an employer has paid for the course, it remains the property of the employer, rather than the operator.
How long does a Certificate of Basic Training last?
In most cases a Certificate of Basic Training acts as a lifelong qualification. It shows that an operator has met a minimum standard of knowledge and skills at a specific moment in time. Having achieved this, it is unlikely that an operator will be required to retake this full course again when working on the same type of truck. However, additional training will be necessary.
What are the three stages of training?
Basic Training is the initial part of the required training process. Its purpose is to help operators gain the necessary skills to work, competently and safely, on a particular piece of equipment in a specific workplace. If things change — such the need to operate a different type of truck or in different premises — then that training may no longer be valid.
Job-Specific Training gives an operator a deeper understanding of how to use the actual truck they will be using on their own premises. The course also covers routine truck inspection, using the vehicle in the conditions the operator will face day-to-day, and the site-specific rules they will need to follow.
Familiarisation Training is held on the job and under close supervision. Its purpose is to put into practice everything an operator has learned, in the location where they will be working, and in everyday working conditions.
It’s important to be aware that the moment something changes (such as operating a significantly different type of truck) the existing training ‘expires’. As a result, Job-Specific Training and Familiarisation Training is not normally transferable to a new site or employer.
Why is accredited training so important?
Any training provider can issue a certificate, but to ensure you comply with HSE guidelines (L117) it is wise to select a provider (including AITT) whose courses are accredited by one of a select group of accrediting bodies that are part of the Accrediting Bodies Association (ABA).
In addition, to ensuring the quality of a training course, accredited bodies such as AITT enable both employers and recruitment agencies to check the authenticity of a certificate (remember, there’s no such thing as a licence or ticket!).
How should I assess an applicant or an agency worker?
Here are three steps you need to take when recruiting a new employee or agency worker to operate your forklift trucks or other materials handling equipment:
1) Check their qualifications. Are they up-to-date, comprehensive, and authentic? (you can do this through the appropriate accrediting body such as AITT— you can find AITT’s ACORNS Verify at www.aitt.co.uk/acorns/).
2) Check what types of equipment they are trained to operate — are they suited to your application? If not, but they are otherwise suitable, arrange additional training.
3) The next step is to test the operator’s current skill levels (pre-use knowledge, theoretical skills, and practical operating skills). This will help you understand the standards they are working to and determine what training they need before they can safely use forklifts on your site.
What is Refresher Training and how often is it required?
Refresher Training is a requirement and is vital in maintaining operator skill levels and preventing them from slipping into bad habits. Research proves that safe, skilled operators are also the most productive.
There is no fixed deadline, but Refresher Training is normally carried out every 3–5 years but may be required sooner where operators are slipping into bad habits.
If you would like to discuss anything covered here in more detail, please contact 01530 810867 or visit www.aitt.co.uk