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In the dynamic world of forklift operation, safety is paramount. Understanding who can and can’t operate a forklift and the challenges each individual may face is vital to ensuring the smooth running of a business. This blog looks at the guidelines surrounding forklift operation for these individuals and how we can help ensure both safety and efficiency for these individuals.
At What Age Can You Drive a Forklift?
Can You Drive a Forklift If You Are Deaf?
Can You Drive a Forklift If You Are Visually Impaired?
Can You Drive a Forklift If You Have Epilepsy?
I’m Pregnant, Can I Drive a Forklift?
Other Reasons You Can’t Drive a Forklift
I Meet The Requirements, How Do I Get Trained To Drive a Forklift?
At What Age Can You Drive a Forklift?
Forklift operators need to be at least minimum school-leaving age. This means in the UK, anyone over the age of 16 can drive a forklift truck. However, most companies will not train anyone under the age of 17, and some employers will only hire people aged over 18 due to health and safety regulations.
People aged between 16 and 18 are classed as young people. This means if a young person is employed, a great amount of risk assessment is needed to ensure they are working in a safe environment. For example, a risk assessment must take into account the young person’s psychological and physical immaturity as well as inexperience.
Additionally, before hiring a young person, their maturity and competence must be taken into account to guarantee the safety of other staff and the young person themself. The level of supervision a young person may need will be based on these factors.
Full training must also be provided to ensure they understand how a forklift operates and the rules surrounding driving a forklift. All training must be to the highest standard following ACOP L117.
Can You Drive a Forklift If You Are Deaf?
There is a certain level of hearing you need to operate a forklift, as you may need to listen out for any obstructions or dangers when driving the forklift. Furthermore, you may need to follow instructions that are given verbally. However, this does not mean that if you are deaf, you are unable to drive a forklift.
In some cases, getting a doctor’s approval or using a hearing aid is sufficient to guarantee that you are able to drive a forklift safely. Employers may have to amend their everyday working procedures to enable deaf forklift drivers to do their jobs efficiently. For example, using hand signals may be one way to mitigate any challenges.
Can You Drive a Forklift If You Are Visually Impaired?
The general consensus is the rules for driving on public roads are applied to driving a forklift. In terms of being visually impaired, the same rules apply. If you are visually impaired, but this can be corrected by wearing glasses, you must wear your glasses when operating a forklift. Additionally, if you are completely blind in one eye, you may need to be checked to see if you are still able to see hazards in your peripheral vision.
This is not just applicable to people who are visually impaired, however. It is recommended that anyone who is required to drive a forklift should have their peripheral vision and depth perception tested to ensure they are able to operate a forklift safely.
Can You Drive a Forklift If You Have Epilepsy?
As with visual impairment, the same rules that apply to driving on public roads apply to operating a forklift. If you have epilepsy but your seizures are under control, then you may be able to drive a forklift. If you have a singular seizure, you can operate a forklift from 6 months after the seizure, given that there have been no other seizures since. If you have had more than one seizure, you can operate a forklift 12 months after your last seizure.
There are some deviations from this rule, though. For example, if you have seizures in your sleep or seizures that don’t affect your consciousness, you may still be able to operate a forklift. You should follow the advice of your doctor before attempting to drive a forklift.
I’m Pregnant, Can I Drive a Forklift?
It is not recommended that you drive a forklift whilst pregnant. This is because forklifts can sometimes emit whole-body vibrations. This can be harmful to pregnant women as prolonged exposure to being shaken or jolted can cause back pain and increase the chance of a miscarriage. Any activities that shock or jolt the abdomen also increase the chance of a premature birth.
Employers should accommodate pregnant employees by offering them alternative work if their primary role is to operate forklifts. It is also advised more breaks should be given to pregnant women as they are prone to sickness, fatigue, and other pregnancy symptoms.
Reasons You Can’t Drive a Forklift
It may seem obvious, but there are other occasions where you should not operate a forklift, such as when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving a forklift requires all your attention, just like driving a car does, so the same rules for driving under the influence apply to this situation.
All forklift operators should be trained to a high standard, be healthy, and not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Operators should be well-versed in how their particular forklift works to ensure other employees are working in a safe environment.
I Meet The Requirements, How Do I Get Trained To Drive a Forklift?
Do you meet the requirements for a forklift operator and want to start your training? At HL Training, you can become an accredited forklift operator to enhance your workforce’s skills. We offer professional on-site and in-house forklift training endorsed by the UK’s leading accrediting bodies. Contact our team by either calling us at 0117 952 5625 or filling out our online form to start enhancing your skills today.
Who Can Drive a Forklift FAQs
Do forklift truck drivers require a medical examination?
It is recommended forklift drivers undergo a medical examination as being a forklift operator requires handling heavy loads. Employees at the age of 40 should be medically screened in five-year intervals until the age of 65. Any operators over 65 should be screened annually to ensure their physical health is maintained.
What qualifications do you need to be a forklift driver?
You do not need a driving license to operate a forklift truck, but there are some other requirements. For example, you must be over the age of 16 and be fully trained. It is recommended you are trained by professionals on an accredited course to ensure you have the highest standard of training and you gain accreditation once you have completed the course.
Can you drive a forklift truck on the road?
You can drive a forklift on the road, but you require a driving license since you will be driving on public roads. This also means rules and regulations regarding driving on the road also apply, such as eyesight rules, drunk driving is prohibited, and the use of seatbelts is required.
It can be difficult to decide on which forklift training course to take. You may be inclined to choose the cheapest and shortest course since it will not only save you money but also time. However, by cutting corners, forklift operators may not be trained to a high standard and have the knowledge they need to work safely and efficiently. In our guide, we have listed the factors affecting why a forklift training course may be longer than you expect and things you should consider when choosing the right course for you.
Forklift Training Accreditation and Guidelines
Forklift Training Course Structure
How Experience Affects Forklift Course Length
Other Factors Affecting Forklift Course Duration
Begin Your Forklift Training Today
Forklift Training Accreditation and Guidelines
When choosing an accredited forklift training course, it is worth looking for a course that is accredited. By looking for a course that has training programmes accredited by the Accrediting Bodies Association, you can have the confidence that you and your fellow forklift operators are all trained to a high standard and in line with the L117 Approved Code of Practice for Rider Operated Lift Trucks (ACOP).
There are three different elements of training that must be completed to achieve accreditation for forklift operations. Completing these stages is essential to ensure trainee forklift operators are ready to work in a normal environment, guaranteeing the safety of other employees and maintaining productivity within the workforce.
Basic Training
This level of training is the foundation for forklift operations. Basic training ensures the trainee forklift operator knows how to operate the forklift truck itself and any attachments that may also need to be used. Attachments can include clamps, buckets, and double pallet handlers.
As this stage involves the trainee forklift operators developing a knowledge of the process of driving a forklift, this part of training should be conducted “off the job”. This means training is specifically to learn how to operate a forklift rather than how to use the forklift on the job.
Specific Job Training
Specific job training involves understanding the equipment forklift drivers will use whilst on the job and the procedures they must follow daily. This stage is specific to different businesses as it is tailored to how each individual business operates.
This training would also be conducted “off the job”, as without completing training, the forklift trainee may disrupt the productivity and safety of other employees.
Familiarisation Training
This is the final level of training, as it entails putting together all the training so far and working “on the job”. Under close supervision, trainees will be tasked with everyday jobs to test whether they are able to complete their roles safely and efficiently. This final stage marks the end of training, acting as a gateway into the normal daily procedures of the workplace.
Refresher Course
If an experienced and trained forklift operator has not had training in a couple of years, it is recommended they partake in a forklift operator refresher course. This involves testing the forklift operator on their daily procedures and seeing if there are any issues in their performance. If there are any issues, the refresher course can help resolve any bad habits they might have developed over the years.
How Experience Affects Forklift Course Length
The main factor that affects the length of a forklift training course is the level of experience the trainee has. From novice to conversion courses, the amount of training each trainee requires can differ by a few days.
Novice In Forklift Operating
If a trainee is new to forklift operation, there is a lot of knowledge and practice they require. As this type of trainee is starting from scratch, all elements of forklift operation must be learned. From the theoretical aspects of training to the practical elements of driving, a new trainee will require approximately 3 to 5 days to become fully trained and qualified.
Experienced Forklift Driver
An experienced forklift driver can be classed as someone who knows how to drive a forklift and has had experience in driving a forklift but has no formal training. This type of trainee will already have the basic knowledge of forklift operation as they drive forklifts on a daily basis. This means they may complete the whole forklift operation course quicker than a new trainee as they already have the experience. Typically, an experienced forklift driver may take about 2 to 3 days to complete the whole forklift training course.
Refresher Course
A refresher course is for experienced but formally trained forklift operators who may need to freshen up their knowledge of forklift operation. This course is primarily to remove any bad habits these forklift drivers may have acquired to ensure they are operating forklifts safely and to the standard required. Therefore, a typical refresher course should only take about one day to complete.
Conversion Course
A conversion course is aimed at people who need to be trained in using a different forklift truck to the one they are used to. These trainees are experienced forklift drivers who are now required to use different vehicles. This means training can vary depending on the forklift the trainee can already operate and the new forklift truck they are required to operate. This means training can take anywhere from half a day to 5 days.
Other Factors Affecting Forklift Course Duration
Aside from the type of course and trainee, other factors that can affect the length of a forklift training course can be the type of forklift truck a trainee is training to use and the type of training the company requires.
Type of Forklift
There are a variety of different forklift models that a trainee can be asked to operate. For example, a Powered Pallet Truck may take less training as it is simple to operate. Additionally, if the trainee is required to use any attachments during their daily tasks, this can add some time to the training course.
Company Preferences
Alternatively, a company may prefer to have restricted training. This can mean training is limited to just basic training. By reducing the amount of training required, the length of the course can be shortened by over 4 days.
This may mean less time and money is spent on training, but this also means forklift operators are not accredited, which can also impact insurance. Additionally, the safety of other employees may be compromised as trainees may not have a full understanding of the forklift they have been trained to operate.
It is recommended a fully accredited forklift training course is offered by employers to ensure any employee who operates forklifts is trained to a high standard and the safety of other employees is not compromised.
Begin Your Forklift Training Today
Are you wanting to become an accredited forklift operator and are interested in commencing your training? At HL Training, we provide accredited forklift operator courses to elevate the skills of you or your workforce. Our services include professional on-site and in-house training that is endorsed by leading accrediting bodies in the UK, such as RTITB. We offer training for a variety of forklift trucks, from counterbalance forklifts to order pickers. Get in touch with our team either by calling us at 0117 952 5625 or by completing our online form to embark on the journey of enhancing your skills today.
Forklift Course Length FAQs
How long does it take to do a forklift course?
There are various courses and factors that affect the length of a forklift training course. This includes the amount of experience you have, whether you require a refresher course, and the type of forklift you need training for. On average, for a novice forklift operator, it can take 3 to 5 days to complete training.
How hard is it to get forklift certified?
It is not hard to get forklift certified if you follow and complete all the training required. By completing the full training course from basics to familiarisation, you can ensure you are able to operate a forklift safely without compromising others and productively to increase efficiency.
How long does a UK forklift license last for?
There is no expiry date for a forklift license, but it is recommended by HSE that you “renew your license” every 3-5 years. To do this, HSE experienced forklift drivers should take a refresher course to ensure they are still operating a forklift to industry standard. Experienced forklift drivers who only have a certificate of basic training should also take a refresher course. If you are experienced forklift driver but have never taken a training course, then you will not be able to take a refresher course, but should instead undergo experienced forklift operator training.
Are you a forklift operator exploring your next career step? Or a business owner assessing the merits of in-house forklift training? At HL Training, we’re here to guide you through becoming a certified forklift instructor. In this guide, we’ll explore the role of a forklift instructor and why it might be right for you or your business. We also delve into the essential skills needed for success in this role and outline the necessary training and requirements.
A forklift instructor is a certified professional responsible for training and educating individuals in the safe and efficient operation of forklifts. Their role is pivotal in promoting workplace safety, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and improving overall productivity.
Instructors are well-versed in forklift principles, teaching learners how to operate these powerful machines with precision. They create and deliver comprehensive training programs that cover everything from the fundamentals of forklift operations to advanced handling techniques.
A significant part of their role involves assessing and evaluating trainees to identify areas needing improvement and providing constructive feedback. They also design lesson plans, conduct classroom and practical sessions, and administer both written and practical examinations.
Forklift instructors play a critical role in shaping competent forklift operators who can navigate various challenges in warehouse, construction, and logistics environments. Ultimately, their mission is to ensure that all forklift operators are well-trained, safety-conscious, and capable of performing their duties effectively, reducing workplace accidents and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Why become a forklift instructor
Accredited forklift instructor
Are you a talented forklift operator looking for your next career step?
Becoming an accredited forklift instructor offers a fulfilling and secure career path. It allows you to share your expertise, enhance workplace safety, and contribute to a smoother, more efficient operation. In this role, you’ll not only deepen your own knowledge and skills but also enjoy the satisfaction of mentoring others. Moreover, the demand for qualified forklift instructors remains consistently high across various industries, ensuring long-term job stability. It’s a profession that combines personal growth with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on workplace safety and productivity.
In-house forklift instructor
While hiring external forklift operator training services is an excellent option, there are solid reasons for businesses to consider in-house training. Accredited forklift operator training equips your team to handle various manual handling challenges, but the training costs can accumulate over time. Once your need for operator training reaches a certain scale or frequency, having an in-house forklift operator trainer can become a cost-effective choice. However, you will need to train forklift trainers to deliver in-house training. The initial investment in forklift instructor training can yield substantial savings in the long run, particularly if there’s a consistent demand within your organisation for forklift operator training.
In short, investing in forklift instructor training can save you money on forklift operator training in the future.
Who is a good candidate for forklift instructor training?
While a forklift instructor certainly needs a high level of operating ability with the specific category of lift truck they will train on, expertise in operating alone is insufficient for becoming a forklift instructor. Proficiency as a forklift operator is a fundamental requirement, but not all skilled operators can effectively transition into the role of a trainer. To be a strong candidate for providing forklift training, individuals should possess a range of additional skills and traits, including:
Strong Communication Skills: Forklift instructors must excel in precise communication, as they need to convey technical information to individuals with varying levels of experience and skill. Effective communication is crucial in this role.
Analytical Skills: These skills are vital for assessing candidates and identifying areas where additional support is needed to close skill gaps on an individual basis.
Good Literacy Skills: Whether it’s creating written lesson plans, composing progress reports for candidates, or delving into written reports and informational materials, forklift instructors regularly rely on their literacy skills.
Presentation Skills: Forklift instructors should feel comfortable presenting in diverse settings, including classrooms and work environments. They must also be capable of delivering both theoretical and practical lessons effectively.
In essence, being a forklift trainer entails more than just technical expertise; it demands a well-rounded skill set that encompasses communication, analysis, literacy, and presentation abilities to effectively educate and assess forklift operators.
Forklift instructor prerequisites: Forklift operator training
To become a forklift instructor you will need to undergo and successfully pass forklift instructor training. These training courses have prerequisites and require a level of operator proficiency with the type of forklift you intend to instruct on. You must have earned or refreshed your basic operator training certificate for the relevant truck type within 6 months of your instructor training course start date. If you have a basic operator certificate for another truck type you may undertake a conversion course to meet the instructor training requirements.
Forklift instructor training
Accredited forklift instructor training
After obtaining your basic training certificate, the next step is enrolling in an accredited forklift instructor course. A comprehensive course will delve into the fundamental principles of forklift truck operations and industry codes of practice. It will equip you with the essential skills required for the instructional aspect of the role, too. Throughout the course, you’ll gain insights into various teaching methods, lesson types, and the creation of lesson plans for both classroom and practical settings. Additionally, you’ll cover instructional techniques, skills assessment, and ongoing evaluation processes.
In-house forklift instructor training
For in-house instructor roles there are non-accredited in-house forklift instructor training courses available. This is the perfect training for those wishing to train company employees and issue in-house certificates. Our in-house instructor training for example will prepare you to conduct in-house training and skills assessments. To enrol on HL Training’s in-house forklift instructor training you must:
Be a certified counterbalance or reach truck operator (dated within 12 months of the course start date)
Have 6 months operating experience
Forklift Instructor FAQs
What qualifications do I need to become a forklift instructor?
To become an accredited forklift instructor you must complete an accredited forklift instructor course. You must hold a basic operator certificate for the relevant truck type to enrol into an accredited instructor training.
What basic operator certificate do I need for instructor training?
Our forklift instructors course is based on instructing on a counterbalance forklift truck therefore you must hold a basic operator certificate for counterbalance forklifts to enrol. If you have completed operator training for a different truck type, you can complete a conversion course to meet the instructor training prerequisites.
Do I need to complete separate instructor training for each forklift truck type?
No, our accredited forklift instructor training course enables you to instruct on any machine you hold certificates for including certificates earned after completing the course.
Become a forklift instructor with HL Training
Ready to become an accredited forklift instructor? HL Training offers top-tier 10-day instructor training programs accredited by ITSSAR, AITT, and RTITB. Our forklift instructor training courses equip you with the expertise to excel in this rewarding role. You’ll have the qualifications to become an accredited ITSSAR, AITT, or RTITB instructor upon completion. Or learn everything you need to know to train your own team with our non-accredited in-house forklift instructor training.
To find out more, get in touch with our expert forklift training team. Give us a call today!
