A Forklift Training and Refresher Program For New And Experienced Forklift Operators

by with No Comment Safety

Forklifts are an essential part of many industries, from manufacturing to construction. These machines make it possible to move heavy loads with ease, but they also present significant hazards that require proper training and certification. Whether you’re a new forklift operator or an experienced one, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest training and certification requirements to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Types of Forklifts

There are several types of forklifts, each designed for specific tasks and environments. Some of the most common types include:

Counterbalance Forklifts: These forklifts are the most common type and are designed for lifting and moving loads on flat surfaces.

Reach Forklifts: These forklifts are designed for use in narrow aisles and can lift loads to greater heights than counterbalance forklifts.

Order Picker Forklifts: These forklifts are designed for use in warehouses and are used to pick and place items onto high shelves.

Pallet Jacks: These forklifts are used to move pallets around a warehouse or factory floor.

Certification Requirements

To operate a forklift, you must be properly certified. Certification requirements vary depending on the type of forklift and your location. Generally, you’ll need to complete a training program that covers topics such as safety, operation, and maintenance. You may also need to complete a written and practical exam to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.

Improving Your Skills

Even if you’re an experienced forklift operator, there are always ways to improve your skills. One way to do this is to participate in refresher training programs. These programs are designed to help you brush up on your skills and learn new techniques that can improve your efficiency and safety.

Another way to improve your skills is to practice regularly. This can include practising in different environments, such as on slopes or in tight spaces. You can also practice different types of loads to improve your handling skills.

In conclusion, operating a forklift requires proper training and certification. There are several types of forklifts, each designed for specific tasks and environments. To improve your skills, consider participating in refresher training programs and practising regularly. By doing so, you’ll be able to operate a forklift safely and efficiently, ensuring a productive and safe work environment.

THE BENEFITS OF IN-HOUSE FORKLIFT DRIVER TRAINING

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THE BENEFITS OF IN-HOUSE FORKLIFT DRIVER TRAINING

When using forklifts within your operations, you must ensure your workers are all adequately trained. The Heath & Safety Executive’s figures show that 43 people are injured by forklifts each week, and there’s a fatality every 6 weeks on average. Proper training is key to making sure the best safety practices are being adhered to, safeguarding your forklift drivers and those around them from injury. 

At Safety 1st Forklift Training, we know how important correct forklift driver training is. That’s why we recently appointed a dedicated forklift Training Manager, Trevor. With his experience and expertise, Trevor is perfectly placed to visit your operations in person and deliver in-house training to your staff. Our forklift driver training courses are: 

• Suited to all levels, from first-time forklift users through to experienced drivers in need of top-up training.

• Tailored to your team’s specific learning requirements and budget.

• Carried out at your site for convenience, with the option to take the course at our forklift driver training centre.

We’ve spoken a lot about the many benefits of general forklift training, which you can read about a little more here. Today we’d like to focus specifically on in-house training, and the many fantastic benefits that using a dedicated in-house driver trainer has for your business.  

IT IS CONVENIENT  

In-house training is the most convenient way to learn the fundamentals of forklift driving. It means that you and your team don’t have to travel somewhere new and unfamiliar; our dedicated driver trainer will come to you and carry out the training in-house.   

LEARN WHERE YOU’LL BE WORKING

Your drivers are trained in the exact environment they will be carrying out their work in. That means that site-specific hazards are taken into account to ensure training is as helpful and relevant as possible, rather than the ‘one size fits all’ training you may get elsewhere. 

IT’S QUICKER THAN EXTERNAL TRAINING 

The great news if you’re concerned about downtime is that in-house training is actually faster than learning at a centre. Our beginner’s in-house training course takes between 2 and 3 days, whereas this could be between 3 and 5 days at a training centre.  

REDUCE DISRUPTION TO BUSINESS 

Cutting out time travelling between your place and work and a driver training centre means less disruption to your day-to-day operations. Driver training can be a somewhat large time commitment, but in-house training affords you some more flexibility and reduces the potential disruption to your operations. 

IT ENSURES COMPLIANCE 

Making sure your workers have had the right forklift driver training means you’re maintaining compliance with the law. The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice for Rider Operated lift truck guidance (L117) states that all forklift training should be delivered by an accredited instructor. Casual training has a number of risks associated with it, which we spoke about in more detail in this article.  

Our dedicated Training Manager Trevor is a qualified instructor with experience providing in-house training throughout the industry. His expertise as a forklift driver trainer ensures candidates are up to date on correct training, legislation, and safety measures. Trevor delivers all manners of forklift training, from counterbalance and reach to Flexi, and can tailor training to meet your business’s requirements.  

HOW TO SELECT A FORKLIFT TRUCKS

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how to chose a forklift truck

There are many aspects to consider before buying a new forklift truck.

The first is the capacity:

    • You need to know the capacity as this is the amount of weight that it is able to lift, shown on the unit data plate.

    • The higher you are lifting a load the lower the capacity will become.

    • Before deciding, make sure you have a good enough idea of the sizes and weights you intend to lift if unsure, ask your dealer. You should have a good idea of the kinds of weights you intend to lift with the forklift beforehand anyway.

    • The more the unit can lift, the more expensive it is.

The height:
Similar to the capacity, you need to know how high you are going to be lifting any material and if you may encounter some height restrictions. For example, you might be working in a restricted area where the ceilings are low.

Information and questions to consider in your application:

    • Make sure you ask yourself ‘What am I using this for and where is it being used?’

    • Consider your budget – can you afford the forklift? Are you compromising on quality because your budget doesn’t stretch? Are you better off getting a used forklift?

    • Consider the environment you are in as well, for safety precautions.

Attachments:

    • Attachment options are vast for a forklift; carton clamps, rotating clamps, marble clamps, side shifters etc.

    • Ask about attachments as these may add value to your unit. You may find you can negotiate a deal if you buy more than one attachment.

Fuel options:

    • There are also multiple choices of fuel; electric-powered, LP gas, gasoline etc – your dealer can help you to determine this.

    • If operating inside an electric-powered forklift, although ideal it is also more expensive.

    • Heavy forklifts will require diesel – this has risen in cost lately – can you afford it?

Tyre:

    • Forklifts have a variety of tyre options. Cushion, air pneumatic and so on…

    • If you’re working indoors, then a smooth cushion tyre will suffice.

Warranty:
Before making any serious repairs to your forklift consult your dealer first – even if the warranty has run out.

Maintenance and Service:

    • Review this with your dealer.

    • Reputation: – It is highly recommended to choose a local forklift dealer – an established company in your area.

    • Quality: – Be sure you make the wisest investment possible by doing your research.