Frequently asked questions.
Do managers or supervisors need to be trained?
Yes. PUWER Regulations 1998 state that ” all persons who supervise or manage the use of work equipment have received adequate training for the purpose of Health & Safety”.
Do trucks have to be inspected daily?
Yes. A qualified forklift operator must inspect forklifts at the start of every shift. (we can provide daily check sheets for equipment).
Will one certificate cover an operator for all trucks?
No. Certification will only cover an operator for the piece of equipment that they have undergone training for. For instance a counterbalance licence will not cover an operator for a reach truck.
Is there an age requirement for forklift operators?
Yes. Operators must be over the minimum school leaving age of 16, unless operating in dockyards where the age requirement is 18 or over.
Can training be completed on our company premises?
Yes. On-site training is a good idea; it gives operators practice in the working environment. Sufficient room must be given for practical off job training.
Do operators need a car driving licence?
No. A driving licence for a car is not needed unless forklifts are being driven on the road.
Do I legally have to train lift truck operators?
Yes. The legislation covering this is the Health & Safety at Work Act, 1974, and Regulation 9 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). In a nutshell this requires that every employer ensures that all persons who use lift trucks, as well as those that supervise them, have received adequate training.
Does a training qualification to drive a particular type of lift truck mean that the operator can drive any type of truck?
Definitely not. Any employer who allows an operator to drive workplace transport for which they have not received proper training puts the operator and the company at risk. Conversion training, to enable operators to extend the range of trucks they are qualified to drive, makes sound business sense for most companies. Please ask your instructor for details on what is involved.
Is it necessary to keep records for qualified and certificated operators in your employment?
TBC Yes we provide a service to customers maintaining records of training on their behalf for a minimum of seven years.