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Frequently Asked Questions (Forklift Truck)

How long do forklift licences last?

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 there is no specific requirement to provide refresher training at set intervals. However even trained and experienced fork lift operators need to be re-assessed from time to time to ensure that they continue to operate lift trucks safely. The length of time between refreshers can not be stated as every operators situation will vary dependant on experience and skill levels. Most companies decide on their own period between refresher tests, but the usual duration between refresher courses is around 3-5 years.

My company has just bought a new  Counterbalance forklift truck but I did my test on a reach truck, am I covered to use it?

No, there are many different types and sizes of lift truck and each one has its own standards, Reach and Counterbalance trucks for example are very different to use and consequently need separate tests and licences. Even the capacity of the truck has an impact on the machines you can use, a 'B1' counterbalance has a limit of 5000kg capacity, so if you need to drive a truck with a greater capacity and only have a B1 licence you would need a conversion course to the next category, B2 (5000kg - 15,000kg)

The different classes of trucks can be found in the British Industrial Truck Associations (B.I.T.A) list. Or for further advice contact John Steel at our head office

I have heard that supervisors and managers of forklift drivers need to be trained in forklift safety is this true?

Yes, the new Provision and use of work equipment regulations state under Regulation 9 that -

Every employer shall ensure that any of his employees who supervise or manages the use of work equipment has received adequate training for the purposes of health and safety, including training in the methods which may be adopted when using the work equipment any risks which such use may entail and precautions to be taken.

This is so that supervision is able to spot bad practice and put a stop to it at an early stage therefore reducing the risk of accident.

How often do our trucks need to be inspected?

As well as the normal service schedules, trucks should be inspected at the start of every day or shift, This pre-shift inspection should be carried out by the trucks operator wherever possible. This check is purely to ensure that the machine is in a safe for use condition and is not intended to be a full detailed inspection. All operators are trained and tested on conducting pre-shift inspections during training by accredited training organisations. All results of these checks need to be recorded even if no faults are found. Trucks should also inspected at either 6 monthly or yearly intervals by insurance companies to ensure safety.

A new employee has a licence but it does not say R.T.I.T.B is it legal?

Quite possibly, it is a popular misconception that all licences must be issued by R.T.I.T.B. While that used to be the case it has not in fact been so for over 10 years  now. There are in fact six recognised accrediting bodies and one of the most well known alternatives is the Independant Training Standards Scheme and Register (I.T.S.S.A.R.). The others are - Lantra, CITB AITT and the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme. The main thing to check on any certificate is whether it is a accredfited or an in-company only certificate. If it is an company certificate it will only be valid inside that company so the candidate will require a course of training.

If you have any other questions or queries contact  John Gallagher at our head office on 01536 517889