Semi Experienced Forklift Training Course Overview
Our RTITB Semi Experienced Forklift Training Course in Counterbalance, Reach truck and flexi (bendi) delivers a minimum of 19.5 hours of instruction and is designed to instruct up to a maximum of 3 delegates, providing the skills needed to operate the fork lift truck safely and efficiently, carry out a pre-use inspection & recall and explain the causes of truck and load instability.
This course is for existing operators with some previous experience of using a counterbalance forklift truck but have not received formal training – the RTITB course complies with the standards set in accordance with the HSE Code of Practice L117, and enables successful operators to use any counterbalance forklift up to a 5000 kg lifting capacity (with authorisation) anywhere in the UK.
The Semi-Experienced forklift training counterbalance course consists of a classroom lecture, DVD presentation, written assessment, practical training and assessment.
3-Day Course Breakdown
Day 1
08:30 - 10:10
Outline of course, administration, safety code and film
10:10-11:10
Introduction to truck, controls and instruments
11:10-12:50
Accelerate, moving, steering, stopping
12:50-13:30
LUNCH
13:30-15:10
Basic manoeuvers
15:10-17:00
Further driving practice
Day 2
08:30 - 10:10
Further driving practice
10:10-11:10
Lift truck stability lecture
11:10-12:00
Hydraulics system and use of controls
12:00-12:50
Driving implementing hydraulics
12:50-13:30
LUNCH
13:30-14:20
Load weight assessment
14:20-16:00
Load handling
16:00-17:00
Inspection take over, maintenance
Day 3
08:30 - 10:10
Routine inspection, takeover and maintenance, further loading practice
10:10-12:00
Vehicle loading and unloading
12:00-12:50
Load handling and unloading
12:50-13:30
LUNCH
13:30-15:10
Stacking and de-stacking
15:10-16:00
Associated knowledge examination
16:00-17:00
Pre-use check, practical test of basic operating skills
The RTITB Semi Experienced Forklift Training Course – Counterbalance Operator course is designed for those with prior experience of forklift truck operation, but have had no previous formal training, who wish to achieve a nationally recognised operator qualification in the safe and correct use of counterbalance forklift up to a 5000 kg lifting capacity.
Since the safe use of forklift trucks require that delegates consult safety notices and read and thoroughly understand the manufacturer’s instruction manual, English literacy and language comprehension are important requirements for any user.
At the end of the course, delegates will take a short multiple choice test. Please click here for a copy of an RTITB Mock Paper. There are a number of safety critical questions that must be answered correctly in order to pass the examination.
Once delegates have passed the theory test, they move onto the practical assessment where they will be tested on their ability to operate correctly and skillfully, but also without undue slowness, hesitancy or excessive speed. There are a number of exercises that must be completed such as stacking and destacking operations, reversing and accelerating.
The cut off for the practical assessment is 40 penalty points, however there are some circumstances where the delegate could be disqualified from completing the test such as violent collisions, operating dangerously, unsafe stacking or incurring more than three 5 point penalties in one area.
Successful delegates will receive a certificate and Photo ID card accredited by RTITB which will be valid for a period of 3 years from the date of the course.
Successful delegates will gain a better understanding of current relevant legislation, best practice and refresh their skills and ability in the safe use of Counter Balance Fork Trucks up to 5000kg capacity in line with current approved methods and manufacturer’s instructions. The course agenda includes:
- Introduction to the forklift truck to be used – Daily Maintenance Checks
- Relevant Legislation and Regulations – Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, PUWER 1998, LOLER 1998 and L117 – Rider Operated lift trucks (ACOP & Guidance)
- Pre-use inspection and take over maintenance
- Care of batteries/LPG/Diesel Trucks
- Controls and instruments
- Weight assessment / Stability Factors
- Starting, moving and stopping the truck
- Handling laden and unladen pallets
- Operation of hydraulic controls
- Stacking/de-stacking – free standing and in racking at various heights
- Loading and Unloading Procedures
- Safety code testing
- Practical test of basic operating skills
- Written test of operating knowledge
