About Forklift Training

Here at Ash Vale Training we provide training for those who want or need to use forklifts, lorry loaders (HIAB’s), MEWP’s (cherry pickers) and plant machinery. As on site examiners we come to you and provide accredited training as per the governing bodies training syllabus or we can make training bespoke to your company depending on your requirements and your company layout. As an accredited member of the NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme) and AITT (Association of Industrial Truck Trainers), you can rely on us to give your staff members the best training whether that be novice training, or training for existing but not certificated operators or we can carry out refresher training to keep your qualified operators maintaining high level safety practices within your company.

To find out more about obtaining your forklift or plant machinery qualifications, call us today on 01252 332213 or 07957 890406.

What is Forklift Training?

This process covers all you need to know, from safety or how to use and manoeuvre a machine in sometime a small tight area within a company area. The training will cover all details about the weight and shape of the machines to allow you to have better control. Training will also cover the following:

  • Health & Safety Training
  • Equipment Daily Inspections
  • Forklift Operating & Manoeuvring in both open and confined areas

Our on-site training is ideal as it means that you or your staff do not need to travel to sometime distant training centres. Let us do the travelling, we come to you. Our pass rates are excellent and we will always take the time to teach you what you need to know. We are accredited and insured to train on a wide range of trucks, including very narrow aisle, order pickers, reach trucks, vehicle mounted and powered pallets to name but a few.

About the Training

To successfully complete a forklift or plant machinery course, you will need to take part in three key categories of training.

  • Theoretical lessons to begin with covering current health & safety laws and current codes of practice.
  • Machine components and daily inspections and the law governing this
  • Operating practices covering all aspects of safely operating materials handling equipment

Theory

As trucks are designed to be for specific tasks, you need to show understanding of the theory behind this. Operators will be taught about the design, mechanics, and physics of forklifts and other machine types.

Practical Skills

Once you’ve completed the theory side, it will be time to put this into practice. All trainees will be shown how to safely and efficiently use the machinery and a slow and steady pace. This hands-on training will guide you through all you need to know to work safely and confidently in the work environment.

Safety

This section covers the safety elements of using forklifts, ensuring that you can complete inspections of equipment, identify and avoid hazards, and protect pedestrians amongst other things.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I Need to operate a forklift?

When you operate a forklift, there are a few things that you need, however, you do not need a driving licence. It is instead necessary to be fully certified in forklift training, that’s the law of the land. On successful completion of a training course with Ash Vale Training students will be accredited to either of the below recognised governing bodies:

Once you have this, an employer will always need to see proof. This is to make sure that your training comes from a recognised and respected accredited training provider. As these vehicles can be dangerous, it is crucial that you are fully trained to use them.

To find out more about the courses we have available, do not hesitate to get in contact with us or check out our web site.

How Old Do I Need To Be?

You may not realise it but age is important when it comes to achieving your training. Most employers will not take on people under 18 for health and safety reasons (think of the car insurance analogy for younger drivers). However, this does not stop you from completing qualifications from 16 years of age in preparation when it comes to seeking employment. The minimum age requirement to earn to operate a lift truck is 16 (school leaving age) and slightly older when working in the docks or when you wish to operate plant machinery on a building site for example. Call us if you need any further information regarding age in the various working environments. There are also some age restrictions or limitations with regards to the weight and size of the vehicles you use.

Furthermore, if you intend to use a forklift on public highways then you will need a UK style driver’s license. (A UK style driving licence is not required if you do not need to operate on a public road). This is to ensure you follow all legal requirements and are safe around other road users.

Am I Medically able to use a Forklift?

This is a very personal area with medical in confidence. If you suffer from certain illnesses but have a doctors certificate allowing you to operate forklifts or other materials handling equipment and also have clearance from DVLA you may be okay to operate forklifts and plant machinery. Download a free copy of the ACOP L117 (Third edition published in 2013) and this gives you good comprehensive advice. Personnel over a certain age need also to have a medical such as:

  • Between the ages of 40-65 they need a 5 yearly medical
  • Over 65 need an annual medical

Why Use Ash Vale Training?

We are a nationally accredited and a well established and respected company who provide training across Surrey, Hants, Berks & London and other surrounding areas. As well as coming directly to you, we are also available to provide courses on weekends and during evenings if needed.

Currently, the courses that we offer include the following:

  • 1 Day Refreshers (proof of previous training must be shown for auditing purposes)
  • Novice Operators
  • Experienced Operators

These are normally based on a maximum of 3 people per course and are aligned to requirements set out by NPORS and AITT.

Contact Us Today

To find out more, please feel free to call us on 01252 332213 or 07957 890406. Alternatively, you can fill in our contact form and we will be back in contact with you as soon as possible.

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