AITT warns:
WRITTEN BY AITT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AITT
a fork truck operator’s certificate is no free pass
New research from one of the fork distinct categories, with conversion Alongside these is Conversion
lift industry’s leading accrediting training required to extend an Training. It’s designed to enable a
bodies, AITT, suggests significant operator’s range of equipment. trained and experienced operator
growth in the numbers of employers
to work on a wider range of fork
recognising the need for additional Basic Training covers all the lifts. This may mean learning to
training when operators are expected knowledge and skills needed to safely operate a truck from a different
to work on new and different types of operate a particular fork lift (complete category, (eg, enabling an operator
equipment. with attachments). It takes place “off of counterbalance trucks to operate
Announcing the figures, General the job” over several days and is very reach or articulated truck etc). It’s
Manager of AITT Adam Smith comprehensive, covering 16 distinct also needed when an operator is
explains: “We have identified a areas. required to operate a much larger or
27% rise in the numbers of fork lift
more powerful model of the same
truck operators taking conversion Specific Job Training follows basic category of equipment for which they
courses. It’s a positive sign that our training or can be combined with are trained… but where controls may
message is getting across. “For too it. Also conducted away from the be very different.
long, it was assumed that once an everyday working environment, it operator has gained a certificate to is application-specific: in conditions “Progress is being made but there
drive a forklift s/he was entitled to similar to those that operators will is still plenty of confusion out
operate any model with just a bit face in the workplace. there” adds Adam Smith. “We are
happy to advise employers on their
of practice and experience. Like so
much bad practice, it was a based on The third is Familiarisation Training responsibilities in confidence and
a heady mix of confusion, ignorance which is carried out in the actual without any obligation.
or sheer disregard for the legislation.” workplace and allows the operator to Employers need to be aware that apply skills learnt in the previous two Simply call AITT on 01530 810867 or
operator training falls into three training stages under real conditions. email [email protected].
50 FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk