FORKLIFT TRUCKS
WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A LIFT TRUCK OPERATOR TRAINING RECORD?
Lift truck operator training records are incredibly important. They help employers demonstrate compliance with health and safety regulations. And show what they are doing to keep their people safe. However, what actually needs to be included in training records?
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n this article, Laura Nelson, Managing Director for RTITB, the leading workplace transport training accrediting body, answers common questions around what training records should include and why they are so important. She also gives helpful advice on how to create training records easily.
WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN OPERATOR TRAINING RECORDS? ACoP L117 (Approved Code of Practice and Guidance for Rider Operated Lift Trucks*) confirms that employers must keep a record for “each employee who has satisfactorily completed basic training and testing”.
The record should include sufficient information to identify the employee and the nature and content of the training and testing completed. Therefore, lift truck operator training records
should include key details of the candidate (name, employer name, contact information, eligibilityetc.). There should be a detailed account of what was covered in the training and how long was spent training. The document should also record what was included in the examination and the results. Or a copy of the Certificate of Basic
Training issued should be included. It is also wise to include health declaration details. It is a requirement to check that candidates are fit to take part in the training course. For example, where necessary, candidates who need glasses should wear them during the course.
Details of each candidate’s eligibility to attend the course, such as previous experience or qualifications, should also be included. Training records should be validated with
signatures from the Instructor and the candidate. By signing, the operator is confirming the training they have received.
ARE TRAINING RECORDS ONLY FOR BASIC OPERATOR TRAINING? Put simply, no. ACoP L117 states that businesses “should keep adequate records for each employee who has satisfactorily completed any stage of lift-truck training, including conversion and refresher training.”
These records should contain the same information as outlined above around training, assessment, and candidate identification.
WHY DO YOU NEED TRAINING RECORDS?
Employers need proper training records to prove that they have done everything possible to protect the people they authorise to operate lift trucks. Appropriately qualified Instructors will know what to check before signing the training record. This helps ensure the documents are correct. It reduces errors, and the associated extra admin and costs. If a lift truck incident were to occur, these records
help to show that the employer is working in line with health and safety legislation. It shows they have followed procedures for preventing incidents, through conducting valid training. This includes training at novice and regular reassessment/retraining. Up-to-date records enable employers to demonstrate compliance with regulations. This can make a significant difference in the event of a lawsuit or an insurance claim. If there is an investigation, failure to prove that suitable training has taken place (for example via detailed training records) can lead to large fines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This can be damaging to a company’s reputation and increase insurance premiums. Businesses must demonstrate adequate training
10 MARCH 2023 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
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