Our bLogs

Novice Training

Congratulations to Gabriel and Michael for passing their novice counterbalance training last week.

If you haven’t completed your novice training and would like some information about what the course contains, we’ve outlined some of the areas covered below (this applies to reach and counterbalance trucks):

Introduction to the course – this will include the aims of the course and an outline of the course content.  Trainees will have been advised about the tests and the award of the certificates to successful trainees.

Operators Safety Code – this may include a video.  After this session, trainees will have increased awareness of the need to operate trucks safely and to diligently follow their Company’s safety policies.

Introduction to the Truck – This will show trainees the main uses of the fork truck and explain the main components and their functions including the controls and instruments.

Starting, Moving, Steering and Stopping – After this session trainees will be able to drive the unladen truck, under control, in both directions and steer accurately round an object.

Simple manoeuvres – The trainee will be taught how to negotiate 90 degree turns, move left, right, forwards and in reverse through simple courses.

Pre-Shift Inspection – The trainee will be shown how to carry out a thorough pre-shift inspection of the truck and how to complete the log book correctly.

Further driving – This will include more difficult manoeuvring exercises.

Fork Truck Stability – The trainee will be taught which factors may affect the stability of the truck.

Hydraulic System and Use of Controls – The trainee will be shown how to adjust the fork arms and mast correctly for travel and parked positions.

Battery Care – After this session trainees will be aware of basic procedures for maintaining the efficiency of traction batteries.

Battery charging procedure/diesel refuelling/gas bottle changing/refilling.

Load Handling – On completion of this session, trainees will be able to stack/destack empty flat pallets and to drive laden trucks in both directions in confined conditions.

Weight Assessment – Trainees will be taught the effects of overloading the truck and will recognise how to avoid unsafe conditions.

Vehicle Loading and Unloading – Trainees will learn how to load and unload a flatbed vehicle from the side.

Load Handling including Racking System – After this session trainees will have reached test standard in the critical skills and will be able to stack/destack pallets in the racking system.

Theory Test – trainees complete this together in the Training Room with the Instructor present.

Practical Test – This will include a Pre-Use Inspection of the Truck and the RTITB test of basic operating skills – each trainee takes the test in turn.

For more information on courses and availability, please call us at Stackers Training on 0800 024 8084.