Whatever type of materials handling equipment you use, it’s vital you receive the correct training. The right training will equip you with the skills you need to operate it confidently, safely and efficiently.
Pallet Truck Training is one of the courses you will need right measures of training in. To help you get prepared, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about our Electric Pallet/Stacker Truck Training courses.
These questions cover low, eye and high level pedestrian, rider and counterbalance pallet trucks plus rider and pedestrian stacker trucks.
FAQ 1: “I am brand new to materials handling – is this course suitable for absolute beginners?”
RTITB Instructors are qualified to deliver courses to logistics professionals at every level. Whether you’re a complete novice, an existing operator or someone more experienced doing a refresher course, your instructor will be delivering the session at a level that is appropriate to you. Other candidates on the course will also be at the same level as you (maximum of three people) – we find learning in a small group is best at every skill level. On our training courses you’ll have plenty of time to observe and learn from the other trainees, as well as having the opportunity to ask questions and get feedback from your instructor whenever you need to.
FAQ 2: “How long does the course take?”
The duration of the course depends on the specific type of electric pallet truck that you’re being trained on. For example, high-level trucks have some additional training considerations compared to a low-level pallet truck. In particular, these courses will cover working with eye-level and high-level industrial racking, providing the training on stacking at these heights, the different challenges and risks posed and the safety precautions that must be taken. The course length will also vary depending on the number of candidates on your course and skill level. All courses will run to a minimum duration that have specified to make sure that you come away from Basic Operator Training with the core skills you need.
FAQ 3: “Am I going to be sat in a classroom all day?”
Most of the skills you learn will be taught in a practical learning area. It is important that your instructor shows you pallet truck operation best practice in action before you have the change to practice your skills in a controlled, safe environment under supervision. Some parts of the training will be taught in a classroom, such as health and safety legislation and load safety stability. Our training varies to make sure it’s as relevant as possible.
FAQ 4: “Will we be using the same truck and loads as in my own workplace?”
While the type of truck will be the same, it may be a different brand, model or lift capacity than you will be using in your day-to-day role. Every materials handling operation is different, so we work with a range of loads during training, so that you will have all the basics that you need to understand how to operate a truck safely and efficiently. After completing your Basic Operator Training, your employer will need to arrange further Familiarisation and Specific Job training to make sure you’re completely up to speed on the exact trucks you will be using and as safe as possible while working in the live environment. By law, you aren’t allowed to operate the truck in a working environment until all three stages of training have been completed.
FAQ 5: “Do I have to take an exam for pallet truck training?”
During the course your ability and operation skills will be assessed by your instructor who will provide ongoing feedback and tuition to help you. By the end of the course – no matter which machine type of level of training – you’ll sit a Basic Operating Skills test. During this, you will be required to demonstrate your understanding of pre-use checks and the appropriate remedial action, as well as a practical operating test (showing your ability to manoeuvre, stack, de-stack and deposit loads). You will also have to undertake an associated knowledge assessment (theory test). This will either be done by a written classroom test, verbally with your instructor or combined combination of both. To pass the course, you must achieve 80%.
If you have any other questions you’d like answering, our experienced team our happy to help. Contact us on +44 (0) 1952 520200, or find your nearest pallet truck training provider by clicking here.