Novice Counterbalance
Counterbalance Forklift Training Overview
Our RTITB accredited Counterbalance Forklift Training course for beginner novice delivers a minimum of 32.5 hours of instruction and is designed to instruct up to a maximum of 3 delegates, providing the skills needed to operate the forklift truck safely and efficiently, carry out a pre-use inspection & recall and explain the causes of truck and load instability.
This course is for operators with little or no previous experience using a counterbalance forklift truck – the RTITB forklift course complies with the standards set in accordance with the HSE Code of Practice L117. This also enables successful forklift operators to use any counterbalance forklift up to a 5000 kg lifting capacity (with authorisation) anywhere in the UK.
The Novice Counterbalance forklift training course consists of a classroom lecture, DVD presentation, written assessment, practical training and assessment. This is a 3-5-DAY course for beginners and one-day for a counterbalance refresher course for those operators with documentary evidence of formal forklift training and who wish to renew their counterbalance forklift licence.
4-Day Counterbalance Forklift Training Course Breakdown
Day 1
08:00 - 9:00
Introduce course objectives and basic principles
9:15-12:30
Rated capacity, film discussion, safety code, pre-shift check
12:30-13:00
LUNCH
13:00-15:00
Introduce truck, accelerate, decelerate
15:15-17:00
Basic driving, driving open area, simple turning
Day 2
08:00 - 9:00
Pre-shift check, hydraulics, basic driving controls
9:15-12:30
Basic driving, simple courses, manoeuvres
12:30-13:00
LUNCH
13:00-15:00
Hydraulics, mast control, driving, picking empty pallets
15:15-17:00
Pick up loads and manoeuvers around simple course
Day 3
08:00 - 9:00
Pre-shift check, pick up loads
9:15-12:30
Pick up loads and manoeuvers through confined areas
12:30-13:00
LUNCH
13:00-15:00
Pick up loads and manoeuvers through confined areas
15:15-17:00
Stacking and de-stacking at various heights
Day 4
08:00 - 9:00
Pre-shift check, stacking and de-stacking
9:15-12:30
Stacking and de-stacking various sizes and types of loads
12:30-13:00
LUNCH
13:00-15:30
Theory test, Test course preparation, practical test, final discussion and close
The RTITB Counterbalance Forklift Training Course – Novice FLT Operator course is designed for those with no prior experience of forklift truck operation who wish to achieve a nationally recognised operator qualification in the safe and correct use of counterbalance forklift up to a 5000 kg lifting capacity.
Since the safe use of forklift trucks require that delegates consult safety notices and read and thoroughly understand the manufacturer’s instruction manual, English literacy and language comprehension are important requirements for any user.
At the end of the course, delegates will take a short multiple choice test. Please click here for a copy of an RTITB Mock Paper. There are a number of safety critical questions that must be answered correctly in order to pass the examination.
Once delegates have passed the theory test, they move onto the practical assessment where they will be tested on their ability to operate correctly and skilfully, but also without undue slowness, hesitancy or excessive speed. There are a number of exercises that must be completed such as stacking and destacking operations, reversing and accelerating.
The cut off for the counterbalance forklift training practical assessment is 40 penalty points, however there are some circumstances where the delegate could be disqualified from completing the test such as violent collisions, operating dangerously, unsafe stacking or incurring more than three 5 point penalties in one area.
Successful delegates will receive a certificate and Photo ID card accredited by RTITB which will be valid for a period of 3 years from the date of the course.
Successful delegates will gain a better understanding of current relevant legislation, best practice and refresh their skills and ability in the safe use of Counterbalance Forklift Trucks up to 5000kg capacity in line with current approved methods and manufacturer’s instructions. The counterbalance forklift training course agenda includes:
- Introduction to the counterbalance forklift truck to be used – Daily Maintenance Checks
- Relevant Legislation and Regulations – Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, PUWER 1998, LOLER 1998 and L117 – Rider Operated lift trucks (ACOP & Guidance)
- Pre-use inspection and take over maintenance
- Care of batteries/LPG/Diesel Trucks
- Controls and instruments
- Weight assessment / Stability Factors
- Starting, moving and stopping the truck
- Handling laden and unladen pallets
- Operation of hydraulic controls
- Stacking/de-stacking – free standing and in racking at various heights
- Loading and Unloading Procedures
- Safety code testing
- Practical test of basic operating skills
- Written test of operating knowledge
COUNTERBALANCE FORKLIFT TRAINING VIDEOS
Pick up a load at ground level | Counterbalance Forklift Training
Depositing a load at ground level | Counterbalance Forklift Training
Frequently asked questions for counterbalance forklift training
Is the counterbalance course suitable for beginners?
Yes, the course is suitable for both beginner and experienced forklift operators.
Do I need to bring any equipment to the course?
No, the course provider should provide all the necessary equipment.
What safety equipment will I need to use?
Do I need to be physically fit to take the course?
Is there an assessment at the end of the course?
Yes, there will be a practical and theory test at the end of the course. You must pass this assessment in order to receive your counterbalance forklift licence/ certificate.
Can I use the counterbalance certificate everywhere?
Yes, an accredited forklift certificate is recognised nationally. However, an in-house forklift license has no connection with an external accreditation or professional body and therefore does not hold any value outside if you were to leave the organisation.
