Clients seeking new suppliers for their training needs can easily be confused about the host of variables surrounding lift truck training.
What level of experience do my employees have? How many can I place on a course? What accreditation do I want? How do I know what the course will contain?
Reputable training suppliers will be accredited and monitored by one of the accrediting bodies recognised by the HSE ( AITT, RTITB, ITSSAR ect.) always ask for proof of this and ensure it is in date. In addition to this, Public Liability Insurance, Professional Indemnity Insurance and an up to date Operators Certificate for the machine to be trained on should be supplied as proof of competence. Remember you as an employer have a legal responsibility to ensure the competence of training suppliers.
Guidelines for course content and timetable have been set by the accrediting bodies. This is to make certain the various issues of safe operation are covered in sufficient detail and all delegates are comfortable with practical ability before they are let loose around your staff and stock. Any training supplier deviating from these guidelines are breaking the terms of their accreditation and failing you in your goal to provide adequate training for the purposes of health and safety which may make you liable in the event of an accident.
No lift truck practical training session should exceed a maximum number of three candidates. This is clearly stated in the HSE publication L117 Rider Operated Lift Trucks:Operator Training. Any training provider offering more than three places on their courses is not only breaking the terms of their accreditation (if they have one) but also defying HSE guidance. Avoid.
The Advance Workplace team can advise you on the course best suited to your needs by using the contact details on our website. Alternatively contact the Association of Industrial Truck Trainers ( http://www.aitt.co.uk/ ) to confirm legal compliance.
Course content should also cover some essential key aspects and be included in training courses regardless of supplier. A good training provider will have a good understanding of this but should also demonstrate the flexibility to include your specific site hazards and systems in your place of work. Have you been asked if there is anything you want included in the training of your employees?
To know what is included within the training program ask for a comprehensive breakdown of course content. Advance Workplace supply this information as standard every time a course is booked, after all, you want to know what your buying don't you?
Finally, references and testimonials can give you a good indication as to the quality of service you intend on purchasing. Follow these up with an e-mail or telephone call to the company giving the reference but remember you will only be given the contact details of customers who will give good feed back, so take these into consideration combined with all the points outlined above.
