Posted By rb We have 3 experienced FLT drivers operating in our warehouse, all have had refresher training fairly recently. We have had a new counterbalance FLT delivered to replace the old counterbalance. The new one has side shift on it whereas the old one didn't. My question is this: Can our operatives legally drive the new FLT? (any references to legislation/ ACOPs would be a great help) Your thoughts are very welcome in this area I have relatively little knowledge about! Many thanks RB

Posted By Chris Pope Some inspectors insist on training for side shift. My opinion is that once shown how it works and what it can achieve for safer working by sales staff the in house competent person is ideally placed for doing keeping an eye on the situation as regards competence. If staff can't adapt to use this accessory safely then they probably shouldn't be entrusted with forklifts in the first place.

Posted By Glyn Atkinson Although we train via a service provider to the RTITB national standard, we also have a similarly qualified in-house assessor/ trainer who can be utilised on awkward lifts of materials that are not the conventional shapes - carpet booms, 40foot long chassis assemblies etc. A familiarisation short course in-house gives confidence and assurance to new users of this specialist type of device, and controls our training requirements as well. We also reduce accidents and incidents by putting in the training measure first.

Posted By Davelfc RB The answer to you question has been answered in the responses. FLT operators are trained in various categories depending which body has trained for instance RITITB an NOPRS train to the weight of the machine CITB CPCS have A17A, A17B, A17C & A17D Sounds like yours would come under A17A if it where CITB. once an operative has been trained in a catergory of plant then make or manufacture or ancillary equipment should be FAM or famialiarisation training. This could be done by the supplier or hirer of the equipment to induct & update the trained operator, specifically in the differences and safety features of the machine he will operate. I would request who ever conducts the FAM training to supply some kind of record of the training covered. hope this helps Dave

Posted By George Wedgwood Make sure your paperwork is in place! Does it actually say in the employees file, that a Manager has declared each operator competent to operate the new FLT? If not get it done to protect your employer. Now to get that done honestly, you will require to have a competent person (normally the manufacturer or supplier) to put the operators through a short training course on the new Truck. Is that so bad? Not really and it can be done in a couple of hours and should be free as part of the supply package - or get a training company in that knows the machine, to train them - it won't hurt for another reinforcement of the rules and some practice in the new controls. Better doing that than explaining to the enforcing authority that you 'thought' they would be competent, after an overturn, collision and injury or driver serious injury! Believe me, the ensuing investigation can take 18 months of your time!