Hopefully someone may assist.
I am aware there are different types of forklifts? But need to get some information on the training requirements.
What training is required before someone can drive a forklift? Does it depend on the type of forklift?
Are there age requirements? Medical requirements etc?

How long is this training valid for?
What qualifications does the trainer need?
Must the trainer do a refresher course, if so how can I see if a trainer is qualified?

Is there a requirement for the employer to have a log of all the forklift drivers etc? (like abrasive wheel register)

If anyone can give me specific info on the requirements in the Republic of Ireland, it would be great.

Thanks

Hello there

Have a look at L117 - ACoP on Rider Operated Lift Truck Training, now freely downloadable on the HSE website:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l117.pdf

Clairel and Reed

The question is specifically pertaining to the Republic of Ireland which has different requirements to the United Kingdom.

Whilst we may refer to the HSE website out of interest, we have our own statutory agency called the HSA which produces guidance for the Republic of Ireland to comply with our legislation.

Maybe IOSH should set up an International Forum room with seperate rooms for each country, to promote more targeted dicussion.

Clairel

I think your apology was premature and not warranted because the law is Southern Ireland is the same as the UK.

Point 1 there is no legal requirement for a forklift certificate –it is suggested in the HSA Code of Practice as a way of recoding competence only

Point 2 The training has to be relevant to the type of fork lift (Identical to the UK)

Point 3 There is no length of time the certificate is valid for but the HAS recommend periodic re-assessment –not retraining.

Point 4 There is a need for an employer to make sure the person is physically and mentally capable of operating the fork lift truck but no Legal requirement for a medical. That’s the same as the UK!

Point 5 In the HAS Code of Practice the only stipulation on age is that persons under 18 are not allowed to operate Fork Lift trucks at Docks

Point 6 With regard to instructors qualifications the Code of Practice states
`The bodies listed in Appendix 1 are at present operating voluntary accreditation schemes in Ireland. Such schemes are not mandatory and inclusion in these guidelines does not imply approval by the Authority of their schemes but is intended to help set and maintain professional training standards’.

This is identical to the UK.

The link for the Code of Practice is:

http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Pu...d_Work_Equipment/CoP.pdf

dsb,

Point 1: there is no legal requirement for a forklift certificate –it is suggested in the HSA Code of Practice as a way of recoding competence only

This is what the code of practice actually states:

“Either a copy of any certificate of basic training issued, or the relevant details, should be included in employers’ records.”

Speaking to the H.S.A. this morning, they have stated that an inspector would demand to see evidence of training, and that they would be looking for a certificate of training.

It is stated in the H.S.A. (not HAS) Work Related Vehicle Safety Five Year Plan (issued this year) that they are preparing a FETAC course to develop a Rider operated lift truck training standard in conjunction with key existing training bodies. Every successful participant will be issued with a certificate and it will have a legally binding expiry date.

This is what I stated:
“Three day course is the norm over here for a basic forklift course.” Never did I say that it was a legal parameter


Point 3 There is no length of time the certificate is valid for but the HAS recommend periodic re-assessment –not retraining.

This is another cut and paste from the code of practice using the legislation in force (1993 General Application Regulations) at the time:

“(2) Training under paragraph (1) shall be adapted to take account of new or changed risks and shall be provided on recruitment of employees or in the event of transfer of employees, a change of job, the introduction of new work equipment, a change in equipment or the introduction of new technology, and shall be repeated periodically where appropriate.”

Standard Industry practice in the Republic of Ireland is that a one day refresher training course is required after three years. I think that paragraph makes it abundantly clear that RETRAINING is required, even though it does not state after what length of time.

In view of recent and proposed legislative/code of practice changes, I contacted the H.S.A. this morning and they have confirmed for me that retraining (I specifically asked regarding a forklift operator) continues to be a requirement under Section 10 (2) of the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

“(2) Training under this section shall be adapted to take account of new or changed risks to safety, health and welfare at work and shall, as appropriate, be repeated periodically.”

The code of practice you have referred to has not been updated to take account of the 2005 Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act or the 2007 General Application Regulations by the H.S.A.