Hi all, An FLT operator undertakes their initial training according to the basic - specific - familiarisation model (4-5 days). After the 3-5 year period usually accepted as the interval for refresher training, what would actually constitute suitable refresher training (eg. undertake the same basic - specific - familiarisation over the 4-5 days again)?

I agree, my experience has been 3-5 days full course dependant on experience and then 1 day refresher with a maximum of 3 operatives, otherwise it becomes restrictive.

Cheers guys. Next question - would a one day 'basic training' session with a RTITB centre be sufficient for staff that have been consistenly utilised in the same capacity/work environment since their initial training?

stel669. have you had the chance to read L117: "There is no specific requirement to provide refresher training after set intervals, but even trained and experience lift-truck operators need to be reassessed from time to time to ensure that they continue to operate lift trucks safely. This assessment, which should form part of a firm’s normal monitoring procedure and be formally timetabled to ensure that it is done at reasonable intervals, will indicate whether any further training is needed. In addition to routine safety monitoring, reassessment might be appropriate where operators have not used trucks for some time, are occasional users, appear to have developed unsafe working practices, have had an accident or near miss, or there is a change in their working practices or environment. Employers may find it useful to record reassessment in their safety monitoring records. Employers can, of course, decide that automatic retraining after a set period of time is the best way of ensuring that employees are adequately trained but, where this approach is adopted, it will still be necessary to monitor performance in case retraining is required before the set period ends. The guiding principle is that employers need to maintain the competence of operators to use lift trucks safely through a laid down, formal process of monitoring and assessment.

Can I suggest that you change your perspective slightly? Instead of thinking about training, start with re-assessment. Work from the point of view that every driver picks up bad habits. No two drivers will be quite the same and some have fewer than others. You want your trainer to start by assessing your drivers so that he/she can spend the rest of the day nailing the bad habits and reinforcing whatever local rules you have. And this way, as Safety Smurf notes, if you have someone who is totally adrift you can ground them much more easily pending much more intensive training. By the way RTITB aren't the only accreditation body. Don't forget people like AITT amongst others.

Jasonkav - re your query: One day for a telehandler? "Here's your licence to kill someone...." Sorry if putting it in this blunt form gives anyone problems but that's about what it amounts to. Sadly I have dealt with the aftermath of three FLT fatalities so maybe my view is slightly lopsided. Reputable trainers taking someone off the street work to 5ish days training, 3 to get an experienced FLT driver up to speed on the very different beast which is the telehandler. One day? I would love to see the trail back to accreditation there and I bet there isn't any. Do you have a tame FLT trainer who is properly accredited? Ask them to observe the driver for a few minutes and advise you; it could be the best value pint you have ever bought anyone. As for the legalities of it, the contractor is working on your site. If there were to be a serious accident you would be just as much in the frame as the contractor (and the dubious trainer) so please don't drop this in the "too difficult" box.