Our RTITB Fork Lift Truck Operator Course - Novice (Counterbalance) 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 fork lift 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 course complies with the standards set in accordance with the HSE Code of Practice L117. This course enables successful operators to use any counterbalance forklift up to a 5000 kg lifting capacity (with authorisation) anywhere in the UK.
This course consists of a classroom lecture, presentation, written assessment, practical training and assessment.
The RTITB Forklift Training Course – Counterbalance – Novice 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.
The agenda for the RTITB Fork Lift Truck Operator Course - Novice (Counterbalance) includes:
- Introduction to the 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
Successful delegates will receive an e-certificate accredited by RTITB which will be valid for a period of 3 years from the date of the course.
At the end of the course, delegates will take a short multiple choice test. 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 de-stacking operations, reversing and accelerating.
The cut off for the 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.
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As most of our RTITB courses involve the practical operation of machinery, you are required to wear PPE during your practical training and assessment, including Safety boots and High-Visibility Clothing. Specific requirements will be outlined in your booking confirmation email and joining instructions.
PPE can be purchased from Reception at our Tonbridge & Ashford Training Centres. We provide all necessary course materials, including learning guides and stationary.
We currently offer all learning formats of Counterbalance Forklift Training, as well as RTITB Lift Truck Instructor Training, at our dedicated training facility in Tonbridge, Kent. For all other forklift categories, we can only offer private RTITB training on your premises with your own forklift equipment. Please get in touch with our support team on 0333 666 0555 if you’re interested in booking an RTITB course!
No, a driving licence is not required to complete any RTITB training course. However, you must have a good standard of fitness, vision, and hearing, and be able to operate equipment safely in line with HSE guidance.
Several of our training courses involve practical elements, which may include working at height, lifting equipment, or operating machinery. You should be in good general health and physically able to take part in these activities safely. If you have any medical conditions, injuries, or concerns that may affect your ability to participate, please let our support team know in advance so we can advise you on course suitability and any reasonable adjustments that may be available.
Yes, we can absolutely offer you support. We understand that everyone learns differently, and we’re committed to making our courses accessible to all. Our instructors are experienced in delivering training to individuals with varying levels of reading and writing ability.
We can offer additional verbal guidance, practical demonstrations, and one-to-one support when attending training courses at one of our training centres. If required, we can also arrange for assistance during written assessments, such as a reader.
Please let our support team know in advance if you have any concerns, and we’ll do everything we can to support you in successfully completing your training.
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