This month we are discussing Forklift Training and certification requirements for business owners.
Does your company already employ FLT Drivers? Do they have the current RTITB (Road Transport Industry Training Board) qualification that is registered on NORS? (National Operator Registration Scheme) or are they using inhouse certification? Your drivers need to have either an RTITB or an Inhouse Qualification these will need refreshing every 3 years.
How many types of Forklifts are there and what are they?
There around 10 types of Forklifts commonly used in the UK. These include Warehouse, Side Loader, Counterbalance, Telehandler, Heavy-duty, Rough terrain, Pallet jack, Walkie stacker, Order picker and Reach trucks.
Side loaders
Side loaders are the ultimate benchmark when it comes to transporting long loads. Wherever long goods are loaded, this industrial truck has a massive advantage over conventional lift trucks. What makes these forklifts superior is the fact that they can pick up long loads sideways and travel in narrow aisles. More aisles and therefore more warehouse space can be created in the same area. Approaching the long goods from the front is not necessary with a side loader due to Side loaders doing exactly that and loading from the side. The side loader is also perfect for materials such as wooden boards, metal rods and pipes. One thing is certain a side loader trucks offer many benefits to a warehouse.
Counterbalance
Do you know what the Counterbalance truck is used for?
A counterbalance forklift truck operates on a counterbalance weight design. With a weight at the rear of the truck, offsetting the load to be lifted at the front. These trucks are used in many storage, warehouse and distribution systems where they carry out loading, stacking and horizontal transport functions. Because of the counterbalance feature, these types of forklift trucks are adept at handling heavy, bulky loads which need to be transported over distance. Their versatility means they can be utilised in heavy operations and basic material handling, which makes them a popular choice in a range of industries.
Telehandler
What might we need a Telehandler for?
What can you do with a telehandler?
A telescopic handler, or telehandler, is a hydraulic lifting machine used to carry and place heavy materials. Sometimes called boom lifts, they move loads with a crane-like tool called a boom. Operators fix attachments to the end of their boom to hold different materials. An attachment’s design suits the kind of load it’s built to carry, such as forks for pallets or buckets for soil.
Telehandlers are ideal for construction sites, allowing you to reach out and over obstacles, and are also commonly used in repair and maintenance. From maintaining utilities and changing light fixtures to painting and cleaning walls and ceilings, telehandlers put your workers in the optimal position indoors or out.
Heavy Duty Forklifts
What’s the difference between a forklift and a heavy-duty forklift?
Heavy duty Forklifts can carry between 10 & 60 tonnes, and a standard Forklift can carry between 1 & 10 tonnes.
The heavy-duty forklift — also called a large-capacity forklift — combines the functionalities of a warehouse forklift with a telehandler. While it can’t reach difficult angles the way a telehandler can, it can lift heavier loads much higher off the ground than a warehouse forklift. And with its Hydraulic levers that combine a balance of reach and power make this the perfect truck for those heavy and hard to reach jobs.
Rough Terrain Forklift
Do you know another name for the Rough Terrain Forklift?
Do you know what jobs they are suitable for?
The Rough Terrain Forklift is also known as a straight mast forklift, the rough terrain forklift is designed specifically for outdoor job sites with uneven surfaces. These trucks have sturdy pneumatic tires that are oversized and threaded, giving them better balance and stability to safely transport materials on rocky ground. You necessarily won’t need one if you do most of your work indoors, but rough-terrain forklifts are a must for outdoor applications and construction sites.
Most Rough Terrain Forklifts can carry around 6,000lbs or 8,000lbs.
Pallet Jacks
Do you know what a Pallet Jack does?
Do you know another name for a Pallet Jack?
Also known as pump trucks, these pallet lifts aren’t capable of lifting large loads due to their small size. In exchange for power, pallet jacks have a small footprint, allowing them to fit into the tightest spaces and lift small loads in tight quarters.
Walkie Stacker
What is a Walkie Stacker?
A Walkie Stacker is like a Pallet Jack, except that the user walks behind and pushes and steers the Walkie to its desired location within the warehouse. These are unique in appearance and specific in utility. Unlike other forklifts, these types of material handling vehicles don’t have cabs. Instead, these units lack power, manoeuvrability and speed but are ideal for situations where you need a taller pallet jack. The walkie stacker reaches much higher off the ground than traditional pallet jacks.
Order Picker
What is An Order Picker?
How high can an Order Picker reach?
An order picker is like the walkie stacker. Reaching up to 32 feet, these machines are designed to lift operators up to warehouse racks and carry individual units. They work extremely well in customer order warehouses and storage facilities since they can pick individual units without having to bring down a full pallet. Their versatile design means they can handle items of various sizes, from auto parts to furniture.
Reach Trucks
What is a Reach Forklift?
What height can a Reach Forklift reach?
The Reach forklift is a warehouse truck used mainly for indoor work. While excellent for indoor use, reach trucks are not suitable for outdoor work due to their minimal undercarriage clearance. Some Reach Forklifts can reach a height of up to 41 feet. Its key ability is to extend its forks beyond the compartment and reach into warehouse racks in a way that standard forklifts cannot. It also features an open compartment that allows the operator to have greater visibility.
There are also 5 classes of Forklift, do you know what they are?
They are:
Forklift Training is compulsory in warehouses across the UK due to much needed health and safety measures.
Here at Training For Logistics we offer a selection of onsite training courses for Counterbalance Forklift Trucks, Reach trucks, and Pivot Steer forklift trucks.
“You don’t need to know the whole alphabet of Safety. The A, B, C of it will save you if you follow it: Always Be Careful.”
