Accredited operator training
March 1st 2006

With material handling equipment becoming ever safer, does this lead to a false sense of security and do we require a different method of operator training asks Catherine McCormack, marketing communications manager, Linde Material Handling (UK) Mobile materials handling equipment, whether manual hand pallet trucks, engine or electric powered counterbalance trucks or warehouse equipment, all play a key role in the overall success of modern businesses.

This is because in the consumer-led society in which we live, products, whatever they might be, have to be available on the shelves virtually 24/7 to meet the expectations of the customer.

Efficient, reliable supply chains are therefore essential to meet consumer demands and technological advances have made materials handling equipment safer, more productive and energy efficient as well as quieter, cleaner and easier to operate.

Equipment designers today have to pay great attention to the ergonomic aspects in order to ensure a seamless and intuitive interface between the operator and the machine, so that the operator remains comfortable, efficient and alert throughout the working shift.

This has several benefits, since a comfortable and efficient operator is more productive and an alert operator is more aware of the surrounding environment, resulting in safer operation.

When considering the benefits of today's forklifts, a good analogy is the development of the modern car, which has an array of ergonomic and safety features.

However, in spite of this, accidents still continue to happen because ultimately, however good the equipment or vehicle might be, efficient performance and safety depends on the human element.

The question is: do some of these technological advances lull the operator into a false sense of security and does modern equipment require a different method of operator training? Especially when we consider that the road vehicle driving test is more demanding now than it was in earlier years.

Certainly, modern handling equipment is more stable and moves and lifts loads faster to meet the high productivity demands of intensive working environments. This in turn places greater responsibility on the operator who has to achieve these objectives safely.

The basic skills required to operate material handling equipment are largely unchanged. However, power steering, fingertip hydraulic controls and ergonomic seating are just some of the features that have made the task easier, with minimal physical effort required.

Smoother and quieter equipment has also eliminated the stress factor when working through an eight-hour shift.

The key ingredients for safe operation remain as they have always been. Namely, careful selection and recruitment so that only personnel with the right aptitude and attitude are chosen to operate the equipment with, of course, professional training on the type of equipment to be used.

Legislation requires that 'every employer shall ensure that all persons who use work equipment have received adequate training for the purposes of health and safety, including training in the methods which may be adopted when using the work equipment, any risks which such use may entail and precautions be taken'.

The adequate training clause also applies to those employees who supervise or manage the use of work equipment.

An excellent HSE publication entitled Rider-operated lift trucks: Operator training contains the Approved Code Of Practice and Guidance (ACOP) regarding the requirements of regulation 9 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations as they relate to the basic training of operators of rideroperated lift trucks.

So how does one define 'adequate' training and how can an employer assess the competence and training standards provided by the large number of training providers in the marketplace?

Ideally, the training provider should be registered with an accrediting body that has been approved by the Health and Safety Commission as this ensures that the accredited training provider has achieved, and also maintains, the highest professional training standards for all its instructors.

The HSC approved accreditation body maintains professional standards through a system of registration and regular examination of instructors as well as monitoring operator training courses.

To summarise: modern materials handling equipment is inherently safer in design and function and delivers higher levels of productivity. Operating costs are lower and the operators, and others working on the site, enjoy a better, safer working environment.

However, all of these benefits depend on good training, safe working practices and committed supervision to ensure that safety standards are implemented and maintained.

Through its national network companies, Linde offers accredited training courses on every type of handling equipment, both electric and engine powered. The network companies provide these Fork Truck Training (FTT) courses on a local basis throughout the UK, either on the customer's premises or at their FTT regional training facilities according to the customer's needs.

The national network FTT instructors are fully accredited and directly employed by the national network companies to ensure continuity and the highest training and safety standards.

A comprehensive range of courses is offered covering every skill level, as well as manual handling techniques.

The substantial dividends resulting from accredited professional training for operators are: motivation and enhanced safety awareness, lower handling costs, higher productivity and a safer, more efficient working environment.

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