FAQs

Who are the 6 accrediting bodies for lift truck training?

I work for a company that has its own In-house training scheme. This scheme is not accredited by any of these bodies. Is this legal?

There is no law stating that training has to be given by a company which is accredited, as long as the training is adequate and relevant to that particular machine.

What type of licence do I need to operate mobile plant in the workplace?
There is no government issued licence for operating machines at work; however the law requires that an employer provides their staff with adequate training in the machine they are operating. (The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998; regulation 9)

Do I need a valid UK car driver’s licence in order to operate plant machinery in the workplace?
Unless the operator is driving a plant machine on a public highway there is no requirement for a driver’s licence. Driving within the workplace without a licence is legal.

Do I have to carry a photo licence with me when operating a forklift?
No, although some individual employers may require it.

I got my licence in another country; does the licence and certificate mean I can drive lift trucks without another test?
No. To have a recognised licence for this country you must be trained by one of the 6 HSE accredited bodies. Depending on your level of competence we would recommend a 1 day conversion course to pass a UK test.

What are the legal requirements if I have never had any formal training to drive a lift truck?
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 states employers are required to “ensure that all persons who use work equipment have received adequate training for 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 to be taken.” The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also says that employers must provide training for lift truck operators. Your employer could be breaking the law if adequate training has not been provided.
Under section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, your employer has a duty to give you information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure the health and safety of their employees.

If my lift truck has a seat belt, do I need to wear it?
Yes. If the truck is fitted with a seat belt you should wear it.

Do all counterbalance trucks need a seat belt?
Yes. It would be an offence for the employer to not provide a seat belt on a counterbalance truck.

Why does my reach truck not have a seat belt?
Reach trucks have been risk assessed as not needing a restraint. In fact it could be more detrimental to the operator should the worst happen.

Can I drive a forklift truck without a licence?
No. Regulation 9 of the “Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998” requires that: Every employer shall ensure that all persons who use work equipment have received adequate training for the purpose.
Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) states: Employers should not allow anyone to operate, even on a very occasional basis, lift trucks within the scope of the ACOP who have not satisfactorily completed basic training and testing as described in the ACOP.

I operate plant other than lift trucks, what is the licensing system for that?
Only lift truck training is HSC approved. An employer is still required by law to provide the operator with adequate training on other plant machines.

Do I have to have hand pallet trucks inspected and a record kept?
Yes. It has to have a service record maintained under the LOLER regulations.

If a truck has an attachment and no de-rating plate attached to the truck, should I drive it?
No. It states clearly in HSG6, Safety in Working with Lift Trucks (ISBN 0717617815) P23, section 67, that one should be attached.

Do I have to have a separate licence to use a ‘man cage’?
Specific training must be carried out in order to provide “adequate training” as required by HASWA 74. We do advise that only experienced drivers lift ‘man cages’.

Do I have to be trained to ride an ATV?

'Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), there is a legal requirement for employees to provide adequate training, and to ensure that only employees who have received appropriate training in their safe use, including the use of any towed equipment or attachments, are permitted to ride ATV's. The same requirements apply to the self-employed. HSE regards training provided by recognised training providers as being adequate for the purposes of PUWER'