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Thomas Truck Training ltd The New Test
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The new test is here and what it will means to Employers
and Trainees alike is posted.
If you have any questions then just E Mail me. I will also be posting
all FAQ so please check back from time to time
To send E Mail click on picture
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Before we look at the
specific changes that affect us all I think that it is worth getting rid of a few
un-truths that are commonly held in the lift truck world
Recognised Accrediting Bodies
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) produces the "Rider operated
lift trucks - operator training Approved Code of Practice and Supplementary
Guidance".
The Code and Guidance were agreed following widespread consultation and are designed to
help employers meet their legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 in
ensuring that all operators have the training necessary for health and safety.
Within the Code, the following organisations are recognised by the HSC as competent to
accredit and monitor organisations to train instructors and/or to train, test and
certificate operators:
Lantra National Training Otganisation Ltd, NAC, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG. Tel:
0345 078007.
Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Bircham Newton, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE31
6RH. Tel: 01485 577838.
RTITB Limited, Shawbury House, High Ercall, Telford, Shropshire, TF6 6RB. Tel: 01952
777782.
Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT), Huntingdon House, 87 Market Street,
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 1AH. Tel: 01530 417234.
National Plant Operators Registration Scheme Limited, Highfield Farm, Lostock Gralam,
Cheshire CW9 7PL. Tel: 01606 49909.
Certificates of training and assessment awarded
by any of the organisations listed above, or in specific cases, organisations accredited
by one of those organisations, carry equal status, and should demonstrate that the
certificate holder has undergone training in accordance with the Approved Code of Practice
for a particular truck type. However, this is not always understood by individual
employers who may insist on a certificate issued through a specific accrediting
organisation. In such circumstances, this information sheet should convince such employers
of the validity of certificates Such certificates could be considered as documentary
evidence of achievement. However, it must be stressed that this does not replace the legal
responsibility of individual employers to ensure the competence of individual operators.
Certificates of Basic Training
As the name implies, these are Certificates issued following assessment
conducted as an integral part of training, and should not include any wording implying
competence. Certificates issued where no training has taken place should not carry this
specific wording or imply in any way that training has been carried out. Assessment
conducted as part of a corrective or refresher training exercise can include these words.
Each of the accrediting organisations has recommendations for training durations
dependent on any previous experience of operators. Whilst there are minor differences,
these are broadly similar, eg novices 5 days. Additionally, each accrediting organisation
has recommendations on instructor : trainee ratios. These two factors have a significant
influence on how much operating practice each course member is able to achieve during
training.
It is against the backdrop of setting high standards that these organisations are
recognised by the HSC. Whilst their guidance is not mandatory and some variation in
duration and instructor ; trainee ratios is acceptable as long as standards and safety are
not compromised, any training that appears to stray significantly from the broad
recommendations may not come up to the standards required.
All accrediting bodies take a dim view of any certificates issued by any party that
implies improper recognition of the certificates issued by that party.
Common inaccuracies include:
"standards published by the Joint Committee of Industrial Training Boards
(JCITB)". This body has not existed for a number of years.
"ATB recognised". ATB ceased to exist in 1994,
being replaced by ATB-Landbase, and more recently by Lantra National Training Organisation
Limited.
"RTITB approved". The RTITB was wound up several years
ago and now operates as RTITB Ltd. In addition, RTITB Ltd do not
"approve" lift truck training organisations. This terminology is incorrect.
Such inaccuracies suggest that some individuals and organisations may not be as up to
date as they should be.
The above information has been researched with HSE, CITB, RTITB
Services Limited and AITT-ITSSAR.
No Responsibility accepted for the
accuracy of this article |
 
NEWS RELEASE
NEW LIFT TRUCK OPERATOR TEST SETS
UNIFORM, NATIONAL STANDARD
A common practical test of basic operating skills for users of Counterbalance and
Reach Lift Trucks has been developed and endorsed by the forum of Health & Safety
Commission recognised accrediting bodies and the Joint Industry Council (JiC) for Lift
Truck Operations. This test sets for the first time, a national standard that will be used by all Health & Safety Commission recognised
accrediting bodies. The recognised bodies responsible for administrating the test via
accrediting training providers are:-
- Association of Industrial Truck Trainers
- Construction Industry Training Board
- Lantra
- National Plant Operators Registration Scheme
- RTITB Limited
The test is a practical and theoretical assessment of an individual's ability to
operate a Lift Truck safely and is designed to confirm the skills and theoretical
knowledge acquired during a course of Basic Operators Training.
It incorporates three elements:-
- A theoretical test
- A pre-use check of the Lift Truck
- A Practical test which includes laden and unladen maneuvering, stacking/desacking within
an aisle and correct parking procedures
The test will be adopted by all endorsing Health & Safety Commission recognised
accrediting bodes for nation-wide implementation from April 2000.
Further information is available from the following organisations -
Association of Industrial Truck Training Phone 01530 417234
Construction Industry Training Board Phone 01485 577838
Lantra Phone 0345 078007
National Plant Operators
Registration Scheme Phone 01606 49909
RTITB Limited Phone 0l952 520200 |
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Below is a summery of the major changes in the new test. There are changes to the
practical side as well but I have decided to concentrate on the new elements of the Visual
check before the start of the course and the Q&A. |
JiC
Recommended Test for
Rider-operated Industrial Counterbalanced & Reach Lift Trucks
as designed and validated by the
five HSC Recognised Accrediting Bodies
Introduction
This test has been developed by the JiC as
a means of ensuring national, uniform standards for the testing of lift truck operators.
All the accrediting bodies recognised by the Health & Safety Commission as competent
to accredit and monitor organisations which train instructors and/or train, test and
certificate operators, have adopted it. Only lift truck instructors and examiners who
have been trained in its application should carry out this testing process.
Continuous assessment of novice and of
existing lift truck operators’ progression will naturally be undertaken during
training by instructors and subsequently by immediate supervisors at the operators’
workplaces. This is routine and would normally be conducted informally.
The test shall be administered by a lift
truck instructor/examiner who is qualified in accordance with the Health & Safety
Commission/Executive Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) and supplementary guidance
"Rider-operated lift trucks: operator training". The ACoP and guidance gives
advice to employers on lift truck operator training and testing. Job specific and
familiarisation training should follow successful completion of basic training and
supervision as described in the ACoP and guidance.
This test can be used as:
validation of a course of basic,
refresher or conversion training
confirmation of existing standards
- pre-employment assessment.
REMEMBER!!!
Successful completion of this test
without prior training does not indicate that adequate training as described in the ACoP
and guidance has been provided.
Test Objectives
The overall objective of this formal,
predetermined and validated test is to verify the candidate’s ability to meet the
minimum recognised basic safety standard. Candidates must pass all elements of the test
in order to be successful overall.
The test requires candidates to
undertake:
- A theoretical test, written or oral,
written or oral
- Pre-use checks
- A practical test
Theoretical Test
The theoretical test paper consists of 5
open and 20 multi-choice questions designed to establish the candidate’s knowledge of
the safe operating practices generally found within industry and specific to the
candidate’s working environment.
A bank of open and multi-choice questions
is included with this publication. The multi-choice questions are divided into 2 sections,
operational and safety. These questions are not definitive.
- Administration
Examiners should divide the questions into
batches of 5 open and 5 multi-choice questions, keeping the operational and safety
multi-choice questions separate, and then select 1 batch of open and 4 batches (2
operational and 2 safety) of multi-choice to form a theory test paper of 5 open and 20
multi-choice questions.
Ideally 20 questions should be applied to
all sectors of industry and, where practicable, 5 questions specific to the candidates
working environment.
By logical selection from the batches a
varied stock of test papers may be assembled, each of these must be allocated appropriate
identification, which must be recorded on the candidate’s answer sheet and final
assessment document, by the examiner, for future reference.
Candidates shall be given the choice of
taking the test in writing or orally.
- Marking
A minimum mark of 80% is
required to achieve a pass in the test. Each multi-choice question is worth 4 marks, and
each open question is worth up to a maximum of 4 marks in proportion to the accuracy of
the answer given.
Errors must be explained to the candidate.
A candidate who does not pass the test
should undergo the appropriate remedial tuition
and at a later time re-take a new batch of
25 questions.
Pre-use Check
Each candidate shall be required to carry
out a safety check on the truck prior to use. It shall be carried out in accordance with
the relevant lift truck manufacturer’s recommendations and/or the candidate’s
company organisational procedures.
- Marking
The examiner will assess whether the
candidate meets the minimum standards necessary to carry out a pre-use check correctly and
efficiently.
The specific pre-use check sheet shall be
retained for future reference and the result recorded on the final assessment document.
Practical Test
This test has been devised to examine the
critical skills required of a lift truck operator, such as:-
- Mounting, dismounting and parking a truck
- Starting and stopping a truck
- Driving forwards and in reverse, including braking
- Steering accurately
- Lifting and travelling with a load
- Using hydraulic controls correctly and sympathetically
- Judging the position of fork tips at varying heights, laden
and unladen
- Stacking and destacking accurately at various heights
- Observing the working environment and judging speed,
height, width and distance from
within the confines of the machine.
The test is based on the safe application of these
operations at a reasonable working pace. Care has been taken to design a course, which
covers all the critical skills, whilst being easily constructed on most company premises
Below is a copy of the candidates pre-use check sheet used for the test
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Operators Lift Truck Pre-use Check Sheet
for
Rider Operated Industrial Counterbalanced & Reach Lift Trucks |
ITEM |
Check
Completed |
Not
Applicable |
Fork arms |
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Carriage-Plate |
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Backrest
Extension |
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Mast |
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Mast
Rollers/Slides |
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Lift Chains |
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Chain
Pulleys |
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Hydraulics |
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Wheels |
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Tyres |
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External
Condition |
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Operating
Position |
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Operators
Seat |
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Gas Trucks |
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Starting
procedure – Engine Trucks |
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Starting
procedure – Electric Trucks |
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Lights |
|
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Audible
Warnings |
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Hydraulic
Controls |
|
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Drive &
Braking |
|
|
Steering |
|
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Explanation of the Pre-Use Checks
for
Rider Operated Industrial Counterbalanced & Reach Lift Trucks
The Candidate shall be observed
carrying out the pre-use checks. At periodic planned stages the instructor/examiner shall
interrupt the proceedings and question the candidate’s understanding of the item
under inspection. These explanatory notes may assist the instructor/examiner during this
assessment process.
Note that the basic checklist provided has
been determined as the minimum number of items to be checked on a lift truck prior to
operation. It should not be considered as definitive and the pre-use check shall be
carried out in accordance with any specific instructions in the manufacturer’s
handbooks.
Item |
Explanatory Notes |
Fork arms |
The fork arms shall be checked for wear, cracks, distortion and for
thin, jagged edges at the tips. In particular the fork arm hooks and the carriage plate
shall be examined for wear and fracture as there is constant movement between these
points. The fork arms shall be checked to verify that they are equally spaced on the
carriage plate with each fork arm retaining device engaged and secure. |
Carriage Plate |
The carriage plate shall be examined to ensure that it has no
obvious damage or distortion and that the end stops are in place and secure. |
Back Rest Extension |
The load backrest extension shall be checked for distortion, cracks
and security. |
Mast |
The mast sections shall be checked for damage, distortion and
cracks. Additionally the inner mast channels or runners shall be inspected for undue wear,
scoring, excessive dirt or foreign bodies, which may foul the mechanism. |
Mast Roller/Slides |
Inspection shall ensure that the mast guide rollers show no signs
of uneven wear, incorrect tracking, flat spots or scoring. Mast slides, if fitted, shall
be secure and intact. |
Lift Chains and Pulleys |
Lift chains shall be checked for evidence of deterioration such as
loose or worn pins, damaged pin rivet heads, cracked or missing links and signs of rust on
the link plates. Chain anchors shall be inspected for damages and security especially if
fastened with locking nuts. Chain pulleys should be free from damage, uneven wear and flat
spots. Uneven wear of chain parts such as rivet heads or the inner flange of a pulley may
indicate incorrect tracking of a chain over a pulley. The adjustment of multiple chains
should be checked to ensure that they share the load evenly. |
Hydraulics |
All hydraulic jacks, seals and couplings shall be checked for
damage and leaks. The condition of rams where they emerge from their cylinders, together
with the seals at these points, and the extent of hydraulic fluid present shall be
examined. All hose reels for hydraulic fluids shall be checked for leakage and proper
running of the hose when extending and retracting. |
Wheels |
Wheels shall be checked for damage to the hub and rim and the
security of the wheels to their "axles". The steering mechanism shall be
examined for wear, damage, dirt and foreign bodies, which might impair its correct
operation. |
Tyres |
Each tyre shall be inspected for excessive tread wear, wall
deterioration and for cuts, chunking and damage or potential damage due to foreign bodies.
Uneven tread wear should be noted in case it indicates incorrect wheel alignment. The
pressures in pneumatic tyres should be checked. |
Overall Condition |
The general condition of the trucks under inspection shall be
noted. This includes the integrity of the overhead guard, protective covers such as those
for the engine or battery, the doors and panels. Inspection shall cover the condition of
hinges and catches or other retaining devices. If fitted, the transparency of the
windscreen and other windows shall be checked together with the alignment of mirrors etc.
The unscheduled introduction of foreign objects onto the top of the overhead guard or
other similar places should be verified. The truck shall be systematically checked to
ensure that there are no leaks of fuel, water, hydraulic fluids, lubricants or battery
acid etc. |
Operating Position |
The operating position including all control areas and controls
shall be checked for freedom from damage, excessive dirt and foreign bodies which may be
fouling, or could cause fouling of, the controls. All instruction and warning plates and
especially the capacity rating plate shall be checked for applicability. All gauges shall
be inspected to ensure they are functional and if appropriate, visible from the operating
position. |
Operator’s Seat |
The seat anchor points, runners/sliders, end stops and adjusters
including backrest adjusters shall be checked to ensure they are secure, undamaged,
functional and engaged. The underside of the seat shall be inspected to ensure it is free
of foreign bodies that may foul the mechanism or interfere with any safety switches
located there. The operator restraint shall be in serviceable condition. |
Gas Powered Trucks |
In addition to the common matters with engine trucks the gas
cylinder should be checked for correct mounting, security and freedom from damage. Any
locating and security arrangements shall be in place and properly engaged. All pipe-work
and hoses shall be checked for freedom from kinks, dents, signs of fouls and possible gas
leaks with particular attention being paid to the seals of coupling and valves. |
Engine Trucks |
The fuel, coolant and lubricant levels shall be verified and the
ignition and starter switches checked for correct functioning. The correct illumination of
associated warning lights should also be verified. The stop control shall be checked for
function and if appropriate the cold start device effectiveness verified. All associated
interlocks shall be checked to ensure they inhibit appropriate motions. With the engine
running, the oil pressure and charging rate shall be checked to ensure they are
registering correctly and that all other indicators are functioning appropriately and in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. |
Battery Electric Trucks |
The traction battery shall be checked for correct size,
installation and fixing to the truck and all supply cables checked for security and
soundness of insulation. The state of charge of the battery shall be verified and the
power isolation checked that it can be appropriately activated and is effective. All
interlocks shall be tested for appropriate reactions. All gauges and indicators shall be
checked that they are functioning appropriately and in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. |
Lights |
All lights shall be checked to ensure they are clean and in working
order. The inspection shall include all road going lights fitted such as head, side and
tail lights, direction indicators, reversing lights, flashing beacons and all working
lights such as spotlights. |
Audible Warning
Devices |
All horns, klaxons, sirens and other acoustic devices shall be
checked for audibility and, in the event of failure, the resultant safety actions shall be
noted. The acoustic reaction when applying certain controls or as a result of certain
adverse/unsafe truck motions shall be verified in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. |
Controls |
All controls shall be operated and the resultant motion fully
exercised to ensure the movement is in the correct direction, smooth in operation and free
from fluid leaks. |
Driving and Braking |
The trucks shall be carefully and slowly driven in both directions,
the parking and service brakes applied and their efficiency verified. Where a truck
embodies regenerative or other non-friction type braking, this shall also be checked for
compliance with the manufacturer’s specification. |
Steering |
The steering shall be checked in both directions, at standstill and
when the trucks is moving, to verify its correct operation, that there is no excessive
play in the mechanism and that the power steering, if embodied, is operating correctly. |
Reporting Procedure |
The reporting procedure shall be clearly understood and an
explanation given of the actions to be taken in the event of a fault being discovered
during the pre-use check or whilst in operation. This explanation to include the method of
isolating the truck and how warnings would be given to others of its condition. |
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Theoretical Test
This consists of 3 sets of
questions : -
- 5 open questions, which can be in written form or presented
orally by the instructor/examiner.
- 10 Multiple choice questions on safety, which will normally
be presented in written form and requires the candidate to select the correct answer by
ticking a box.
- 10 multiple choice questions on operational matters which
will normally be presented in written form and requires the candidate to select the
correct answer by ticking a box.
- Total 25 Questions
Each question in each set is worth a
maximum of 4 marks making a total of 100 marks.
Open Questions:
From a bank of questions the
instructor/examiner selects 5.
Each of these can be presented orally or
in written form,
Marking will be proportional to the
answers given, up to a maximum of 4 marks per question.
Safety &
Operational Multiple Choice Questions:
From each bank of safety and operational
questions the instructor/examiner selects 10 questions and again these can be presented in
written or oral form.
Each answer for these 2 sets of questions
is worth either 4 marks or nothing.
Administration:
The questions used from each set and the
subsequent marks awarded are to be recorded on the reverse of the basic operating skills
test sheet. Please note that these questions are examples only and not definitive.
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Theory Test Paper Answer Sheet
Name……………………………………………………….
Date……………………………..
Question |
A |
B |
C |
Marking |
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20 |
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Candidate’s
Signature |
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Examiner’s
Signature |
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Examiner’s
Name |
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Reg. No. |
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For full size (A4) click on picture
Test
Alternative
Test
| To make
the test more flexible to the various types of training aria
it is now possible to follow one of the two alternative layouts and still comply with the
required standard.
The practical test
will be conducted as follows.......
2 Isle Test
The practical skills test should be
carried out as follows:- (see plan of course)
- The candidate shall mount the truck at the start position;
- Drive forward, fork arms leading and pick up the load at
low level A;
- Drive through the chicane with the load leading;
- Stack the load at high level B;
- Withdraw from the stack and reverse with the fork arms
trailing towards the chicane;
- Destack the load from eye level C;
- Reverse with the load trailing towards the chicane;
- Stack the load at low level D squarely and in line with the
adjacent stack;
- Withdraw from the stack and reverse with the fork arms
trailing towards the chicane;
- Destack the load from high level B;
- Withdraw from the stack and reverse with the load trailing
from the main aisle through the chicane to the start/finish line;
- Drive forward through the chicane into the main aisle and
stack the load at eye level C;
- Withdraw from the stack and reverse with the fork arms
trailing towards the chicane;
- Pick up the load at low level D;
- Withdraw and reverse with the load trailing through the
chicane;
- Place the load squarely at low-level A within 150mm of, but
not touching the vertical face.
- Withdraw the fork arms and reverse the truck until the fork
tips are behind the start/finish line;
- Park the truck correctly;
- Dismount from the truck:
1 Isle Test
Alternative Test
Course Plan and Route
Where the area is insufficient to construct
the main aisle as shown in test course ‘I’, the main aisle may be constructed as
shown in test course ‘II’. The alternative practical skills test for course
‘II’ should be carried out as follows:
- The candidate shall mount the truck at the start position;
- Drive forward, fork arms leading and pick up the load at
low level ‘A’;
- Drive through the chicane with the load leading;
- Stack the load at high level ‘B’;
- Withdraw from the stack and reverse with fork arms trailing
away from the chicane;
- Destack the load from eye level ‘C’;
- Reverse with the load trailing towards the chicane;
- Stack the load at low level ‘D’ squarely and in
line with the adjacent stack;
- Withdraw from the stack and reverse with fork arms trailing
away from the chicane;
- Destack the load from high level ‘B’;
- Withdraw from the stack and reverse with the load trailing
from the main aisle through the chicane to the start/finish position;
- Drive forward through the chicane with the load leading;
- Stack the load at eye level ‘C’;
- Reverse with fork arms trailing away from the chicane;
- Pick up the load at low level ‘D’;
- Withdraw and reverse with the load trailing through the
chicane to the start/finish position;
- Place the load within 150mm of, but not touching, the
vertical face at ‘A’;
- Withdraw the fork arms and reverse the truck until the fork
tips are behind the start/finish line;
- Park the truck correctly;
- Dismount from the truck:
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