When referring to a ‘licence’, what is actually meant is a lift truck certificate of basic training and this does exist for forklift operators.
The phrase ‘forklift licence’ is often heard within our industry, as if operating a forklift is parallel to driving a car, lorry or motorbike. You’ll even see operator job advertisements including statements such as ‘forklift licence essential’, ‘accredited licence needed’ or ‘seeking an operator with a forklift ticket’.
However, there is no such thing as a forklift licence, and terms such as the above make recruiting the right candidates, and ensuring they have the correct training, confusing for employers.
When referring to a ‘licence’, what is actually meant is a lift truck certificate of basic training and this does exist for forklift operators.
Forklift Operator Basic Training
As part of Regulation 9 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98), employers must ensure that lift truck operators receive adequate training before they are authorised to operate on site.
Upon completion of training, the operator’s training should be documented and, they may be issued with a certificate of training that confirms the training they have received:
However, this is still not a licence, nor is it a step to acquiring a licence of any sort. A lift truck, or materials handling equipment, ‘licence’ simply does not exist!