Counterbalance forklift truck training

Counterbalance Forklift Truck Training Course

Comprehensive Operator Safety Training | Accredited Certification | Hands-On Practical Skills

Course Overview:

Our Counterbalance Forklift Truck Training Course is designed to provide participants with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and legal understanding required to operate counterbalance forklift trucks safely and efficiently in the workplace. Whether you are a complete beginner or seeking refresher training, this course ensures compliance with UK Health & Safety legislation and prepares candidates for real-world operational demands.

Counterbalance forklifts are the most commonly used type of forklift in warehouses, logistics, retail, and construction. With front-mounted forks and a rear counterweight to balance heavy loads, they require precise handling and risk-aware operation — especially in confined or high-traffic environments.

Who Is This Course For?

• Novice Operators: Individuals with little or no previous experience.
• Experienced Operators: Workers seeking formal recognition of skills through certification.
• Refresher Candidates: Those who have operated forklifts in the past and need to renew their qualification.
• Employers & Managers: Seeking to upskill or certify staff to meet Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines.

Course Content:

Theory Training:

• Introduction to forklift trucks and counterbalance principles
• Roles and responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
• PUWER & LOLER regulations (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations / Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)
• Truck components and pre-use inspections (daily maintenance checks)
• Load stability, weight distribution, and capacity assessment
• Hazard awareness and site safety (ramps, pedestrians, confined spaces)
• Refuelling and battery care
• Understanding operator’s safety code

Practical Training:

• Pre-operational vehicle checks and defect reporting
• Safe starting, stopping, steering, and manoeuvring
• Load assessment, pick-up, stacking, and unstacking
• Working with racking systems and pallets at height
• Reversing and operating in tight spaces
• Emergency procedures and safe parking
• Practical assessment under realistic work conditions

Assessment & Certification:

All trainees will undergo both a theory test and practical assessment at the end of the course. Successful candidates will receive an accredited certificate of competence and/or operator’s card valid for 3 years.

Courses are conducted in accordance with HSE Approved Code of Practice L117 and delivered by fully qualified, experienced instructors.

Course Duration:

• Novice (No Experience): 3–5 days
• Experienced Operator (No Formal Qualification): 2–3 days
• Refresher Training: 1 day
• Conversion Course (from another forklift type): 1–2 days

Entry Requirements:

• Minimum age: 18+ (or 16+ in a supervised training environment)
• Reasonable physical fitness and good eyesight
• Basic understanding of English (for written and verbal assessments)

Why Choose Us?

✅ Accredited & Certified Instructors

✅ Real Equipment in Simulated Work Environments

✅ Low Trainee-to-Instructor Ratio for Personalised Support

✅ Flexible Scheduling for Businesses & Individuals

✅ Competitive Pricing & On-Site Training Available