tow tractor / baggage handler training course

Tow Tractor / Baggage Handler Vehicle Training Course

Ground Support Equipment Training | Airside & Industrial Use | Accredited & Certified

Course Overview:

Our Tow Tractor / Baggage Handler Vehicle Training Course is designed to equip operators with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to safely operate tow tractors and tugs, commonly used in airports, distribution hubs, factories, and logistics depots. These vehicles are vital for towing baggage carts, trailers, and cargo dollies, often in high-pressure and restricted environments like airside zones.

This course ensures operators understand how to safely manoeuvre, tow, and reverse multiple connected loads while maintaining full compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and site-specific operational procedures.

Who Is This Course For?

• New Operators: With no previous experience operating tow tractors or baggage handling vehicles.
• Experienced Staff: Requiring formal certification for compliance or airport access.
• Refresher Candidates: Needing to renew expired or soon-to-expire certification.
• Employers: Seeking to train warehouse, ramp, or airside personnel to legal and operational standards.

Course Content:

Theory Training:

• Introduction to tow tractors, tugs, and baggage vehicles
• Operator responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
• PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) explained
• Airside driving rules and site-specific procedures (where applicable)
• Trailer coupling/uncoupling safety and connection checks
• Weight limits, trailer stability, and turning radius considerations
• Visual awareness and safe driving around pedestrians, aircraft, or equipment
• Pre-use vehicle checks and reporting procedures
• Battery/fuel safety (electric, diesel, LPG variants)
• Emergency stop and breakdown procedures

Practical Training:

• Conducting daily vehicle and trailer inspections
• Safely coupling and uncoupling trailers or baggage carts
• Manoeuvring with single and multiple trailers
• Reverse towing and turning techniques
• Stopping distances and brake control under load
• Operating in tight spaces, ramps, or loading bays
• Communication and awareness in busy work environments
• Shutdown procedures and safe parking

Assessment & Certification:

Trainees will complete a written theory test and a practical driving assessment. On successful completion, candidates will receive an Operator Certificate and/or Photo ID Card, valid for up to 3 years.

Training complies with HSE and, where relevant, CAA and DfT safety regulations for airside driving and baggage handling.

Course Duration:

• Novice (No Experience): 1–2 days
• Experienced Operator (Uncertified): 1 day
• Refresher Training: Half to 1 day
• Conversion from Similar Equipment: 1 day

Entry Requirements:

• Must be 18+ (or meet site-specific age requirements)
• Reasonable level of physical fitness and alertness
• Basic English comprehension (for safety and assessments)
• Airside access or clearance if training on an airport site

Why Train With Us?

✅ Accredited Trainers with Industry-Specific Experience

✅ Airside & Warehouse Training Options Available

✅ Realistic Vehicle & Trailer Handling Scenarios

✅ Fully Compliant with UK Health & Safety Standards

✅ Flexible On-Site or Off-Site Training Available