Purpose:
To provide candidates with the knowledge, skills, and competence required to safely operate an Industrial Counterbalanced Lift Truck in accordance with industry best practice and NPORS standards.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
1. Describe current legislation and operator responsibilities.
2. Identify key components of a counterbalanced lift truck.
3. Explain principles of stability and load handling.
4. Conduct pre-use inspections and report defects.
5. Operate the lift truck safely in confined and open areas.
6. Load, transport, and stack materials safely.
7. Refuel/recharge safely (diesel, LPG, or electric).
8. Demonstrate safe parking and shutdown procedures.
9. Identify workplace hazards and apply risk controls.
Course Content
Module 1: Health & Safety Legislation
Operator responsibilities
Employer duties
Risk assessments
Safe systems of work
PPE requirements
Accident reporting procedures
Module 2: Lift Truck Types & Components
Types of counterbalanced trucks
Electric, Diesel, LPG differences
Controls and instruments
Mast, carriage, forks, tilt mechanism
Capacity plate interpretation
Module 3: Stability Principles
Counterbalance principle
Stability triangle
Load center and rated capacity
Effects of gradients
Dynamic forces (turning, braking, lifting)
Module 4: Pre-Operational Checks
Visual inspection
Hydraulic systems
Tyres and wheels
Fork condition
Battery/fuel systems
Reporting defects
Module 5: Practical Operating Skills
Mounting and dismounting safely
Starting and stopping procedures
Steering and maneuvering
Forward and reverse driving
Operating on slopes
Safe speed control
Module 6: Load Handling
Fork positioning
Approaching loads safely
Lifting and lowering loads
Stacking and de-stacking
Working in racking systems
Handling uneven or awkward loads
Module 7: Refueling / Recharging
LPG cylinder changing procedure
Diesel refueling
Electric battery charging
Environmental considerations
Module 8: Safe Parking & Shutdown
Parking locations
Neutral gear and brake application
Lowering forks
Isolating power supply
Classroom theory sessions
Practical demonstration
Instructor-led discussion
Hands-on operating practice
Continuous performance feedback
Multiple choice questions
Short answer questions
Pass mark as per NPORS standard
Candidates must demonstrate competence in:
Pre-use inspection
Controlled maneuvering
Load lifting and stacking
Safe shutdown
Instructor evaluates:
Safe behavior
Hazard awareness
Compliance with procedures
Upon successful completion:
NPORS Operator Card (Traditional or NPORS/CSCS if applicable)
Validity typically 3–5 years (as per NPORS route)
Minimum age 18 years
Medically fit (good eyesight & hearing)
Basic understanding of English (or language used for training)