Introduction

The most common forklift truck, the Counterbalance Forklift features two forks at the front and can drive up close to a load to pick it up and move it. Its name comes from the counterweight in the rear of the vehicle that compensates for heavy load lifting at the front.

Businesses use counterbalance trucks indoors or outdoors for anything from warehouse picking to construction site material moving and placement. Usually powered by gas, diesel, or electricity, they are a highly versatile solution for various jobs and environments. In contrast, when a truck needs to reach significant heights instead of lifting heavy loads, a reach forklift truck will do the job.

This Citrus certification delivers the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding of safely using a Counterbalanced Forklift. It is specifically aimed at Plant Operators who require practical and theory-based training and assessment on a Counterbalanced Forklift to carry out their work.

Course Outline

A mix of practical and theory-based exercises and tutorials take delegates through manufacturer information and general knowledge of a Counterbalanced Forklift Truck. In addition, they’ll participate in several practical activities to recognise the machine’s components and functions, best practices and operating methods.

The course reflects national standards and industry best practices and is fully accredited in line with regulations. In addition, choose to learn with Citrus, and delegates will benefit from our custom-built training facilities and customer-first approach.

Our occupationally and technically-experienced trainers coach delegates on this course, completing the session with a question and answer paper and practical assessment to follow. They must pass the assessment to qualify for the Citrus Training Certificate, valid for three years.

Course Programme

This training is essential for workers to operate a Counterbalanced Forklift safely. Delegates will review legal requirements, ensure safety compliance, understand procedures and appropriate documentation and classifications.

The learnings will take delegates through:

• Health and safety legislation and regulation relevant to Plant Operators (HASAWA 1974, PUWER and LOLER)
• Theoretical knowledge of plant operations
• Forklift operator's responsibilities, including daily/weekly checks of the machine
• Counterbalanced Forklift operator's manual
• Machine components and Capacity Plate
• Steering and operating controls
• Stability and load considerations and practices
• Pre-use and running checks
• Hazard identification and action to take
• Checking load safety and surroundings
• Machine configuration and travel position
• Manoeuvring and transportation
• Parking, shutdown and security procedures

On Completion

At the end of the training, successful delegates will:

• Have a working knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook for the Counterbalance Forklift Truck
• Confidently locate and identify the major components of the forklift and explain their functions  
• Be able to locate and identify key controls and explain their functions  
• Conduct all pre-operational and running checks following manufacturer's and legislative requirements  
• Be able to prepare a Counterbalanced Forklift for use and operate the machine safely and efficiently  
• Perform specific loading and unloading tasks and operations as practiced throughout the course
• Confidently carry out all end of work and shut down procedures

On successful completion of the course, delegates receive their Citrus Training Certificate, valid for three years.

Who Should Attend?

This Citrus Counterbalanced Forklift Operator Certification is for Plant Operators who need practical and theory training and assessment on a Counterbalanced Forklift to do their job. While it is ideal for delegates to have some forklift experience, it is not mandatory.

The course is available to those who need novice training and assessment-only options. 

Course Duration

This comprehensive course trains delegates to safely and responsibly operate a Telehandler on site. The training options vary to accommodate novices and seasoned delegates:

Novice training - five days with a maximum of three delegates  

Refresher training – two days   with day one for training and day two for assessment with a maximum of three delegates    

Assessment only - one-day session with a maximum of four delegates 

Group sessions and one-to-one training are available. Please contact our customer service team to find out more.

Why Citrus?

We dedicate our efforts to unrivalled quality and the customer experience at Citrus Training, working tirelessly to provide exemplary service to our clients and produce excellent results from our delegates. As a result, we are the leading UK-based provider of health, safety, and technical training and assessment services to the Built Environment and Utility sectors. 

We have over 30 specialist Plant and Lifting trainers and assessors, coaching and testing nationwide to meet any specific needs of our clients. With a wealth of experience and expertise, they have successfully trained over 25,000 delegates across the Plant and NVQ training categories.

Our facilities include six technical centres with the capacity for delivering Plant Training across the UK. And our national, accredited Training and Test Centres are fully equipped to provide CPCS and CSCS accredited courses. In addition, as an approved NPORS training provider, we can also offer on-site training and testing nationwide. 

Finally, as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) by CITB, we provide quality training that meets the industry-approved standards. 

Things You Need to Know

This Citrus Certifed course has practical elements, so delegates must inform their trainer if they have any serious health issues, physical problems, special considerations or are taking any medication, which may create difficulties in any elements of the training. 

For training held at your location, please ensure that the classroom you make available has a power supply and is a suitable size for the number of delegates attending. In addition, please ensure that the practical area has been risk-assessed, is free from harm, and is ideal for training. 

If you are a CITB Levy payer, you can claim a CITB Grant for this course. Once you have booked please contact us with your CITB number and we can assist you in claiming the funds.