Operating a forklift truck may look straightforward, but it’s a specialised skill that requires proper training and licensing to ensure workplace safety compliance. As electric models become increasingly popular across warehouses and distribution centres due to environmental concerns and lower running costs, we’re frequently asked: “Do I need an electric forklift licence?”
The simple answer is yes. It’s illegal for anyone to operate an electric forklift truck on an industrial premises in the UK without first completing accredited forklift operator training. In this guide, we look at electric forklift truck licence specifics, training course options, the consequences of operating without certification, and renewal requirements to stay fully compliant.
Why is Forklift Licence Training Mandatory in the UK?
While there isn’t a designated “electric forklift licence” in the UK, operating any forklift, regardless of power source, necessitates undergoing forklift training. These powerful machines pose significant safety risks if mishandled due to a lack of training. The potential for accidents involving personal injury, damaged goods, and equipment makes proper licensing absolutely critical.
According to UK regulations, all operators utilising any type of forklift truck or similar material handling equipment must first pass an accredited training programme to earn their licence/certification. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and legal penalties for both employers and individual operators.
Specific legislation covering forklift licensing requirements includes:
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
What Does a Forklift Training Course Involve?
There are two main routes for obtaining forklift operator certification in the UK: novice or experienced worker training.
Novice Forklift Training
For those without any prior experience, a full beginner’s forklift course involves a mix of theoretical and practical instruction over 3-5 days. Modules cover:
- Health and safety fundamentals
- Forklift truck components and controls
- Legislation and responsibilities
- Operational procedures and safe practices
- Practical exercises and evaluations
Upon passing all assessments, attendees receive their accredited certificate to operate forklifts legally. This basic certification enables driving counterbalance and warehousing equipment.
Additional specific job or model training may also be required, such as for rough terrain forklifts. Courses can be designed to cover electric, gas, diesel and rough terrain truck types.
Experienced Worker Training
Those with prior forklift operating experience can attend a condensed 1-2 day experienced worker course. This refresher covers:
- Theory topics like legislation
- Evaluation of current skills and knowledge
- Practical operational assessments
After passing, experienced workers receive updated certification for their employer’s specific equipment types. This route is ideal for those whose forklift licences have lapsed or expired.
When Do I Need Forklift Licence Renewal Training?
According to HSE recommendations, forklift training refreshers are completed every at least every 3-5 years, depending on their experience level. This periodic retraining helps ensure:
- Knowledge of any legislative changes remains up-to-date
- Skills are reassessed and any bad habits corrected
- Proper procedures are reviewed and reinforced
- Familiarity with any new equipment introduced
Even highly experienced operators can become complacent over time, making renewal training prudent. Refresher courses minimise safety risks and legal liabilities.
Consequences of Operating a Forklift Without a Licence
The penalties for illegally operating a forklift truck in the UK without accredited certification can be significant:
- Hefty fines – Employers and individuals can face substantial monetary penalties for health and safety regulation violations.
- Legal repercussions – Legal prosecution may result in potential jail time in serious cases.
- Insurance issues – Most companies’ liability coverage becomes void if unlicensed operators are involved in workplace incidents.
- Reputational damage – News of safety breaches can seriously impact a business’s public reputation and client relationships.
The risks simply aren’t worth it. All forklift operators should maintain valid, up-to-date certifications at all times for their own safety and their employer’s legal protection.
Who Provides Forklift Training?
Several accredited training providers throughout the UK offer forklift training courses, including TAG. We offer various training programmes for different vehicles, including:
- CAT B1 (Up to 5-ton Trucks),
- CAT B2 (Up to 10-ton Trucks),
- Reach Trucks CAT D1 (Up to 5-ton) with a mast from 3-8 metres,
- Aisle Master (Pivot Steer)
An RTITB accredited forklift operator leads our training courses both on- and off-site. Plus, we’re working on opening our own training centre in Manchester, where our approved courses will ensure operators can handle forklift trucks in various environments, including warehouses and construction sites.
Get a Forklift Licence with TAG
While there’s no separate “electric forklift licence” per se, UK laws mandate that anyone operating any type of forklift truck first complete an accredited training course. This covers critical safety procedures, equipment operation and responsibilities.
Attempting to use forklifts without proper licensing exposes your organisation to severe safety risks, along with penalties like fines and legal action. The minimal cost of certification is vastly outweighed by the potential costs and liabilities associated with workplace incidents due to improper training.
At TAG Forklifts, we offer comprehensive forklift training for novice and experienced workers alike. Our trainers ensure your staff obtains proper electric, diesel and gas forklift licensing while reinforcing best practices for a safe, productive workplace.