TRAINING COURSE INFORMATION
When deciding what level of training is required it is easy to under / over-estimate the requirement. This can lead to inefficient training and associated costs. One of the LETS team are best placed to help you decide which course is best for you. The following guide gives you an overview of the types of course available.
Course Structure
The training includes the following elements:
• The Health and safety aspects relating to the equipment being used such as the risks associated with the equipment and the advice to eliminate or reduce risk to an acceptable level. The responsibilities under law that are applicable to the user of the equipment and the environment in which it is being used.
• That the operator has suitable and sufficient information and instructions in order to use the equipment correctly, in the application it is being used for.
• The operator is instructed in the required skills to use the equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and, where possible, for any specific requirements of the company.
• That the operator is assessed in all aspect of this training and is deemed as competent in all disciplines taught.
Types of Training
There are 3 levels of training based on the operators existing knowledge and experience:
• Basic skills / Novice training
• Refresher training
• Specific / familiarisation training
Basic Skills / Novice Training
Covering the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject comprehensive instructor lead training and testing. Suitable for someone with no, or very limited, previous experience.
Refresher Training
Instructor lead training to bring an experienced operator up to the accepted level required to pass an operator test. This would be suitable for someone who:
• Has not operated for some time (Skill fade).
• Whose qualification has expired or was taken some time ago. (As a guide, over 5 years).
• There is doubt as to whether basic training was adequate at the time.
Confirmation of prior learning would be required and candidate profiling would be carried out by LETS to assess suitability for this type of training.
Specific / Familiarisation Training
Training for an experienced operator who has to learn a new specific function/adaptation of the equipment he uses and become familiar with a new operation or procedure. (For example: Using a snow plough accessory on a lift truck).
Proof of prior learning would be required for this type of training and candidate profiling would be carried out by LETS to assess suitability for this type of training.
Accrediting Bodies
There are numerous organisations that will accredit training in every aspect of industry. They all set their own training standards and assessment criteria and some will insist on prior or additional learning / qualification (Such as a health and safety qualification or an NVQ) before they will accredit an operator.
LETS is an accredited training centre for NPORS (National Operators Registration Scheme) but in many cases ACoP (Approved Code of Practice) is a sufficient certification level. Please feel free to call us if you are unsure which is the right route for you or your business.
Training on a customer site
Training at a customer site is certainly an option and of course has its own advantages but as a responsible training provider we must ensure that the training environment is safe for all that are using the site. We must also ensure that it is suitable and sufficient for the training requirements.
If you require training on your site we will firstly carryout a risk assessment to ensure it is safe and suitable. What we will check for is:
• Is the training area separated (Cordoned off) from any other work activities.
• Is the area large enough to carry out all activities? (We will advise on the size / type of area required).
• Are there any proximity hazards (Overhead cables, drains etc?).
• What ancillary equipment (Loads for lifting, the use of a crane etc) we may need.
• Is the equipment we are training with in a safe and serviceable condition? (We may require documentary evidence of its condition / serviceability).
• Do we have access to any information or instructions applicable to the training (Such as operator manuals, check sheets etc).
• Do we have access to suitable and sufficient welfare facilities?
• The location of first aid & emergency equipment, muster points and the emergency procedures.
