The HSE recently issued a statement (cleared on the 26th March) regarding COVID-19 and supplied guidance on training for rider-operated lift trucks (Fork lift trucks).
To help businesses follow the guidance as well as keep their operations safe and compliant, the key messages of the HSE statement are as follows;
Refresher training
Where the COVID-19 pandemic prevents safe access to re-qualification training, an employer may extend an operator’s refresher period by three months. This guidance applies to certificates expiring on or after 16th March 2020.
Employers needing to delay refreshers should be able to justify their reasons for doing so, as well as demonstrate any steps taken to undertake the training in the first instance.
Novice/Conversion training
The HSE have made clear that there can be no exceptions or exemptions for novice or conversion training. If a business needs an employee to operate a lift truck, they must be trained as per L117, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Theory session delivery
The HSE statement clarifies, “any training providers who are working with Key Workers should adjust their activities to follow Public Health England advice regarding good hygiene practices and separation distances, and if relevant accommodate any site-specific rules to manage the risk of COVID-19 infection”.
In practical terms, this means that theory sessions can be delivered, providing they are carried out in an area that allows suitable segregation of the minimum advised distance between all delegates and the Instructor, and that everyone follows the latest guidance surrounding hygiene and self-isolation on the onset of any potential COVID-19 symptoms.
Summary
If your business does require urgent training during this time, please contact us and we can discuss all of the options available. Our courses will only be undertaken in accordance with the latest HM Government, Public Health England & HSE guidance.
