Pallet Truck Training

Why pallet truck training matters

Under PUWER 1998 employers must give adequate training to anyone using work equipment, and that includes pallet trucks. A loaded powered pallet truck carries real weight, and the operator walks or stands very close to it. Most incidents happen when turning in tight aisles, on ramps and slopes, at loading bays, or when other people walk into the operator's path.

• Pre-use checks: controls, emergency reverse, brakes, battery and wheels
• Picking up, carrying and setting down loads safely
• Steering in aisles and keeping feet clear of the chassis
• Ramps, slopes, dock plates and lorry beds
• Charging and battery safety for electric trucks

Powered and electric pallet truck training

Powered and electric pallet trucks, including pedestrian and ride-on models, need more than a quick demonstration. Their acceleration, braking distance and the behaviour of the emergency belly-reverse switch differ between models, and operators should practise on the trucks they will use. Training covers the controls, safe speeds, travelling with and without a load, and parking and charging at the end of the shift.

Hand pallet truck training

A hand pallet truck has no motor, so the risks are mainly about manual handling: pushing and pulling heavy loads, starting and stopping, and controlling the truck on slopes. Hand pallet truck training is often combined with manual handling training, which we also run, so staff learn both the equipment and safe body movement in one session.

Pallet truck training requirements in the UK

There is no single national pallet truck licence. Employers must decide what training is adequate, record it and supervise new operators, and many choose a recognised certificate for consistency. If your staff also drive forklifts, pallet truck training can be planned alongside forklift training to keep pedestrian and traffic rules consistent across the site.

Where pallet trucks cause problems

On farms and in agricultural stores, pallet trucks are often used on rough concrete, slopes and in feed or fertiliser sheds shared with tractors and telehandlers. In food and fish processing they work on wet floors and in cold stores. In shops and builders' merchants they share space with customers. Training on your own site lets the instructor deal with the floor surfaces, slopes and people your staff actually work around, and set clear rules for where trucks can and cannot go.