Forklift Safety Refresher Training

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Refresher Training for Qualified Operators

Maintaining Safe Working Practices and Operator Standards

Even experienced forklift operators can develop unsafe habits or drift away from recognised best practice over time. Delivered on-site across Hampshire and surrounding areas, our ITSSAR-accredited forklift safety refresher training is carried out in small groups (maximum three trainees), helping operators reinforce core skills, refresh operational knowledge, and maintain safe workplace standards.

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Who Is This Course For?

When Refresher Training Is Required

This course is designed for trained operators who are due for refresher training, have not operated forklifts regularly, or need their skills and knowledge formally reviewed. It is also recommended following an incident, near miss, workplace change, or where unsafe operating practices have been identified. HSE guidance recommends refresher training at regular intervals, typically every 3 to 5 years.

Course Duration

Short, Focused, and Effective

Refresher training is typically completed within one day (up to 7.5 hours), depending on the truck type and number of trainees. The course includes a review of theory, practical training to address unsafe habits, and formal assessment to confirm continued safe operation and competence.

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Forklift Types Available for Refresher Training

Refresher training is available across a wide range of workplace equipment, including:

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Training availability depends on the equipment, facilities, and working environment available on-site.

Maintaining Safe Workplace Forklift Operation

Refresher training reinforces core skills, corrects unsafe habits, and helps ensure operators continue to work safely and in line with recognised workplace standards.

Key Information About Forklift Refresher Training

Everything you need to know before booking forklift refresher training for your operators.
Regular refresher training is recommended to help maintain safe working practices and operator competence, typically every 3 to 5 years.

Do You Need a Driving Licence?

A car driving licence is not required to operate a forklift truck unless the vehicle is used on public roads. However, basic driving experience can help with control and spatial awareness. This course is designed for trained operators who need to refresh skills and continue operating safely.

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Why Accredited Training Matters

This course follows the Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (L117) for rider‑operated lift trucks, helping ensure training is structured in line with recognised UK standards. For employers, refresher training helps reinforce safe working practices and ensure operators continue working to recognised workplace standards.

Assessment and Certification

Each trainee must complete both a theory test and practical assessment. Successful candidates receive an ITSSAR-accredited certificate, with qualifications recorded on the TOPS register where applicable. This confirms continued safe operation and competence in line with recognised workplace standards.

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Where Training Takes Place

Training is delivered on-site at your premises using your equipment and working environment. This helps ensure operators are assessed and refreshed in conditions that reflect their normal day-to-day workplace activities.

Forklift Training That Stands Up to Scrutiny

Structured, workplace-based training designed around real operational conditions.

On-Site, Relevant Training

Delivered at your premises using your equipment, so operators are trained in conditions that reflect your actual workplace.

ITSSAR-Accredited Standards

Structured training with the documentation, assessment, and professional standards employers should expect.

Clear, Practical Instruction

No jargon or shortcuts - operators gain a genuine understanding of safe working practices, not just how to pass a test.

Straightforward and Reliable Service

Straightforward booking, clear communication, and certification and paperwork completed promptly with no hidden extras.

Trusted by Businesses Across Hampshire and the South

Nice to learn something new during a refresher course.

JP, Fareham, Hampshire

Lots of questions to keep you on your toes!

EM, Portsmouth, Hampshire

I liked that the instructor demonstrated the manoeuvres.

MP, Gosport, Hampshire

Want to see more? Check out our Google reviews.

Refresher Course Breakdown

A typical forklift refresher training course focuses on reinforcing safe operating practices, correcting unsafe habits, and refreshing practical and theoretical knowledge through structured theory and practical instruction, covering:

Course induction
The need and reasons for training
Statutory requirements (HASAWA, MHSWA, PUWER, and LOLER etc.)
Introduction to equipment / control familiarisation / principles of operation
Recommended mount and dismount
Engineering principles / rated capacity / stability

Advanced steering exercises – figure‑of‑eight / chicane / 90° approaches
Battery recharging procedures / maintenance
Operator safety code and relevant handout
Daily pre-use inspections / refuelling procedures
Stacking / destacking at low, medium and high levels on industrial racking*

Stacking / destacking at low, medium and high levels bulk stacks*
Stacking / destacking at low, medium and high levels cup‑post pallets*
Ramps and inclines
Relevant safety film
Multi-choice theory test
Pre-use inspection test
Practical skills test

* Topics are covered where relevant to your operation, the truck types involved, and where site facilities allow.

Not sure if refresher training is the right fit? Here’s how the different forklift training levels compare:

Forklift Training Levels Explained

All courses follow recognised ITSSAR standards and are delivered in line with current HSE guidance.

Novice Operator Training

For staff with little or no previous experience operating the relevant type of truck.

Experienced Operator Training

For operators with practical experience but no formal, accredited training.

Safety Refresher Training

For qualified operators who need to refresh skills, maintain safe working practices, and remain aligned with current guidance.

Conversion Training

For trained operators learning to use a different category of forklift truck.

For a more detailed breakdown of each training level, view our forklift training levels guide.

Related Forklift Training Courses

Trainee correctly parking counterbalance forklift truck

Counterbalance Forklift Training

Training for the most widely used forklift type, covering safe operation, pre-use inspections, load handling, and manoeuvring in real workplace conditions.

View counterbalance course →

Instructor demonstrating reach truck manoeuvring in warehouse aisle

Reach Truck Training

Training focused on warehouse operations, including safe manoeuvring, pallet placement in racking, and working efficiently in narrow aisles.

View reach truck course →

Trainee operating telehandler in outdoor working environment

Telehandler Training

Training for telehandlers used in construction and industrial settings, covering safe operation, load placement, stability, and working safely on uneven ground.

View telehandler course →

Looking for something else? View all our forklift training courses.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

What is forklift refresher training?

Refresher training is designed for qualified operators who need to refresh skills, update operational knowledge, and continue working safely in line with current guidance.

How long does forklift refresher training take?

Refresher training typically ranges from 6 to 12 hours depending on the type of truck, the number of trainees, and workplace requirements. Training focuses on reinforcing safe operating practices, refreshing knowledge, and identifying unsafe habits or bad practices.

How often is forklift refresher training required?

HSE guidance recommends refresher training at regular intervals, typically every 3 to 5 years. Additional training may also be required where operators have not used equipment regularly or where unsafe operating practices have been identified.

When should refresher training be carried out?

Refresher training is recommended when certification is due to expire, following an incident or near miss, after a long period without operating, or where unsafe operating practices have been identified.

Do you provide training at our site?

Yes. All training is delivered on-site using your equipment and normal working environment, helping operators develop practical skills in real workplace conditions.

Is refresher training a legal requirement?

Employers are responsible for ensuring forklift operators remain competent under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). Refresher training is widely used to help maintain competence and reinforce safe working practices over time.

Will operators receive a certificate?

Yes. Successful candidates receive an ITSSAR-accredited certificate confirming successful completion of refresher training and assessment to recognised standards.

How many people can attend a course?

Course sizes are limited to a maximum of three trainees in line with recognised guidance. This helps ensure each operator receives proper instruction, supervision, and assessment throughout the course.

For more information, view our frequently asked questions or contact us directly.

Ready to Arrange Forklift Refresher Training?

Tell us about your operators, equipment, and workplace requirements, and we’ll confirm the most suitable training course and provide a clear, no-obligation quote.

Training is delivered on-site at your premises using your equipment and working environment, helping qualified operators maintain safe working practices and continue operating confidently in real workplace conditions.

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