High-Level Order Picker Training
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HLOP Training
Become Fully Licensed to Operate
At South Coast Forklift Training, our mission is to deliver top-notch HLOP training, producing highly skilled operators ready to apply their training in the workplace. We believe in challenging our trainees to bring out their best, and we achieve this by delivering our sessions in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Course Highlights:
Our courses include classroom-based theory lessons and practical sessions using the HLOP. Following ITSSAR guidelines and the Health and Safety Commission’s Approved Code of Practice, we ensure employers meet their legal obligations to provide adequate training for all HLOP operators.
We use various techniques to cater to all learning preferences, including forklift models, videos, PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, and handouts. Theory work builds gradually, allowing time to absorb information before moving to the next stage. Practical lessons are demonstrated, and trainees are given ample time to practice under close supervision.
Why Choose Our Training?
We pride ourselves on our expert instructors and dedicated professionals with extensive experience. We offer flexible scheduling to fit your needs and provide certification recognised by employers upon successful completion.
Testing Stages:
- Theory Test: 25 questions with an 80% pass rate.
- Pre-use Inspection Test: Ensuring the truck is safe to use.
- Practical Skills Test: A timed and scored test involving various manoeuvres that must be completed safely.
While the word “test” can be intimidating, we are here to guide trainees through each section with support and encouragement.

The High-Level Order Picker
Versatile Stock Picker
Order pickers are versatile, single-person trucks in low, medium, and high-level versions, designed for light-duty applications. These electric-powered industrial trucks primarily assist operators in picking stock.
High-level order pickers can reach heights of up to 15 metres. They are powered by AC motors that provide regenerative power during braking and lowering. Some models are free-roaming, while others are designed for narrow aisles with in-aisle guidance systems.
There are two main types of guidance systems:
- Wire Guidance: Uses an inductive wire buried in the floor and sensors on the truck.
- Mechanical (Rail) Guidance: Employs rollers on the side to guide the truck.
These systems eliminate the need for steering in stacking aisles. When engaged with these guidance systems, most trucks offer diagonal driving to reduce travel times and costs.
In case of a malfunction at height, these trucks are equipped with emergency lowering systems, operated from ground level to bring the cab and operator back down.
Operator comfort is a key design consideration. Since operators may spend entire shifts in the cab, trucks are equipped with overhead lighting, fans, height-adjustable controls, and various storage compartments to enhance comfort.
Safety is paramount. Presence actuators ensure that operators’ limbs remain inside the cab while the machine is in motion. In-aisle pedestrian detection systems automatically detect pedestrians and objects, alerting the operator.
The trucks are powered by lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries and are charged from a separate charging cabinet.
HLOP TRAINING FROM A COMPANY THAT CARES
High-Level Order Picker Course Specifications
Machine:
High-Level Order Picker
Category:
E2
Specification:
Over 3 metre lift
Accrediting Body:
Independent Training Standards Scheme & Register (ITSSAR)
Maximum Ratio:
3 : 1 : 1 (3 operators, 1 instructor, 1 machine)
Duration:
Novice - 1 operator = 2 days, 2 operators = 2 days, 3 operators = 3 days
Experienced - 1 operator = 1 day, 2 operators = 2 days, 3 operators = 2 days
Safety Refresher - 1 operator = 1 day, 2 operators = 1 day, 3 operators = 1 day
Conversion - contact us
Cost:
Contact us
COURSES DESIGNED TO DELIVER RESULTS
HLOP Course Breakdown
The following list is the elements that make up a novice high-level order picker course. For experienced operators, safety refresher and conversion courses the list would be shorter.
- Course induction
- The need and reasons for training and statutory requirements (HASAWA 1974 etc.)
- Introduction to equipment/control familiarisation/principles of operation
- Identification/use/adjustment of attachments in pre-determined positions including forks
- Recommended mount and dismount
- Introduction to motive, steering controls and practice
- Basic steering exercises – simple courses
- Advanced steering exercises – figure of 8/chicane/90° approaches
- Battery charging procedures/maintenance
- Operator safety code and relevant handout
- Daily pre-use inspections
- Engineering principles/rated capacity/stability
- Simple hydraulics (theory)
- Introduction to hydraulic controls, handling empty pallets low-level
- Load types/handling and weight assessment
- Manoeuvring with loads/ramps and inclines/handling awkward loads*
- Relevant safety film
- Multi-choice theory test
- Pre-use inspection test
- Practical skills test
* To be covered where relevant to operation or facilities permit
WHATEVER YOUR LEVEL, WE HAVE YOU COVERED
From in-depth beginners to safety refresher courses
ITSSAR-Accredited High-Level Order Picker Training
All courses are ITSSAR-accredited and recognised throughout the industry.
Novice Level Training
Trainees with little or no previous experience operating the relevant machine.
Experienced Level Training
Trainees with relevant, recent experience who have not received any approved training.
Safety Refresher Training
Periodic refresher training for experienced operators who hold an accredited certificate.
Conversion Training
Training on a machine of a similar level to the one that the operator has already been trained, tested, and certified on.
Delivering the best for your buisiness
Our courses are designed to achieve results
On-Site HLOP Courses
Every HLOP course we deliver is carried out on our customer’s premises. This approach gives trainees the advantage of being trained and tested on a machine familiar to them, eliminating the need for re-learning on a different truck after the initial training. Upon completing this high-level order picker course, operators will know how to use these machines safely and efficiently.
We are pleased to offer bespoke training programmes tailored to your business requirements. We will always work around your needs and environment to minimise disruption.
Facilities Required
Firstly, and most importantly, we will need access to your high-level order picker to conduct your training. Additionally, we require an undisturbed area with ample space for basic manoeuvres and testing. Pallets and realistic loads appropriate to your business are useful; the instructor will provide traffic cones. For the theory lessons, sufficient space is needed for the instructor and trainees to work. A small office with a table, chairs, and power will suffice.
All operators must wear safety boots and other personal protective equipment per the company's internal risk assessments. We supply high-visibility vests.
If you have any questions or concerns about the above requirements, contact us to discuss them.
HLOP Licence Certificates
After completing this high-level order picker training, drivers are fully licensed to operate in this category. The qualification is nationally recognised and accepted throughout the industry.
Participants will also receive the following:
- An A4 ITSSAR-approved HLOP certificate of basic training*
- A plastic photo identification card*
- A written assessment of strengths and weaknesses*
Additionally, operators are entered or edited onto ITSSAR’s TOPS (Trained Operator Passport Scheme) database for future reference.
\*There is no additional charge for these.
Five-Star Aftercare
Our service doesn't end with your training. At South Coast Forklift Training, we pride ourselves on our exceptional aftercare. This sets us apart from the competition and is one of the many reasons our clients return to us. We're always here to answer any questions and offer advice.
Additionally, after completing our training courses, clients receive:
- Warning when refresher training is due
- All relevant Health and Safety documentation
- Refuelling/recharging poster
- Seven-day pre-use inspection checklist
- Authorisation to operate lift trucks form
- Employer's training record form
APPROVED FORKLIFT LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES
Other Accredited Training Courses
MLOP Training
The medium-level order picker is an electric-powered lifting and moving truck. The operator stands on a platform positioned in the centre or back. These machines are designed for efficient order picking at medium heights (up to 3 metres).
VNA Training
VNA trucks are designed to fit into aisles only slightly wider than the truck. They accomplish this using wire or rail guidance systems. They typically have a rated capacity of 1-1.6 tonnes, with some models capable of lifting over 15 metres.
Telehandler Training
Rough terrain telescopic trucks are indispensable on construction sites and farms. Equipped with large tyres and high ground clearance, they excel in difficult terrains. Many models also feature stabilising legs for enhanced stability and safe operations.
No wonder our clients keep coming back
Feedback from our trainees
"Instructor was great and turned a potentially mundane course into a great day!"
PB, Fareham, Hampshire
"The instructor covered a wide variety of information, all of which is safety-relevant and essential knowledge to hold."
AA, Chichester, West Sussex
"Very engaging, keen to teach. Feel I’ve learnt so much from the course."
AB, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Health & Safety Executive's Approved Code of Practice - Rider-Operated Lift Trucks
Obligation to provide basic training - employers should not allow anyone to operate, even on a very occasional basis a lift truck until they have completed basic training and testing.