Straddle Truck Training
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Straddle truck training
Become fully licensed to operate
Our mission is to deliver top-notch straddle truck 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.
Our straddle truck courses include classroom-based theory lessons and practical sessions using the straddle lift truck. These courses follow the guidelines and timings set out by ITSSAR and adhere to the Health and Safety Commission’s Approved Code of Practice, ensuring that employers meet their legal obligations to provide adequate training for all straddle truck operators.
At South Coast Forklift Training, we recognise that everyone has different learning preferences. Therefore, our courses incorporate various techniques to cater to all learners. We use forklift models, videos, PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, and handouts to keep everyone engaged. Each lesson concludes with questions to ensure all information is understood.
The theory work builds gradually, allowing time to absorb the information before moving to the next stage. Practical lessons are demonstrated, and trainees are given ample time to practice under close supervision.
Each course culminates in three stages of testing:
- 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.
The straddle truck
Warehouse versatility
A straddle truck is very similar to the pallet stacker, with one key difference: the legs straddle pallets with the forks in the centre.
This design enables them to handle both Standard British Pallets and Euro Pallets.
These pedestrian trucks are commonly found in warehouses and considered for occasional use. Their low ground clearance and small wheels make them more suited for indoor work.
Smaller than forklift trucks, they offer great manoeuvrability and precise handling, making them ideal for narrow aisles and tight storage areas.
Straddle trucks come in a variety of sizes - the largest can lift over 6 metres, and the most powerful can lift more than 2 tonnes.
Powered by lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries, they can be charged from a separate charging cabinet or plugged into a standard 13-amp socket.
STRADDLE TRUCK TRAINING FROM A COMPANY THAT CARES
Straddle Truck Course Specifications
Machine:
Straddle Truck
Category:
A6
Specification:
N/A
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 = 2 days
Experienced - 1 operator = 1 day, 2 operators = 1 day, 3 operators = 1 day
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
Straddle Truck Course Breakdown
The following list is the elements that make up a novice straddle truck 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
- Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels on industrial racking*
- Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels bulk stacks*
- Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels cup post pallets*
- Manoeuvring with loads/ramps and inclines/handling awkward loads*
- Relevant safety film
- Vehicle loading and unloading (theory)*
- Vehicle loading and unloading (practical)*
- 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
Accredited straddle truck training
All courses are ITSSAR-accredited and therefore recognised throughout your industry.
Novice straddle truck training
For trainees with little or no previous experience operating a straddle truck.
Experienced straddle truck training
Where candidates have relevant, recent experience but, have not received any kind of approved training.
Straddle truck refresher training
Periodic straddle truck refresher training is for experienced operators who hold an accredited certificate.
Straddle truck conversion training
Where operators already hold a lift truck certificate on a similar machine and wish to qualify on a straddle truck.
Delivering the best for your buisiness
Our courses are designed to achieve results
On-site straddle truck courses
Every straddle truck 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 straddle truck 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 straddle truck to conduct your forklift 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 forklift operators must wear safety boots and any 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.
Straddle truck licence certificates
Upon completing this straddle truck training, drivers are fully licensed to operate this category of truck. The qualification is nationally recognised and accepted throughout the industry.
Participants will also receive the following:
- An A4 ITSSAR-approved straddle truck 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
PPT (Pedestrian) Training
Another powered pallet truck, this time the pedestrian version. Regularly seen in supermarkets shifting pallets onto the shop floor. Often used in partnership with another truck, working on a mezzanine floor or in a basement where access is limited.
Counterbalance Training
The counterbalance forklift is what most people think of when talking about forklift trucks. They are by far the most common fork trucks in use in the world today. Their versatility means they are useful both inside and outside.
Pallet Stacker Training
This pedestrian truck is ideal for handling Euro Pallets. They are very manoeuvrable so ideal for narrow aisles but with the added ability of being able to lift pallets into and out of racking systems. Some models can lift 1.6 tonnes to a height of 6+ metres.
No wonder our clients keep coming back
Feedback from our trainees
"Very good manner, helped to put an exceptionally nervous person like me a bit at ease."
TJ, Havant, Hampshire
"Everything was explained well. Relaxed atmosphere, not too much pressure."
JT, Chessington, Surrey
"Very informative and gave good examples for theory parts for better understanding."
DB, Exton, 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.