Course Outline
Module 1 – Introduction to Forklift Truck Safety
• Role and responsibilities of the forklift operator
• Workplace forklift hazards
• Common forklift accidents and causes
• Operator competence and supervision
• Safe systems of work
• Importance of following workplace procedures
• Responsibilities when working around pedestrians
Module 2 – Forklift Truck Components & Controls
• Main forklift components
• Mast and carriage
• Forks and attachments
• Counterbalance principle
• Operator controls
• Steering and braking systems
• Warning devices
• Safety features
• Load capacity information
• Manufacturer's instructions
Module 3 – Pre-Use Inspection
• Purpose of daily/pre-use inspections
• Visual inspection
• Forks and attachments
• Mast, chains and hydraulic systems
• Tyres and wheels
• Brakes and steering
• Lights, horn and warning devices
• Seat and operator restraint
• Battery/fuel systems
• Identifying defects
• Reporting defects and taking unsafe equipment out of service
Module 4 – Stability & Load Handling
• Principles of forklift stability
• Centre of gravity
• Load centre
• Rated capacity
• Effects of load size and weight
• Safe positioning of forks
• Securing and balancing loads
• Causes of instability
• Preventing overturns
• Safe lifting and lowering
Module 5 – Safe Forklift Operation
• Starting and stopping
• Correct driving position
• Travelling with and without a load
• Fork positioning while travelling
• Forward and reverse travel
• Steering and turning
• Speed control
• Operating on gradients
• Visibility and blind spots
• Safe parking
• Safe shutdown procedures
Module 6 – Workplace & Pedestrian Safety
• Separation of pedestrians and forklifts
• Workplace traffic routes
• Blind corners and restricted visibility
• Reversing hazards
• Doorways and crossings
• Ramps and gradients
• Loading bays
• Shelving and racking
• Overhead hazards
• Site-specific traffic management
• Communication and warning systems
Module 7 – Load Handling & Stacking
• Approaching a load
• Correct fork positioning
• Picking up loads
• Raising and lowering loads
• Transporting loads safely
• Placing loads
• Stacking and de-stacking
• Working with pallets
• Safe use of racking
• Handling unstable or damaged loads
• Working within the forklift's rated capacity
Module 8 – Practical Forklift Training
Participants will undertake supervised practical exercises including:
• Pre-use inspection
• Starting and stopping
• Basic manoeuvring
• Forward and reverse travel
• Steering and turning
• Approaching loads
• Picking up loads
• Transporting loads
• Stacking and de-stacking
• Negotiating workplace routes
• Parking and shutdown
• Practical workplace scenarios
Module 9 – Practical & Theory Assessment
Participants will complete:
• Knowledge/theory assessment
• Pre-use inspection assessment
• Practical operating assessment
• Load-handling exercises
• Manoeuvring assessment
• Safe parking and shutdown
• Assessment of safe operating behaviour
Successful candidates must demonstrate the required level of knowledge, practical skill and safe operating behaviour.
Who the Course Is For
This course is suitable for:
• New forklift operators
• Existing forklift operators requiring formal training
• Warehouse personnel
• Logistics personnel
• Production employees
• Manufacturing personnel
• Distribution centre employees
• Stores personnel
• Construction and site personnel
• Employees who operate counterbalance forklifts as part of their role
The course is specifically designed for rider-operated counterbalance forklift trucks. Other truck types, such as reach trucks, pallet trucks, stackers, rough-terrain trucks or specialist trucks, require appropriate machine-specific training.
Why This Training Is Important
Forklift trucks are among the more hazardous types of workplace vehicles, with risks including collisions, falling loads, overturns, falls and crushing incidents. The HSA highlights the importance of competent operators, safe vehicles, safe workplaces and safe operations.
Proper operator training helps participants understand the hazards associated with forklift operation and develop the practical skills needed to operate the equipment safely.
Training should also be supported by appropriate workplace risk assessment, supervision, traffic management and site-specific procedures.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants should be able to:
• Explain the responsibilities of a forklift operator.
• Identify the main components and controls of a counterbalance forklift.
• Carry out an appropriate pre-use inspection.
• Identify common defects and unsafe conditions.
• Explain basic forklift stability principles.
• Understand load centre and rated capacity.
• Identify factors that can affect forklift stability.
• Operate the forklift safely in forward and reverse.
• Manoeuvre safely around workplace hazards.
• Handle and transport loads correctly.
• Stack and de-stack loads safely.
• Recognise pedestrian and workplace transport hazards.
• Operate safely around other vehicles and pedestrians.
• Park and shut down the forklift correctly.
• Respond appropriately to unsafe conditions and equipment defects.
• Demonstrate the practical skills required for safe forklift operation.
Course Format & Delivery
Delivery: On-site
Practical Training: A significant proportion of the course is dedicated to practical forklift operation.
The training should be carried out using the type of forklift truck and workplace environment relevant to the operator's intended duties.
Irish Legislation Supported
The course supports compliance with the relevant Irish workplace safety requirements, including:
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, as amended
• HSA Code of Practice: Safe Use of Industrial Trucks
The HSA's current Code of Practice came into operation on 24 September 2025 and replaced the previous 2001 Code of Practice on rider-operated lift truck operator training. It provides guidance on safe industrial truck operation, operator competence, risk assessment, supervision and safe systems of work.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 also places duties on employers concerning appropriate instruction, training and supervision, including training relating to specific tasks and workplace risks.
Why Choose Samson Training
• Qualified and experienced forklift instructors
• Practical operator-focused training
• Theory and practical assessment
• On-site delivery available
• Training using workplace equipment
• Focus on safe operation and load handling
• Practical workplace scenarios
• Training aligned with current Irish HSA guidance
• Certification and operator records where applicable
• Suitable for new and existing operators
FAQ's
Does the course include practical training?
Yes. Practical forklift operation and assessment are core components of the 1-day programme.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes. The course can be designed for new operators, subject to the applicable RTITB course requirements, available equipment and practical training time.
Can existing forklift operators attend?
Yes. Existing operators may undertake formal training and assessment where appropriate. Their previous experience does not remove the need to demonstrate the required knowledge and practical competence.
