Thanks for posting this Bobby, we have now started to include ID checks on all operator training students.

Good stuff.

Dont forget guys that under RTITBSL, NORS & ITSSAR you have to state how many hours training you give (i.e 37.5 = 5 days, 1 hour per day less if its in house training), list of subjects covered, time taken per subject and dates subjects covered - each subject to be signed & countersigned. Candidates undergoing refresher training must produce a certificate of previous training or how can you refresh a certificate that does not exist ?

Hi Jon
Yes Agree if only 1 person but dont forget we can train up to 3.1.1 so for 2 would be 4 days, 3 would be full 5 days.

Another way to go someway to stop fraudulant certificates is to always ask to see previous certificates. Otherwise, its a 3 day course.

Ernesto,

You guys busy down there in Miami? Doing alot of forklift training these days? The only city I would want to train in is southern Florida. Really like it there. Love the warmth too. Beats training in the super cold, damp, snowy environment here.

Hi to everyone, my name is Ernesto Lora owner of ITC industrial Training Center in Miami, Fl. I have been a forklift instructor for 15 years and our training facility has implemented a pic id card that is givin to every student that passes the theory and practical evaluation exam. This way we dont have this kind of fraudulent operators. AT the same time you encounter many unprofessional forklift instructor issueing ID and Certificate without the proper practical evaluations. We need this type of procedures to reduce accidents.

Thanks

Thanks for the comments regarding operator certification. It is good to see people who are positive enough to want to raise these issues on forums etc. I think it is an excellent way of dispelling myths and exchanging ideas.

I look forward to seeing you at the Academy in the near future

Kind regards

Hi Simon
Many thanks for giving clarity on the NORS scheme, Having worked with NORS Companies I know that you do not isuue Nors Reg Numbers prior to training but the apply once training has been completed. Hope to see you soon as Registration runs out end of Feb next year but will probably come to acadamy to do my re-registration.
Best Regards

My name is Simon Docherty and I am the Standards Manager for RTITB Ltd. I think it is necessary to clarify the issue regarding operator certification...straight from the horses mouth!
RTITB has in place the National Operator Registration Scheme (NORS). This scheme is a centralised validation, registration and certification system for lift truck operators and other mechanical handling equipment drivers. The scheme is built on a multi-option system that allows the trainer / training company and their clients to choose the method of certification that best suits their business model. All RTITB training carried out at any of our 625 accredited sites that we monitor and audit must be registered using the NORS system. Applications can be made on-line, by e-mail or paper based. Once the application is received the NORS database carries out a series of validation checks to ensure that training and testing has been completed to the standards and criteria that we enforce for Accredited training. It not only validates that correct durations and ratios have been applied but also checks the qualification status of the instructor / examiner. Many other verification checks are applied (too many to list here). Registration is only granted where all the validation checks have been made and are successfully completed. As previously identified NORS is a multi option system and allows for the purchaser of training to select one of four options. 1. Registration, Certification and Photo ID. 2. Registration and Certification. 3.Registration and Photo ID. 4.Registration only. All options ensure that the training details are validated prior to certification and allows the training organisation the option to produce their own certification with the candidates personal registration when issued by RTITB. At NO POINT do RTITB ever issue registration details / numbers until and unless an application is made for registration and that application is successfully validated. We DO NOT issue registration numbers to accredited organisations prior to training. The NORS system is a secure, centralised scheme which provides accurate and timely information to employers, government agencies and training organisations. If anyone requires more information on this scheme, please do not hesitate to contact RTITB directly on 01952 520200.

Thank you

Absolute rubbish- RTITB has neve issued NORS numbers to others to issue - accredited organisations or not. All NORS applications come through the RTITB office for checking and issue. A NORS registration can only be issued if the organisation is currently accredited and is accredited to offer courses for that particular truck type, the instructor is currently registered and approved to instruct on that particular machine, and is recognised by the training organisation. In addition, the course must meet minimum training duraitons, depending on the course loading. A NORS regidstration is the only proof available that an operator has been properly trained undxer the RTITB accreditation.

I agree with Max should be made part of Accreditation. Nors is a good idea but RTITB has been swamped with applications now issuing NORS numbers to RTITB Accredited companies to issue their own badges. Whats the sence of that!!! It should be that the Govening Body & only the Govening Body to issue Licences.

Ever since I started my forklift training company, I have always issued laminated digital photo-ID cards. A small laminator is fairly cheap, as wll as an inexpensive digital camera. The pouches are also reasonably priced, especially if they are purchased on the wholesale level.

I agree, photo-IDs should be mandatory however it took so many years to get drivers licenses with photos, it will take an etenity before they become mandated on forklift permits.

Danny

Forged certificates are a problem. We used to laminate our cert's and i.d cards. If anyone tries to split the laminate to alter the photo the certificate rips in half. We still laminate the cert's but have now invested in a plastic card printer. Talking of fraud I would be interested in all your opinions on ebay uk item number 230295047104. I will be reporting this to the uk awarding bodies

Photos have also been a part of our certification cards as well. But anyone with a little computer experience could fake them too. So we purchased a PVC card machine to do our cards. While this does not guarantee an authentic card, it sure makes it harder to forge. And because of this type of cards, employers in our area have come to recognize our card and accept it without much question to the driver. It also helps to generate more business for our training services as well because we look much more professional than the competition.

Hi Bobby. We introduced photos on certificates maybe 10 years ago. We also hold a database with candidates name etc plus photo. We have had a few occasions where someone turns up asking for duplicate certs' etc which are an obvious attempt at fraud, but can kill that off with the photo and info on the database. We have written our own database avoiding the data protection act. Let me know if you would like more detail.
ITSSAR know our system (ask lin dopson, graham tobin or sandra hogsden) also rick collins or dave pusey of RTITB
Photos should be made mandatory or a condition of accreditation (in my humble opinion) :-)