Thanks swoop for taking the time to post your reply.

The standards we are taught in the UK by the RTITB or ITSSAR advise the operator that the best position for the forks are raised just clear of the floor and tilted back so that the tips of the forks are approx 150mm from the ground. This is to try to keep the forks as low as possible for stability and at the same time to keep the fork tips clear of uneven floors/inclines potholes etc. I totally understand that we as Instructors have to keep to the standards taught us but:

If the above hazards are not an issue in the depot that I work how do I explain to an operator why he can not drive with his forks level just clear of the ground.

Put yourself in the operators shoes, you have to hit targets. At the depot I work there are approx 200 people. Good observations is one the main priority's. Travelling at a speed according to work/load conditions has to be considered. Racking is 12 meters high the use of handbrake for stability and for the operator to operate on the job in hand is important. Undercutting pallets/forks hitting pallets/truck hitting racking etc etc are all major concerns.

As an Instructor I would like to be able to train to ITSSAR/RTITB standards and then after the candidate has passed their test discuss with them about issues within the working environment

i.e

"So as I have explained the reason for using the travel tilt is (blah blah blah) but now at this site we do not have these issues so level forks is sufficient, just make sure they are clear of the ground."

When was the practical test formed, does it need an update. If the operators operated to test standard in most of the depots that I have worked they would not be able to do their work.

eg,

Not allowed to drive with the reach out. Well most warehouses have racking and some high pallets have to be selected in the ground level location which means the operator in a confined space has to drive with his reach out at a distance of approx 4 feet to put his pallet in selection.

As a national instructor I think sometimes you can become deluded. After you have left the site you have been working do you really think that the operator you have trained are going to drive to test standard in 2 weeks time or even when you have left the site.

Do you drive your car to test standard or do you consider yourself a safe driver who applies COMMONSENSE when needed.

Well I've raised a few more issues for Jonah to judge me on, I bet hes quite a nice chap really..