Discussion:
Training outdoors

So I recently became a subcontracted instructor, and drive around to deliver training onsite.
Most of the places are outdoors.
What i struggle with is setting up the course as it's almost always windy and pallets never stay upright.
Does anyone else struggle with that, and what would be the solution, or any advice?
Thanks.
  • Posted 18 May 2022 20:08
  • Discussion started by Sufikh
  • United Kingdom
Sk
Showing items 1 - 9 of 9 results.
Personally, on windy days working outside, I use 2 methods, depending on space. The outside extremities of the chicane and restrictions for stacking/de-stacking: if using standard pallets 1200 mm x 1000 mm, standing on the 1200 mm side, I insert another standard pallet 1000 mm face into the rear of the 1200 mm upright on the middle plank of the base of the cruciform pallet. For the inside of the chicane or in places where there are restrictions, I use a strap of webbing with a spring loaded steel clamp clip on one end to hold the corners upright. These always work well 99.7% of the time!

I've read that pallets upright is a safety concern, although this is right, it is also the instructors role to ensure trainees observing training (Not testing) are in a safe place, but can still see and hear. I attended a site and was told I could not do this, and I had to lie the pallets down, so, I agreed, providing the company issued me with enough pallets to make the restriction of the chicane to a sufficient height. They allowed me to use my straps when I asked for 70 pallets just for the chicane.
  • Posted 1 Oct 2023 17:49
  • Reply by zappy1970
  • United Kingdom
The pylons don't last all that long when the rookies drive over the cones, twist back and forth, back up, get the cones caught underneath the forklift, and we have to pull and tug to get them out while a more competent person is at the wheel twisting and turning the forklift.
  • Posted 17 Aug 2022 00:06
  • Reply by dan_m
  • Ontario, Canada
Constantly Lifting The Standard!
I have always felt that the purpose of a trainer at the end of the day was to help ensure that your trainees come home safely at the end of the day. It seemed to me that these forums were a safe place for the friendly exchange of ideas and experience. I offered my thoughts in answer to an openly posted question.
To answer PMac13 I have multiple accreditations valid in Alberta, Canada and the US as well as 42 years of experience in this industry. (I retired last year)
I appreciate learning that cones would not work in the UK as you have specific requirements about them. It may interest some of you to know that a pallet standing on edge is a safety violation here. Open discussion, exchange of thoughts and ideas are always welcome. Cheers all.
  • Posted 15 Jul 2022 03:05
  • Modified 15 Jul 2022 09:28 by poster
  • Reply by Liftdog
  • Alberta, Canada
you can teach an old dog if you try hard enough
Incredible.
You probably did mine!
I'm aiming to get my CAT 4 at some point. Wish me luck!
  • Posted 14 Jul 2022 20:33
  • Reply by Sufikh
  • United Kingdom
Sk
Don't even go there started at 19 so its actually 33 years as an instructor and 30 years as a tutor! I've lost count of how many instructors I've trained although a guy recently recognised my name and told me i'd done his original 10 day instructor course in 1997!
  • Posted 14 Jul 2022 19:21
  • Reply by PMac13
  • United Kingdom
Liftdog, cones would work but here in the UK, the requirement is to not leave any gaps in between.
  • Posted 14 Jul 2022 19:11
  • Reply by Sufikh
  • United Kingdom
Sk
I think all of the accredited bodies don't allow any gaps in between.
It truly is a nightmare but as you said, needs to be done.
Works sometimes but not always, especially when the site has crap pallets.
30 years eh? Makes me feel young being training for just over 4 years lol
  • Posted 14 Jul 2022 19:08
  • Reply by Sufikh
  • United Kingdom
Sk
A common problem in the UK! Not sure who (or if) you are accredited with but certainly the ITSSAR syllabus says that c ones aren't suitable because of the gaps between etc...

Having faced this problem for over 30 years now (god that makes me feel old) I've done various things, mainly laying concrete blocks across the base of the pallet or wedging another pallet against it to hold it up. Not ideal but needs must sometimes!
  • Posted 14 Jul 2022 18:48
  • Reply by PMac13
  • United Kingdom
Hi Sufikh, I use tall traffic cones. They work in multiple environments and are easy to transport to job sites. Good quality cones will recover from the occasional mistakes your rookies have. Hope this helps, cheers.
  • Posted 3 Jun 2022 07:42
  • Reply by Liftdog
  • Alberta, Canada
you can teach an old dog if you try hard enough

Post your Reply

Forkliftaction.com accepts no responsibility for forum content and requires forum participants to adhere to the rules. Click here for more information.

Having trouble using the Discussion Forums? Contact us for help.

Global Industry News
edition #1229 - 8 May 2025
In this week’s Forkliftaction News we look at the financial reports of some of the materials handling industry’s largest players including Hyster-Yale, KION and Hangcha... Continue reading
Fact of the week
A 1904 lecture by scientist Elie Metchnikoff extolled the benefits of consuming yoghurt for halting the "intestinal putrefaction" which he believed causes aging. The press reported yoghurt as a cure for aging and the ensuing popularity is still with us today.
Hyster-Yale reports Q1 revenue fall Cleveland, OH, United States

PREMIUM business

BSL New Energy Technology Co., Ltd
BSLBATT - practical expertise and excellent design in the industrial lithium-ion battery market.
Movers & Shakers
Jospeh E Creed Jospeh E Creed
CEO, Caterpillar Inc
Secretary general, European Rental Association
Chairman of the Board of Directors, UgoWork
vice president, Investor Relations, Konecranes