I didn't realise you could obtain an NVQ in oprerating forklifts but, I think the ACOP advises that operators require to be refreshed although the time between refreshers is largely discretionary. My employers refresh every 3 years.

if a driver has an NVQ in operating forklifts or plant does he still need to have a licence, and how long does the licence last for?

if a driver has an NVQ in operating forklifts or plant does he still need to have a licence, and how long does the licence last for?

How important?

We would teach it if it wasnt important.

Safery for the operator and anyone near the forklift including the load.

Simple.

keeping the load engaging means or the load itself low (usually within 10 to 15 cm of the floor, depending on the condition of the surface) and tilted backward (when carrying a load, the load is tilted back only enough to support the load);

(Metric Conversion equals 4 to 6 inches.)



Isn't that what I said? lol

United States
ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2009
SAFETY STANDARD FOR LOW LIFT AND HIGH LIFT TRUCKS

4.4 Stability

4.4.4 Users shall give consideration to special operating conditions. The amount of forward and rearward tilt to be used is governed by the application. The use of maximum rearward tilt is allowable under certain conditions such as traveling with the load lowered.

5.3 Traveling

5.3.8 (c) On all grades the load and load-engaging means shall be tilted back, if applicable, and raised only as far as necessary to clear the road surface.

5.3.10 Travel with load-engaging means or load low and, where possible, tilted back.

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Canada
Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B335-04
Safety Standard for Lift Trucks

4.9.3 Traveling

4.9.3.1 General

(h) travel with the load engaging means or the load itself low and where possible, tilted back.

6. Operator training requirements

6.10 Traveling with and without a load

The trainee shall be instructed on

(j) keeping the load engaging means or the load itself low (usually within 10 to 15 cm of the floor, depending on the condition of the surface) and tilted backward (when carrying a load, the load is tilted back only enough to support the load);

(Metric Conversion equals 4 to 6 inches.)

For the counter balance & reach trucks I look after if there unladen then just full back tilt is enough for the forks to easily clear the floor / ground.

Customer's driver trainers teach the operators on site full back tilt when unladen & enough back tilt to stabalize the load while laden.

To continue, both the forklfit and the load are vying for maximum stability, however, we both know neither should get it. There must be a compromise, giving reasonable stability to the forklift, and its load.

If the forks are tilted slightly back, the load is sitting on a slight angle, resting against the load backrest, comfortably, and the center of gravity inside the stability triangle is not forced into the narrows of the triangle, hence, slightly tilted back. As mentioned, 2-3" at the heels and 4-6" at the tips is considered slightly tilted back, and since no operator will get out the truck and measure, the figures can be used as a reference.

Both the ITSSAR & RTITB operator theory test have the same answer to the question of how much tilt is required when transporting a palletised load. Answer being Sufficient back tilt to cater fore the type of load and ground conditions.

Whether loaded or not, the mast should be tilted slightly back at a height of approx. 2-3 inches at the heels, and 4-6 inches at the tips. Hence, slightly tilted back prior to movement. This will ensure that the forks are low enough to the ground w/o the forks/pallet rubbing the ground, and ensure that if someone is struck by the tips, damage, athough painful, would be minimal.

"When travelling unladen, the forks should be carried 4-6 inches from the ground with back tilt applied.
When laden sufficient tilt should be used to secure the load on the forks."

Common sense would tell anyone that you should tilt back before moving off.
Training would confirm that as good operator practice.