Tail Lift Training

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Tail lift training is a specific type of health and safety training designed to teach individuals how to safely and correctly operate a tail lift on a commercial vehicle. The goal is to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to goods and equipment.  Because tail lifts are powerful hydraulic lifting devices, they are subject to strict regulations, primarily the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). Training is a key part of complying with these regulations.

There are different types of tail lift training, tailored to the individual's role:

This is the most common type of tail lift training. It's aimed at any driver or person who uses a tail lift as part of their job. The courses are typically short, often lasting half a day, and combine both theory and practical sessions.

Key topics covered include:

• Legal Responsibilities: Understanding the key parts of LOLER and PUWER that apply to tail lift operation.
• Pre-Use Checks: How to perform a daily safety inspection of the tail lift to ensure it's in good working order.
• Safe Operation: Correct procedures for raising and lowering the platform, loading and unloading goods, and using all the safety features (e.g., roll stops, safety barriers).
• Risk Assessment: Identifying potential hazards in the work environment, such as uneven ground, overhead obstructions, or other people.
• Securing Loads: Proper techniques for securing goods on the tail lift platform and within the vehicle.
• Stowing: Safely putting the tail lift away for travel to prevent it from becoming a hazard.

This is a much more in-depth course for professionals who are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and inspection of tail lifts. These courses are longer, often lasting several days, and cover technical and legal aspects in detail.

Key topics covered include:

• LOLER Thorough Examinations: How to conduct a legally required, in-depth inspection of the tail lift every six months.
• Maintenance and Servicing: The correct procedures for servicing different types of tail lifts according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
• Weight Testing: The process of testing a tail lift's lifting capacity to ensure it is safe and compliant.
• Fault Finding: Diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical and hydraulic problems.
• Documentation: Correctly filling out all the required paperwork for inspections and maintenance.

Tail lift training is often provided on-site at a company's premises using their own equipment, or at dedicated training centres. Upon successful completion, candidates are awarded a certificate, which typically remains valid for three years before a refresher course is needed.