Forklifts supplied with training

ITS offers two-day programme on site

Chad Bryan, Gleaner Writer

For almost two decades, Industrial and Technical Supplies Limited (ITS), suppliers of forklifts (or lift trucks) and other industrial equipment, has been training and certifying staff members of companies across the island in the safe and effective handling of the vehicles.

Director of ITS, Delroy McDonald, said the company offers a two-day training programme to persons who are already operating forklifts. He also explained that ITS offers the training programme at the company, using Hyster and Crown forklifts.

A trainee does not need to have a driver's licence.

"We go into the companies and we conduct a two-day programme. The type of training that we do, we would prefer if the persons to be trained are already in this arena, so to speak. The person doesn't have to be a regular forklift operator, but the person should already be predisposed," McDonald said.

Course format

"Day one is the whole theory, the basics of lift truck operations, the principles of load handling, the works, so that they have the fundamentals correct. Day two is where we get into the practical things, hands-on, and it does cover basic maintenance, too, and safety. Safety is key," he said.

McDonald said that after going through the training programme, the trainee takes a test in order to be certified.

"This test is in keeping with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulation. This international body sets the standard for lift truck operations globally," McDonald said.

The successful trainee is presented with a certificate which states the level of training and evaluation received.

ITS supplies a number of forklifts to companies across the island, and as a result, is consistently required to conduct training operations.

The format is consistent with operations worldwide. In various countries, companies which supply lift trucks also offer training and certification to persons who operate them.

Paterson Simons and Company (Africa) Limited, an industrial company in Burkina Faso, not only supplies forklifts from leading manufacturers, but also offers the training and certification services necessary for technicians and the operators of these vehicles.

The certification is also internationally recognised.