Forklift operator course for Spain free: the theory part

• Specific training: driving self-propelled work equipment is reserved for workers who have received specific training to drive it safely (Royal Decree 1215/1997, Annex II, point 2.1).
• Theory and practice: the health and safety training your employer gives you must be theoretical and practical, focused on your job and free for you (Law 31/1995, Article 19).
• Written information on the correct use of the equipment and the foreseeable dangerous uses, based on the manufacturer's manual (Royal Decree 1215/1997, Article 5).
• Only those assigned to it: if equipment carries a specific risk, its use is reserved for the people assigned to it (Law 31/1995, Article 17.1). NTP 713 recommends that the employer authorises each operator in writing and keeps a record of their training.

What about the «licence»?

No licence is issued by the authorities. What is called a «forklift licence» is a certificate from a training centre. Many follow the UNE 58451 standard, which is not compulsory. What a serious employer will ask for is theory training, practice on a machine like the one you will use, and their authorisation.

Source: Real Decreto 1215/1997, sobre utilización de equipos de trabajo (use of work equipment; consolidated text, in Spanish), Article 5 and Annex II, point 2 · Ley 31/1995, de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales (Law on the Prevention of Occupational Risks, in Spanish), Articles 17 and 19 · INSST, NTP 713: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (I): basic knowledge (in Spanish)

Main parts: chassis, counterweight, mast, fork carriage, forks, the power system (battery-electric or combustion engine) and the steering, which on counterbalance trucks is on the rear wheels.

Operator protection

• Overhead guard (FOPS): compulsory if there is a risk of falling objects.
• Roll-over protective structure (ROPS): compulsory if the truck can overturn. With it, the seat must have a seat belt or restraint system.
• Trucks that carry workers must limit the risk of overturning: a cab, a roll-over structure, enough clearance between the ground and the truck if it overturns, or a structure that keeps the driver in the seat (Royal Decree 1215/1997, Annex I, point 2).

Other devices

Brake, «dead man's» pedal (the machine only works with the operator in position), start interlock, emergency stop and visual and audible warning devices.

Trucks put into service since 1996 carry the CE marking. Older ones must be brought into line with Royal Decree 1215/1997.

Source: INSST, NTP 713: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (I): basic knowledge (in Spanish), components and safety devices · Real Decreto 1215/1997, sobre utilización de equipos de trabajo (use of work equipment; consolidated text, in Spanish), Annex I, point 2

A counterbalance forklift works like a see-saw: the pivot point is the front axle. The load is in front and the counterweight behind. If the load «weighs» more than the counterweight, the truck tips forward.

The stability triangle

The truck is stable as long as the centre of gravity of the whole (truck + load) falls inside the stability triangle formed by the ends of the front axle and the centre of the rear axle. Things that push it out: turning fast, braking hard, driving with the load raised, going sideways on a slope or uneven ground.

The capacity plate

• Every forklift has a plate showing the maximum load it can take depending on the lift height and the load centre: the distance from the load's centre of gravity to the heel of the fork.
• The higher and further from the mast the load's centre is, the less weight it can take.
• Attachments (clamps, side shift…) add weight at the front and reduce capacity: check the plate for the truck with that attachment.

Source: INSST, NTP 713: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (I): basic knowledge (in Spanish), stability and capacity plate

• Drive with the mast tilted back and the load low, about 15 cm off the ground (NTP 715). Do not drive with the load raised unless the truck is designed for it.
• Moderate speed: NTP 714 recommends no more than 10 km/h; slow down on bends and on wet or slippery floors. No sharp turns or sudden braking.
• Always look where you are going. If the load blocks your view, drive in reverse carefully or with the help of a banksman (BASEMAQ 047).
• Use the horn at crossings and when entering or leaving buildings; keep pedestrian and forklift routes clear and marked.
• There must be traffic rules in the area, and the employer must organise the work so that there are no pedestrians where forklifts manoeuvre (Royal Decree 1215/1997, Annex II, points 2.2 and 2.3).
• Do not drive along the edge of loading docks or ramps; cross rails and bumps diagonally and slowly.
• Aisles and indoor areas lit to at least 100 lux (NTP 714).

Source: INSST, NTP 714: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (II): main hazards and preventive measures (in Spanish), traffic, visibility and pedestrians · INSST, NTP 715: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (III): maintenance and use (in Spanish), use · Real Decreto 1215/1997, sobre utilización de equipos de trabajo (use of work equipment; consolidated text, in Spanish), Annex II, point 2 · INSST, BASEMAQ 047: forklift truck, load transport, overturning and collisions (2025, in Spanish), preventive measures

Ramps

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions and do not use steeper slopes than the truck allows.
• Go down slopes in reverse, with the load on the side that gives most stability (uphill) (NTP 715).
• Never turn on a ramp or drive across it (NTP 714 and 715).

Loading docks

Do not drive along the edge of docks and ramps: they must be protected and marked (NTP 714). To enter a lorry or a container, follow your employer's procedure and the manufacturer's instructions.

Racking

• Approach head-on and slowly, with the load low; raise it only when you are in front of the racking.
• With the load raised, tilt the mast forward only to put the load down; to take it off, tilt it just enough to steady it.
• Operate the controls smoothly and lower the load before driving off again.

Source: INSST, NTP 715: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (III): maintenance and use (in Spanish), use · INSST, NTP 714: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (II): main hazards and preventive measures (in Spanish), ramps and docks

Forbidden

• Overloading the truck beyond the maximum load on the plate.
• Carrying passengers (on single-seat trucks) or lifting people on the forks or on a pallet. Only exceptionally, with equipment designed for it that guarantees safety (NTP 714).
• Starting the truck or operating the controls if you are not seated in the operator's position.
• Turning at high speed or braking sharply.

If the forklift overturns (NTP 715)

1. Do not jump. Stay in the driving position: the restraint device is essential.
2. Hold the steering wheel tightly and brace your feet on the floor of the cab.
3. Lean away from the side of impact.

Source: INSST, NTP 715: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (III): maintenance and use (in Spanish), prohibitions and overturning · INSST, NTP 714: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (II): main hazards and preventive measures (in Spanish), carrying and lifting people

Before starting your shift

Check and record on the checklist:

• Tyre pressure and condition; wheel nuts.
• No fluid leaks of any kind; fluid levels.
• Brakes, steering, controls, lights, horn and seat belt.
• Plates and mirrors clean and legible.

If anything is wrong, do not use it and report it. Repairs are done only by authorised staff. If the equipment has a maintenance log, it must be kept up to date (Royal Decree 1215/1997, Annex II, point 1.15).

Batteries (electric trucks)

• They are charged in a ventilated area with no sources of ignition.
• Take off chains, bracelets and watches: nothing metal when handling the battery.
• Never use a lighter or a flame to check the level.

When you leave the forklift

• In the designated area, without blocking walkways, exits or stairs.
• Forks resting on the ground, controls in neutral and the parking brake on.
• Engine off and key removed. On a slope, chocks under the wheels.

Source: INSST, NTP 715: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (III): maintenance and use (in Spanish), daily check and parking · INSST, NTP 714: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (II): main hazards and preventive measures (in Spanish), battery charging · Real Decreto 1215/1997, sobre utilización de equipos de trabajo (use of work equipment; consolidated text, in Spanish), Annex II, point 1.15