- 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.
In practiceYou start at a warehouse with a theory certificate. The company shows you its
forklift, its aisles and its traffic rules, checks that you drive well and authorises you: now you can drive it.
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)