Final test: Forklift operator (theory part)

Royal Decree 1215/1997 reserves driving self-propelled equipment for people with specific training to drive it safely.

Source: Real Decreto 1215/1997, sobre utilización de equipos de trabajo (use of work equipment; consolidated text, in Spanish), Annex II, point 2.1

The law requires specific training (theory and practice). The UNE 58451 standard that many centres follow is not compulsory.

Source: Real Decreto 1215/1997, sobre utilización de equipos de trabajo (use of work equipment; consolidated text, in Spanish), Annex II, point 2.1 · Ley 31/1995, de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales (Law on the Prevention of Occupational Risks, in Spanish), Article 19

Law 31/1995 requires theoretical and practical training focused on the job.

Source: Ley 31/1995, de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales (Law on the Prevention of Occupational Risks, in Spanish), Article 19.1

NTP 713 describes it as a structure that protects the operator from falling objects, compulsory where that risk exists.

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

With a roll-over structure, the seat must have a seat belt or an equivalent restraint system.

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

It is a safety device that ensures the forklift only works with the operator in position.

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

Longitudinal balance works like a lever with its pivot on the front axle: load in front, counterweight behind.

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

The plate shows the permitted rated loads for different heights and distances of the load's centre of gravity.

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

The further the load's centre of gravity is from the heel of the fork, the lower the permitted load.

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

Attachments add weight at the front and reduce capacity: check the plate for that configuration.

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

NTP 715: drive with the mast tilted back and the load low, about 15 cm off the ground.

Source: INSST, NTP 715: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (III): maintenance and use (in Spanish), use

NTP 714 recommends never driving faster than 10 km/h, and slower on bends and slippery floors.

Source: INSST, NTP 714: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (II): main hazards and preventive measures (in Spanish), overturning

If the load blocks your view, drive in reverse taking extra care, or with a banksman guiding you.

Source: INSST, NTP 714: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (II): main hazards and preventive measures (in Spanish), visibility · INSST, BASEMAQ 047: forklift truck, load transport, overturning and collisions (2025, in Spanish), preventive measures

Royal Decree 1215/1997 requires suitable traffic rules and organisational measures to keep workers on foot out of the area.

Source: Real Decreto 1215/1997, sobre utilización de equipos de trabajo (use of work equipment; consolidated text, in Spanish), Annex II, points 2.2 and 2.3

NTP 715: going down slopes must be done in reverse, with the load on the side that gives most stability.

Source: INSST, NTP 715: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (III): maintenance and use (in Spanish), use

NTP 714 and 715 forbid turning on ramps and positioning the truck across them.

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

With the load raised, the mast is tilted forward only to put the load down.

Source: INSST, NTP 715: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (III): maintenance and use (in Spanish), use

NTP 714 forbids lifting people with a forklift, except exceptionally with equipment that guarantees safety.

Source: INSST, NTP 714: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (II): main hazards and preventive measures (in Spanish), carrying and lifting people

NTP 715 lists this among the prohibitions.

Source: INSST, NTP 715: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (III): maintenance and use (in Spanish), prohibitions

NTP 715 says you must stay in position, with the restraint device, so as not to be trapped.

Source: INSST, NTP 715: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (III): maintenance and use (in Spanish), overturning

NTP 715 says the forklift must be checked before the shift starts and recorded on a checklist.

Source: INSST, NTP 715: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (III): maintenance and use (in Spanish), daily check

If anything fails the check, the truck is not used; maintenance and repairs are done only by authorised staff.

Source: INSST, NTP 715: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (III): maintenance and use (in Spanish), maintenance

NTP 714: the battery charging area must be well ventilated and free of ignition sources.

Source: INSST, NTP 714: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (II): main hazards and preventive measures (in Spanish), battery charging

NTP 715: forks or attachment resting on the ground, parking brake on, engine off and key removed.

Source: INSST, NTP 715: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (III): maintenance and use (in Spanish), parking

Switching off the engine and removing the key stops someone without training or authorisation from using it.

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