forced into FLT training?

GwylimT

bucky_legrange wrote: »

I wish it was as simple as that. Due to the redundancies and restructuring we are massively behind. We are 150 hours down on where we should be this month alone. So 8 analysts just grabbing some time to practice on a FLT isn't going to happen also there are a finite number of them on site and it's a busy site.

It will be expected that once we are trained we will be able to use a FLT whenever we need to, even if it's a month or so after training for 20 minutes then not use it again for another month, that doesn't seem safe and isn't really comparable to driving.

My new job description states I have to sample, it doesn't state I need FLT training/license..

Your new job description (I guess you mean contract) states you have to sample, you have already said that a sampler has to use a forklift, so therefore seeing the role sampler includes the skills a sampler needs e.g. forklift truck driver.

I don't see why age is significant, if a 50 year old can drive a car they can easily drive a forklift.

If you fail the forklift licence your employer may give you to options, pay for training or go, not ideal is it.

I have a forklift licence, I got it in my early twenties when I was working in a garage as we only had an engine lift in the workshop so we had engines delivered on pallets and had to move them into storage and then into the workshop as needed. I didn't use them that often as I tended to do our MOTs and so I would only be using a forklift once in a blue moon. Just like with driving a car or riding a bike you don't forget, so don't worry.

bucky_legrange

anamenottaken wrote: »

1 What has age got to do with this?

2 Are you more concerned about the safety of infrequent practice or the status of the actual activity?

1, as people get older things can become more difficult, for example weighing 10mg (that's 10/1000th's of a gram) of a powder into a 10ml volumetric flask with bad eyes and shaky hands, but the point was more they have no lab experience. When new people start they will have a chemistry or related degree and/or lab experience and even then they are a liability for a good few months. So the time needed to get the samplers up to speed will be far longer.

2, safety all the way. I was at work yesterday and had to empty flammable and chlorinated waste into waste drums, not a pretty job but part of our job, so no, it's not a status thing

arcon5

See yourself lucky you're in a well paid job offering you very valuable training for free - many don't have that privilege.

You don't forget how to drive when you go on holiday for a couple of weeks, nor do you forget how to ride a bike. Next time your at the controls you take a few minutes to test the controls BEFORE lifting items, then once you've done that you go to work.

eamon

I get what the OP is on about. Fear! Driving a FLT is very different from car driving.
In all likely hood the test will be at a different site, using different trucks and possibly without the additional handling attachments that can be used for moving drums safely. We have no idea of where the OP works and the conditions. But saying that go along, learn how to drive, pass the test and worry later.

starrystarry

You need to go into this with a positive outlook. If you expect to fail you may well do just that. And your employer isn't going to look kindly on that when the next round of redundancies comes. Employers want positive, flexible, resilient people.

Take the bull by the horns...who knows...you might just enjoy it.

ohreally

Whats the outcome if you fail?

bucky_legrange

ohreally wrote: »

Whats the outcome if you fail?

Probably nothing. I doubt I could be fired for it although a previous poster said I could be given two options, pay for it myself, which wouldn't happen or "go", which isn't even legal.

The crux of it is, none of the analytical staff want this because we know how infrequent we would use a FLT and have legitimate concerns regarding safety. The former sampler on our shift, who has a license, agrees with us regarding usage and staying current.

As for my CV, I have to take the opposite view. I am by nature a bit cynical, but if I was a recruiter I would look at a FLT license and immediately think "why have they taken a degree educated Senior QC Chemist and put him in unskilled manual labour position?" "He must not be very good in the lab"

Osarkon

If it helps at all, my employer put me on a FLT training course. I'm an Operations Manager and driving a forklift is not part of my job, nor do I use one on a regular basis.

I probably drive one about once every 2 months, and for less than 10 minute bursts even then.

I've found you don't forget the skills - it's like riding a bike.

In regards to safety, I'd consider myself safer on the forklift than some employees who drive it daily, due to taking that extra bit more time.

Savvy_Sue

pinkshoes wrote: »

You are lucky! A FLT licence can lead to some very well paid jobs. I would love for somebody to pay for this for me.

Just do it, enjoy it, then take your time when using it.

What's the worst that can happen?

bucky_legrange wrote: »

I could pierce a drum causing an environmental spill which could cost me my already well paid job.

Or there's a clip online of someone just clipping the edge of some shelving and the whole lot crashing down around him ...

andygb

PasturesNew wrote: »

It's not rocket science to learn those - and therefore there's no danger. My first bf couldn't read or write and did FL driving as a job at a fruit warehouse. So, if dense people can do it I'm sure you're capable and there's no danger.

I think the important thing here, is that this is only a small part of the job for the OP, and IMO they are right to be concerned about being trained, and then having to go weeks before using one.
It is very different to have a job all day long which involves doing something, and one which demands that you virtually have to relearn everything whislt moving volatile substances around.
As Savvy Sue pointed out, fork lift driving may seem easy, but there are many accidents each year involving them, and some can be fatal or result in the destruction of £1000's of equipment.