Training for aerial work platforms, forklifts and construction machinery – information on mandatory training

Anyone who wants to operate mobile elevating work platforms, forklifts, telehandlers or earthmoving machinery needs proven qualifications – regardless of whether the equipment is purchased or rented. Luibl Rental informs you about the statutory training requirements for the safe handling of construction machinery and height-access technology and helps you find the right training options.

As an employer, you are obliged under the German Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG §12) and the Industrial Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV §12) to adequately qualify your employees before they operate work equipment. Specific employers' liability insurance association (Berufsgenossenschaft) requirements apply to lifting platforms, industrial trucks and cranes.

Without appropriate proof of qualification, you as the employer are fully liable in the event of damage – regardless of whether you are at fault. No insurer will cover damages without proof. In addition, many clients from the industrial and automotive sectors require proof of training as a precondition for operating equipment on their premises.

Operating mobile elevating work platforms requires qualification in accordance with DGUV Grundsatz 308-008 „Training and authorisation of operators of mobile elevating work platforms“. On successful completion, participants receive an operator licence documenting their competence to operate the respective equipment class.

The training usually comprises:

• Theoretical fundamentals of equipment operation and typical hazards
• Practical exercises on the machine
• A final examination with a written operator licence as certificate

In addition to the initial training, the regulations require annual instruction. The operator licence itself is valid indefinitely, but the annual authorisation by the employer must be renewed.

IPAF PAL Card – internationally recognised qualification

In international project business, the IPAF PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) is widely used. It is valid in more than 80 countries and is accepted by many clients as proof of qualification. The PAL Card covers various platform categories and is issued by accredited training centres.

Forklift licence – obligations for forklifts and telehandlers

Operating forklifts, rough-terrain forklifts and telehandlers requires proof of qualification in accordance with DGUV Grundsatz 308-001 (training of operators of industrial trucks with a driver's seat or driver's stand).

Telehandlers are all-rounders: they combine the functions of a forklift, construction machine, crane and mobile elevating work platform. Depending on the attachment and application, several regulations may therefore apply at the same time. For standard equipment the training usually takes one day; for telehandlers with attachments and no prior knowledge, 3 to 5 days should be planned.

Earthmoving machinery, cranes and professional drivers

Clear training regulations also apply to these machines and activities:

• Earthmoving machinery (excavators, wheel loaders): qualification in accordance with DGUV Information 209-072
• Cranes: crane operator licence in accordance with DGUV Grundsatz 309-003
• Professional drivers: mandatory further training in accordance with the German BKrFQG and EU Directive 2003/59/EC

The training obligation also applies to rented equipment

An often underestimated aspect: the statutory training obligation applies regardless of whether a machine is owned by your company or rented. Even if your employees only use a rented work platform or a rented forklift temporarily, the qualification must be proven.

Luibl Rental delivers mobile elevating work platforms, forklifts, telehandlers and construction machinery across Europe with its own low-loader fleet directly to your site. On request, you will receive information on suitable training providers for each machine, so that your operation runs safely and in legal compliance.

Get informed now – free and without obligation

Luibl Rental does not offer training itself. However, we will inform you about certified training providers for your equipment needs and your region – whether DGUV-compliant aerial work platform qualification, forklift licence or IPAF certification.

Use the contact form to find out about suitable training options without obligation.