NPORS N003 Reach Truck Course
Reach trucks are common in warehouses where the aisles are narrow and there are high rack systems. Reach trucks have the capability of placing the load accurately at height, although their maneuverability and handling are different from that of the conventional counterbalance forklift.
NPORS N003 Reach Truck Training equips the operator with the right knowledge and practical skills to operate such a truck.
The training is for beginners, experienced operators, operators changing categories of forklifts and staff requiring refresher courses.
Course at a Glance
- Training routes: Novice, experienced, conversion and refresher
- Assessment: Knowledge, pre-use inspection and practical operation
- Novice duration: Five days at the maximum published training ratio
- Delivery: On-site across the UK or through our Wellingborough centre, subject to availability
- Registration: NPORS Traditional or NPORS/CSCS where appropriate
What Is a Reach Truck?
Reach trucks are primarily used indoors in warehouses. The small chassis enables its use in narrower aisles, while the lift column or fork carriage of the reach truck can extend outwards to pick up or deposit loads on racking.
The reach truck has outrigger legs fitted with wheels at the front. Rear wheel steering is common in reach trucks, giving them distinct steering features compared to counterbalance trucks.
Training must correspond to the type of equipment that the operator will use. The controls, capacity, lifting height, visibility and attachments differ from one model to another.
What the N003 Course Covers
The programme combines theory with supervised driving and load-handling exercises.
Candidates normally learn about:
- operator responsibilities and common warehouse hazards;
- the truck’s controls, components and safety systems;
- the manufacturer’s handbook and capacity information;
- daily checks and correct defect reporting;
- stability, load centres and safe lifting limits;
- travelling with and without a load;
- manoeuvring in open areas and restricted aisles;
- approaching pallet racking safely;
- accurate fork positioning;
- lifting, transferring, stacking and de-stacking loads;
- maintaining clearances from racking and structures;
- pedestrian and vehicle segregation;
- battery charging and safe shutdown procedures;
- cameras, height selectors or pantograph reach where fitted.
Practical exercises are based on the truck and facilities available during the course.
Training Options
Novice Training
The novice route is suitable for candidates with little or no previous forklift experience. It begins with basic controls, safety checks and controlled travel before progressing to pallet handling and work at racking.
Experienced Operator Training
A shorter programme may be suitable for someone who regularly operates reach trucks but does not hold suitable evidence of recognised training.
Previous experience must be relevant and capable of being demonstrated. Job title alone is not enough to confirm competence.
Conversion Training
A counterbalance, pivot steer or narrow aisle qualification does not automatically cover a reach truck.
Conversion training focuses on the differences between the machines, including steering, visibility, stability, operating position and load-handling technique.
Refresher Training
Refresher training may be appropriate following a long break from operating, an accident or near miss, a change of equipment or the development of unsafe working habits.
HSE states that an operator trained on one type of lift truck or attachment should not operate another type without appropriate conversion training. It also recommends that course length reflects the operator’s experience and gives candidates adequate hands-on practice.
Course Duration
The published NPORS standard lists a five-day novice programme at the maximum ratio of:
Three candidates to one instructor and one reach truck.
Experienced, conversion and refresher courses may be shorter. The final timetable depends on:
- previous training and experience;
- candidate numbers;
- truck configuration;
- the practical facilities available;
- individual progress.
CPTS will review these details before confirming the course.
NPORS N003 Assessment
Candidates complete knowledge and practical assessments relevant to reach truck operation.
The test normally includes:
- identifying the main controls and components;
- completing a pre-use inspection;
- explaining relevant hazards and safe working procedures;
- travelling with the truck laden and unladen;
- manoeuvring in restricted areas;
- approaching and withdrawing from pallet racking;
- lifting, transferring and stacking loads;
- parking and isolating the truck safely.
The candidate must demonstrate controlled, accurate operation throughout the practical test.
Passing the assessment records performance on the machine and course setup used. Employers must still provide workplace familiarisation, supervision and authorisation.
On-Site Reach Truck Training
On-site training allows candidates to practise with the truck, racking and loads they encounter at work.
The customer will normally need to provide:
- a serviceable reach truck;
- the manufacturer’s handbook;
- current inspection records;
- suitable palletised loads;
- safe and serviceable racking;
- sufficient space for manoeuvring;
- an area separated from normal warehouse operations;
- the PPE required by the workplace.
Where the truck has a pantograph, cameras, height selectors or another specialist feature, this should be discussed before booking.
CPTS will review the proposed setup to confirm that it is suitable for training and testing.
NPORS Card and Registration
Successful candidates can be registered for the N003 category.
The NPORS Traditional Operator Card is commonly used in warehousing, logistics, manufacturing and distribution. Registration can be issued for three or five years, depending on the option agreed before registration.
NPORS/CSCS cards are intended for operators who require a card carrying the CSCS logo for construction work:
- the Trained Operator Card is valid for two years;
- the Competent Operator Card is valid for five years and requires the relevant vocational qualification.
For most warehouse-based reach truck operators, the Traditional route is usually the most relevant.
An NPORS card is evidence of successful training and assessment. It is not a universal forklift licence and does not automatically authorise the holder to operate every type of lift truck.
Why Choose CPTS?
CPTS provides training based on the operator’s experience and the equipment they are expected to use.
Our N003 options include:
- novice and experienced operator courses;
- conversion and refresher training;
- workplace delivery across the UK;
- practical training using the relevant reach truck;
- advice on the correct NPORS registration route;
- course planning around your warehouse setup.
Contact us for a quotation for NPORS N003 Reach Truck Training.
Related NPORS Forklift Courses
NPORS N001 Industrial Counterbalance Lift Truck Course
Training for conventional counterbalance forklifts used in warehouses, loading areas, factories and yards.
NPORS N007 Narrow Aisle Lift Truck Course
Training for specialist narrow and very narrow aisle trucks, including appropriate guided machines.
NPORS N013 Pivot Steer Truck Course
Training for articulated pivot steer forklifts, including suitable Bendi, Flexi and similar machines.
NPORS N005 Order Picker Course
Training for operators using low-, medium- and high-level order-picking equipment.
FAQ - NPORS N003 Reach Truck Course
What is the NPORS N003 Reach Truck Course?
The course provides training and assessment for operators of reach lift trucks. It covers safety checks, controlled travel, stability, pallet handling, work at racking and safe shutdown procedures.
Who should take the N003 course?
The course may be suitable for warehouse, manufacturing, logistics and distribution employees who use reach trucks. Novice, experienced, conversion and refresher training routes are available.
Do I need previous forklift experience?
No. Novice training is available for candidates with little or no previous experience. Operators with relevant experience may be eligible for a shorter course after their training needs have been reviewed.
How long does the NPORS N003 course take?
The published NPORS standard lists a five-day novice programme at the maximum training ratio. Experienced, conversion and refresher courses may be shorter, depending on the candidate and practical arrangements.
What does the Reach Truck Course cover?
Training covers controls, pre-use inspections, defect reporting, stability, laden and unladen travel, restricted-space manoeuvring, fork positioning, pallet stacking, load transfer and end-of-shift procedures.
What does the N003 assessment involve?
Candidates complete a knowledge assessment, a pre-use inspection and a practical operating test. The practical exercises normally include controlled travel, manoeuvring and accurate stacking and de-stacking.
Can Reach Truck training be delivered at our workplace?
Yes. On-site training can be arranged where a suitable reach truck, safe training area, palletised loads and appropriate racking are available. CPTS will review the facilities before confirming the course.
What is the difference between a reach truck and a counterbalance forklift?
A reach truck is designed mainly for narrow warehouse aisles and pallet racking. A counterbalance forklift carries the load in front of the front axle and is commonly used in wider aisles, loading areas and yards.
How long is an NPORS N003 registration valid?
An NPORS Traditional registration can be issued for three or five years. NPORS/CSCS card routes have separate qualification and validity requirements.
How much does the NPORS N003 course cost?
The price depends on candidate numbers, experience, course location and the equipment and facilities available. Send CPTS these details to receive an appropriate quotation.
