Operator Training

It refers to employee training related to their work equipment. During the training, employees learn how to safely handle their work equipment, such as operating machines or systems. Topics include:

• Occupational safety
• Typical hazardous situations
• Safety procedures for specific work tasks
• Safety procedures in the event of lift malfunctions

Thetraining does not pertain to a specific product. Rather, it is a safety training program that covers the entire work environment associated with a specific product group, such as the operation of aerial work platforms, telescopic handlers, cranes, or earthmoving equipment. Participants must be trained not only in safety-related aspects but also in health-related aspects in accordance with current occupational safety regulations. Through this training, they learn how the machines, systems, and work equipment function and how to handle them safely.

Operator training refers to the initial instruction provided during the first training session. This instruction (training) is therefore to be considered operator training. The subsequent refresher training must be conducted no later than 12 months after the initial training (as required by law). If the employer is unable to conduct the operator training themselves for specific reasons, they must commission appropriately qualified and knowledgeable external training personnel to perform this task. The training must be documented in writing.

Completed operator training must be concluded with an examination (theory/practical). Upon passing the examination, the operator is issued written certification of their qualification to operate a work platform (certificate of qualification—operator ID). A certificate of qualification (training certificate) is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Act for operators of machinery, aerial work platforms, telescopic forklifts, construction machinery, and chainsaws.

Legal basis for operator training / operator ID card, including certificate of qualification: §9 BetrSichV, §§12 + 14 ArbSchg, §6 AMBV, §4 GUV-V A1, §§4 + 7 BGV A1, §81 Works Constitution Act.

Orientation is often the first step in operator training. Strictly speaking, however, it is additional training that follows the initial orientation. It is conducted by the employer or appropriately trained specialists and applies to specific types of machinery or equipment. Instruction is available, for example, for the Genie GS 2033, Faraone Elevah 50, etc.
Unlike basic instruction, this training addresses product-specific aspects and uses these products to illustrate differences in operation and safety-related considerations.

Examples:

1. You rent a work platform, for example, from a machine rental company. The rental company (in this case, Kunze Vermietung & Service GmbH) is required to provide you with instruction on how to use the machine if necessary. However, you are responsible for ensuring that the operator(s) (yourself or your employees) have received general instruction for such work and, accordingly, hold an operator’s license for aerial work platforms.

2. When a manufacturer sells an aerial work platform, it must train both its salespeople and technicians on that specific piece of equipment. This training must be conducted by a certified instructor. If the manufacturer cannot issue the official certification for its salespeople and technicians itself, it must commission an external organization to provide the training.

3. If you purchase a crane or an aerial work platform for your employees to use,you are required to provide your employees with training on how to operate these machines. Without this certification—that is, the “license” for aerial work platforms—employees are not permitted to operate them. In this case, you must again commission external specialists to conduct the training if you are not able to do so yourself. The same applies to training on the aerial work platform or the crane. Normally, however, the training is conducted by the equipment dealer or the manufacturer.