What type of forklift?

Driving forklifts is a task that requires not only practical skills, but also adequate training to guarantee safety and legal compliance. The Certificate of Aptitude for Safe Driving (CACES) is therefore essential for any forklift operator. We will explore the different CACES required according to the type of forklift and the conditions for obtaining these certificates.

A CACES, or Certificate of Aptitude for Safe Driving, is an essential certification for any person wishing to drive handling machines such as forklifts. According to article R.4323-55 of the Labor Code, holding a driving authorization is mandatory for any forklift handling.

This certificate is implemented to guarantee that drivers possess the necessary skills to handle these machines safely, in order to minimize accident risks in the workplace.

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As of January 1, 2020, CNAM has introduced new regulations concerning the different CACES categories for forklifts. CACES R489, dedicated specifically to these machines, is now subdivided into several sub-categories, each corresponding to a specific type of machine:

– Category 1A: Rider pallet truck.

– Category 1B: Rider stacker (lifting height > 1.20 m).

– Category 2A: Platform truck (capacity < 2 tons).

– Category 2B: Industrial tractor trucks (capacity < 25 tons).

– Category 3: Front counterbalance forklift (capacity ≤ 6 tons).

– Category 4: Front counterbalance forklift (capacity > 6 tons).

– Category 5: Retractable mast forklift.

– Category 6: Elevated operator position forklift (height > 1.20 m).

– Category 7: Off-road driving of forklifts.

In addition to CACES R489, there is CACES R485, dedicated to pedestrian-controlled stackers, which includes two sub-categories:

– Category 1: Pedestrian-controlled stackers (lifting height > 1.20 m and ≤ 2.50 m).

– Category 2: Pedestrian-controlled stackers (lifting height > 2.50 m).

Each CACES category is designed to cover a specific type of machine as well as the skills required to handle it safely. The validity period of this certificate is five years.

Possessing CACES offers several advantages. This certificate is recognized at the national level and follows the worker throughout their career, even in case of company or position change. This guarantees better employability and contributes to reducing risks associated with forklift handling.

To obtain CACES, it is necessary to follow specific training that allows you to acquire all the skills necessary for safe forklift driving. Here are the main steps to obtain this certificate:

Eligibility conditions

To be eligible for CACES training, the candidate must:

– Be at least 18 years old. Certain derogations may be applied for minors under special conditions.

– Be medically fit. A medical examination is mandatory to ensure that the candidate is physically capable of handling a forklift safely.

Training process

CACES training can be carried out in a certified organization or internally within the company. Each option has its own characteristics:

Training in a certified organization

– Duration: Training generally lasts between 2 and 5 days.

– Content:

• • Driving and mastering the forklift.
  • Pre-use checks.
  • Knowledge of different forklift categories.
  • Understanding of machine equipment.
  • Compliance with safety rules.
  • Reading the load plate.
  • Accident prevention.
  • Signage for circulation.
  • Forklift maintenance.
  • Machine maneuvers and positioning.
• Final evaluation: Training ends with a theoretical (multiple choice) and practical (maneuvers) evaluation. Obtaining CACES is conditional on passing these evaluations.

Internal training

• Process: The employer can organize training internally, but must verify the operator’s skills with theoretical and practical evaluations.
• Validity: The driving authorization obtained internally is only valid for the company in question and its duration is limited to one year, unlike the five-year validity of CACES obtained through a certified organization.

Cost and financing of CACES training

The cost of CACES training varies depending on several factors, such as training duration, the number of CACES categories to obtain, and the training organization. Generally, rates are between €500 and €800 including VAT.

Several financing options are available to help candidates cover training costs:

– Employment Center

– Individual Right to Training (DIF)

– Temporary employment agencies

CACES is an essential element to guarantee safety and legal compliance when driving forklifts. Possessing this certificate ensures better employability for drivers and reduces risks for employers. It is important to choose appropriate training in order to acquire all necessary skills and comply with current regulations.