NORS FAQ'S
- Why does the certificate have an expiry date?
- Are RTITB Ltd going to provide operator training at their Academy in Telford ?
- Why do I have to get my certificates from RTITB?
- What happens if I have a customer who does not want to be on NORS?
- How do I get an ID Card?
- How do I get a replacement certificate?
- How long does it take for a NORS application to be processed?
1. Why does the certificate have an expiry date?
It doesn’t, it’s the NORS registration that expires – The certificate of basic training does not expire. HSE strongly recommend that operators are provided with regular refresher training/ assessment. HSE have produced a website which they have referred to as the ‘Route Map’ this web site; www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/personnel/refreshertraining.htm draws together the legislation, guidance and good practice that is particularly relevant to employers, operators and trainers involved in the use of materials handling equipment. Below is the HSE guidance provided on the site regarding refresher training;
Key messages
- People lose skills if they do not use them regularly.
- Most drivers and operators need regular training to keep their skills up to date.
- Employers should offer workers refresher training whenever appropriate.
Even if drivers operate vehicles every day, we recommend regular refresher training to make sure that they:
- maintain good driving habits;
- learn new skills where appropriate; and
- reassess their abilities.
Workers may need refresher training if:
- you change the vehicles they use;
- you move sites;
- you change the way they work; or
- they become disabled
When to train
You should consider a gap between training and refresher training of between three to five years, depending on the risks. Some companies provide refresher training more often than this.
In addition to this guidance further information can be found in the Approved Code of Practice for Rider Operated Lift Trucks (L117), which has special legal status in that if you are prosecuted for a breach of health and safety law and it is proved that you did not follow the relevant provisions of the code, you will need to show that you have complied with the law in some other way or a court will find you at fault.
2. Are RTITB Ltd going to provide operator training at their Academy in Telford ?
The RTITB Academy (training arm of RTITB Ltd) does not provide operator training and has no plans to do so. The NORS database cannot be used for this purpose. The Governance Advisory Committee (GAC) oversees the activities of the RTITB Academy and RTITB as an accrediting body, to ensure areas of potential conflict are dealt with.
3. Why do I have to get my certificates from RTITB?
You don’t, NORS is a multi option system which in all cases requires that you register the training with us and we then validate the information and issue a registration number and expiry date. This information needs to appear on the certificates which are issued either by the accredited training organisation or directly by RTITB. We do this so that employers and operators know that they have received training which meets the standards set by HSE and that the certificate they receive is genuine
4. What happens if I have a customer who does not want to be on NORS?
NORS is a standard feature of RTITB accreditation, all RTITB accredited training must now be registered with us on the NORS Database. If someone does not wish to appear on this they cannot undergo RTITB accredited training. If it is not NORS it is not RTITB.
5. How do I get an ID card?
If you have been issued with a NORS registration number but not an ID card and would like one all you need to do is complete the ID card application form which can be found on the NORS Guidance webpage and send payment and a passport sized photograph to the postal address shown on the form. The cost is £6.95 + VAT
6. How do I get a replacement certificate?
If you would like a replacement certificate, simply complete the certificate application form which can be found on the NORS Guidance webpage and send payment and to the postal address shown on the form. The cost is £6.95 + VAT.
RTITB will only provide replacement/ duplicate certificates to operators on the authority of their employers, this is because many employers have contractual arrangements with their operators regarding training.
7. How long does it take for a NORS application to be processed?
We aim to turnaround all correct applications in 10 working days, typically correct applications are turned around in 2-3 working days. Our current turnaround times can be found on the NORS statistics page. If an application is submitted which has information missing or needs clarifying, the application will be turned around in 10 working days from the point at which it becomes correct (i.e all missing information has been collected or clarified).
