MHE Training UK delivers on-site order picker training for operators working with low, medium and high-level picking equipment. Training is tailored to the machine, warehouse layout, operating duties and previous experience of each candidate.
Low, medium and high-level order pickers
Order pickers are used in busy warehouse and distribution environments where operators may work close to racking, stock, pedestrians and other vehicles. High-level machines introduce additional risks because the operator platform rises with the load-picking position.
We can plan training for low/medium-lift order pickers and high-lift order pickers after checking the machine category and site requirements.
Matching training to the actual order picker
Order-picker training is planned around the machine candidates will actually use, not just a category label. Platform height, operator position, steering and travel controls, aisle width, picking method, load type and pedestrian interaction can all change the practical training required.
Low- and medium-level picking equipment may operate close to pedestrians and busy stock locations, while higher-level machines can introduce additional platform, visibility and emergency-lowering considerations. We confirm the machine configuration and working height before the course so practical exercises reflect the real warehouse rather than a generic training setup.
HSE guidance requires lift-truck training to include specific-job training and familiarisation on the equipment and workplace involved. That is particularly important with order pickers because operators may combine travel, positioning and stock handling in confined aisles throughout the shift.
What we confirm before order-picker training
- Low, medium or high-level picking height
- Operator platform and guarding arrangement
- Travel and steering controls
- Warehouse aisle width and pedestrian routes
- Typical loads, picking containers and work pattern
- Emergency lowering or recovery arrangements where applicable
- Previous operator training and experience
See HSE lift-truck training guidance for wider workplace-transport training principles.
Course content
- Operator responsibilities and relevant site rules
- Pre-use inspection and defect reporting
- Controls, steering and braking characteristics
- Rated capacity, stability and load handling
- Safe travel through aisles and pedestrian areas
- Working around racking and picking locations
- Platform and fall-protection arrangements where applicable
- Parking, charging and shutdown procedures
- Practical instruction and assessment
Preparing your warehouse for order-picker training
A suitable practical area helps candidates learn the exact movements and checks they will use after training. Before the course, make sure the order picker is serviceable and available, identify representative picking locations, and separate the training area from normal pedestrian and vehicle traffic where practicable.
- Provide the normal picking containers, pallets or stock-handling equipment.
- Confirm aisle widths, one-way systems and pedestrian crossing points.
- Identify any height restrictions, overhead obstructions or restricted picking positions.
- For elevating platforms, confirm the emergency-lowering or recovery arrangements that apply to the machine.
- Have charging procedures, site rules and defect-reporting arrangements available.
Training routes
Course duration depends on whether candidates are novice, experienced, converting from another machine or completing refresher training. Accredited and In-House options may be available where appropriate.
Order picker course timings
For E1 medium-level and E2 high-level order pickers, minimum training and testing time depends on the training ratio and operator route.
- Novice: 24 hours at 3:1, 21 hours at 2:1 or 17 hours at 1:1
- Existing operator: 17 hours at 3:1, 14 hours at 2:1 or 11 hours at 1:1
- Refresher: 6.5 hours at 3:1, 5.5 hours at 2:1 or 4.5 hours at 1:1
- Conversion: 13 hours at 3:1, 10 hours at 2:1 or 7 hours at 1:1
These are minimum training and testing times; breaks are additional and some candidates may need longer to reach the required standard.
Book on-site order picker training
- Send the site postcode and the exact order picker make/model.
- Confirm whether the machine is E1 or E2 and provide the working height where relevant.
- Confirm candidate numbers and whether each operator is novice, experienced, refresher or conversion.
- Describe the warehouse layout, picking locations, pedestrian routes and practical area available.
- Use the live availability page to select every suitable weekday or weekend before requesting the written quotation.
Customers should provide a suitable machine, a safe training area and the facilities required for the agreed course. Weekday and weekend delivery is available, with Derbyshire and surrounding areas receiving priority and nationwide bookings considered subject to availability.
Order picker categories we train on
| Category | Machine type |
|---|---|
| E1 | Low / Medium-Lift Order Picker |
| E2 | High-Lift Order Picker |
See the full forklift and MHE machine list for related warehouse and materials-handling equipment.
Order picker training FAQs
Can the course be delivered in our own warehouse?
Yes. On-site training allows the course to use the operator’s actual aisles, picking locations, pedestrian routes and machine controls.
Do you train novice and experienced operators?
Yes. Novice, experienced, refresher and conversion routes can be planned once previous experience and the exact order-picker category are confirmed.
Does high-level order picker training include platform risks?
Yes. Where applicable, training covers the additional hazards created when the operator platform rises, including safe positioning, fall-protection arrangements and emergency procedures.
Check available dates | Request course advice | View all MHE courses
ALLMI and additional MHE courses
ALLMI Lorry Loader and Slinger/Signaller training is our primary accredited service. We also provide training for forklift trucks, cranes, access equipment and other workplace machinery.
