Do I need any lifting equipment training?

The short answer to this question would be yes, but the level of training you need and how long this will take to undergo is all going to be dependent on the one main variable: what type of equipment it is which you are actually using.  Some of the smaller equipment, such as the smaller hoist lifts for example, are not going to need as much training to operate as some of the much bigger, much more complex machinery such as specialist wind turbine hoists (yes they do exist- although admittedly there isn’t a huge market for them) or forklift truck attachments, which will clearly need specialist training to operate efficiently. 

Your employer should inform you of the training which you are going to need to operate the machinery or, if you are the employer, then you need to ensure that your workers are fully trained up before they embark upon using lifting equipment- it may cost money to train people but you’re going to end up paying out much more down the line if you don’t comply with the regulations. Besides, as well as being much safer, trained lifting equipment operators are always going to be much more efficient.

Lifting Equipment Information Guide: