Forklifts- Training

 

All workers hired to operate a forklift must be trained—according to the operator training requirements in 29 CFR 1910.178(l)—BEFORE being allowed to use a forklift. 

OSHA uses the term powered industrial truck to describe a mobile, power-driven vehicle used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack, or tier material. Included in this description would be: high lift, counterbalanced, cantilever, rider, forklift, high lift platform, and motorized hand/rider trucks. 

The following information highlights the requirements of the 
forklift training rule: 

The OSHA forklift training standard is in the OSHA general industry regulations at 29 CFR 1910.178(l)–Powered industrial truck operator training. 

If you are a forklift operator you must: (1) be competent to safely operate the particular forklift you will use, and (2) successfully complete the training required by the standard. 

Your trainer must have the knowledge, training, and experience to train you and evaluate your competence. 

Trainees can only operate a forklift: (a) under the direct supervision of a knowledgeable trainer/evaluator, and (b) when it does not endanger you or others. 

You must initially train in all topics listed in the regulations unless you and your employer can demonstrate that a topic is not applicable to safe forklift operations at your jobsite. 

Topics are broken down into three broad categories: (1) truck-related, (2) worksite related, and (3) the forklift rule requirements. 

Refresher training and evaluation must be done to ensure you have the knowledge and skills needed to operate the forklift safely. Refresher training is required when: (1) unsafe operation is observed, (2) an accident or near-miss has occurred, (3) an evaluation reveals unsafe operation, (4) you will operate a 
different truck, and (5) workplace conditions change that could affect safe operation. 

An evaluation of each forklift operator must be conducted at least once every three years. If you have previously trained in a required topic, the training is appropriate to the forklift and working conditions encountered, and you have been evaluated and found competent to operate the truck safely, that training does not have to be duplicated. 

Your employer must certify that you have been trained and evaluated as required by the standard.