Initial Forklift Training
An untrained operator of a forklift can be as dangerous as an unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle.
It is a violation of Federal law for anyone under 18 years of age to operate a forklift or for anyone 18 years of age or older who is not properly trained and certified to do so.
Forklift education has three parts:
- Instruction: Instruction helps ensure adequate knowledge. Methods such as a lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, videotape and/or written material (can be taken anywhere) can be used.
- Training: The student is given hands-on practical training which includes demonstrations by the trainer and exercises by the trainee (on the model of forklift the worker will use).
How to Operate a Forklift
- Evaluation: an evaluation of the operator skills by observing the operator's performance while doing actual work using the forklift. This evaluation must be repeated at least once every three years (must be at workplace).
Completion of the three parts of forklift education may result in employer certification that the employee is qualified to operate the specific forklift used for training.
The topics listed in the table below should be covered when training a forklift operator. If a specific topic does not apply to the forklift in the employer's workplace, covering it is optional.
| Topics related to powered industrial trucks | Topics related to your workplace |
|---|---|
| Operating instructions | Surface conditions where the PIT will be operated |
| Warnings and precautions for the types of PIT the operator will be authorized to operate | Composition of loads to be carried and load stability |
| Differences between the PIT and the automobile | Load manipulation, stacking, and un-stacking |
| PIT controls and instrumentation: Where they are located, what they do, and how they work | Pedestrian traffic in areas where the PIT will be operated |
| Engine or motor operation | Narrow aisles and other restricted places where the PIT will be operated |
| Steering and maneuvering | Use of door opening and closing devices |
| Visibility (including restrictions due to loading) | Hazardous (classified) locations where the PIT will be operated |
| Fork and attachment adaptation, operation, and use limitations | Ramps and other sloped surfaces that could affect the PITs stability |
| PIT capacity | Closed environments and other areas where insufficient ventilation or poor PIT maintenance could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide or diesel exhaust |
| PIT stability | Other unique or potentially hazardous environmental conditions in the workplace that could affect safe operation |
| Any PIT inspection and maintenance that the operator will be required to perform | |
| Refueling | |
| Charging and recharging of batteries | |
| Operating limitations | |
| Any other operating instructions, warnings, or precautions listed in the operator's manual for the types of PIT that the employee is being trained to operate |
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
7-7. It is a violation of Federal law for _____ to operate a forklift.
You forgot to answer the question!