Federal statutes regulate forklift training curriculum and educational hours. A hands-on training exam is required by OSHA guidelines for forklift operators in each state. The currently established OSHA guidelines require the evaluation be specific to the type of lift the employee will be operating. According to federal law, all forklift operators must be at least 18 and have successfully completed an OSHA operator's evaluation. In the sole exception, 16- and 17-year-olds are permitted to operate forklifts in agricultural settings.
OSHA Evaluations
Training to become a certified forklift operator can be conducted in-house by the hiring employer, or independently at an adult education center. Earning a forklift operator license before applying for a position can make a candidate a more desirable hire. Forklifts are also known as powered industrial tricks (PIT) and are often referred to that way during OSHA evaluations.
Forklift Accidents
According to OSHA statistics, thousands of workplace accidents occur annually due to forklift accidents. Most of the final forklift evaluation procedures and operator training focuses on safe operational practices. Injury and damage can be prevented or reduced by mastering safe operational standards. Workplace forklift accidents typically involve a forklift driving off or happen in between loading dock areas. OSHA evaluators must approve of each forklift operator's skills, ensuring minimum acceptable safety and driving skills have been met, before issuing a license or renewal certificate.
Forklift Curriculum
Typical forklift operator training encompasses safe materials-handling techniques, accident prevention procedures, safe operating skills, pallet moving and properly climb into the forklift. An operating manual for the specific type of forklift will be reviewed from cover to cover, complete with quizzes and group discussion opportunities.
Operational Skills
Trainees will be updated on current forklift accident and fatality techniques, understanding the center of gravity on both the forklift itself and a full pallet of materials. Also covered are the basic components and tools of a forklift and common operational issues, as required by the OSHA guidelines. Most forklift training courses are three to six hours long and can last up to three weeks, depending upon the requirements of a particular employee. Some employing companies train staff on more than one type of forklift, which requires separate training sessions, and more than one OSHA hands-on examination.
Forklift Maneuvering
Forklift trainees should expect to learn proper loading, inspection and unloading techniques, as well as fueling guidelines, operate forklift alarms, seat belts and strobe lights and safety cage rules. Potential forklift operators will also be drilled in standard forklift maneuvering by driving the forklift on inclines, with a full load over a ramp and on slopes both indoors and out.
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