Employers are not required to repeat past training of a new operator according to forklift regulations. Training nevertheless needs to be supplemented so as to address certain workplace hazards and particular workplace machinery. For example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to be able to maneuver a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not contain a ramp; however, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace which has a ramp, it is vital that extra training must be offered.
Trainees can operate a powered industrial truck only when they are under the direct supervision of individuals who have the skill, knowledge and training to train operators and assess their competence utilizing the machine. The trainees could just learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger other workers or the trainee themselves.
It is essential to make a practical evaluation in the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training occur at the jobsite, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
Once an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be qualified. The certification should include the training date, the name of the operator, and the name of the individual performing the assessment and training and finally the date of evaluation. Though certain state OSHA bodies need the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Refresher training is vital to be completed every 3 years. It is also required any time an operator shows some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For instance, refresher training would be triggered by some instances including: if there is a near miss or an accident, if a different kind of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
When unsafe use of a lift truck is noticed, it must be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for example, if an operator is deliberately disobeying workplace safety rules, it might be essential to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is vital to practice forklift awareness training for other staff working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians in order to make sure that everybody would be safe.