According to the forklift regulations, an employer is not required to replicate past training of a new operator. In order to deal with certain workplace risks and particular workplace machines, training needs to be supplemented. Like for example, an operator doesn't have to be trained to navigate a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not contain a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is vital that extra training should be provided.
Trainees may operate a powered industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of individuals who have the skill, knowledge and training to train operators and evaluate their competence utilizing the equipment. The trainees can just learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger the trainee themselves or other employees.
Making a practical evaluation within the workplace is also necessary. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training happen at the workplace, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
An operator is said to be qualified once they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification must include the training date, the name of the operator, and the name of the person performing the training and assessment and lastly the date of evaluation. Though certain state OSHA bodies require 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 demonstrates some kind of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. Like for example, refresher training will be triggered by some occurrences like: if a different type of forklift is introduced to the workplace, if there is a near miss or an accident, if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation and if a supervisor observes operating unsafely.
When unsafe operation of a lift truck is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for example, if an operator is deliberately disobeying workplace safety rules, it could be essential to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice lift truck awareness training for other staff working near forklifts and pedestrians in order to ensure everyone will be safe.