Employers are not required to replicate past training of a new operator according to forklift rules. Training nonetheless needs to be supplemented in order to deal with particular workplace hazards and particular workplace equipment. 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 have a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is actually assigned to work someplace that has a ramp, it is necessary that extra training needs to be provided.
Trainees could operate a motorized industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of individuals who have the experience, knowledge and training to train operators and evaluate their competence operating the equipment. The trainees could only learn in a setting where such operation does not endanger other workers or the trainee themselves.
It is essential to make a practical assessment within the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is better to have the training occur at the jobsite, utilizing lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
When an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be qualified. The certification must include the operator name, the date of training, and the name of the individual performing the training and assessment and lastly the evaluation date. Though some state OSHA bodies need the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Refresher training is necessary to be completed every 3 years. It is also needed any time an operator shows some kind of deficiency in safe lift truck use. For example, refresher training will be triggered by some occurrences like for example: if a different kind of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if there is a near miss or an accident, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
It has to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe use is noticed. Like for example, if an operator is willfully disobeying workplace safety rules, it can be required to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is vital to practice lift truck awareness training for other employees working in the vicinity of forklifts and pedestrians in order to ensure everybody will be safe.