August 8th, 2011
Within the construction industry are a number of jobs that require specialized work. For instance, forklift operators play a key role in multiple fields of construction for both residential and commercial building. While there is a commitment involves with forklift training, the time and effort spent would pay off long-term for job stability and earning potential. With proper certification resulting from forklift training, a world of opportunity exists.
Under Forklift Certification Program OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.178, any person interested in operating this type of machinery would be mandated to complete all required training to include an actual certification program. Unless specialized training and certification are achieved, OSHA could charge the company a $7,000 fine for each individual operating a forklift without proper credentials. By staying within the approved boundaries, companies can utilize the services of a forklift operator with confidence in the job being done correctly but also safely.
Who Provides Forklift Training?
OSHA standards dictate that forklift training can be offered to individuals interested in operating this machinery. However, the trainer must possess the required knowledge, as well as training and experience specific to powered industrial truck operators. In addition to training, this professional could also evaluate performance of forklift operators for competency. Training of this type can be done using a trainer kit supported by OSHA.
Certification Duration
If a company decides to use a forklift training kit to prepare an employee for operating this piece of machinery, once all tests have been passed the awarded certification would remain active for a full three years. The only exception would be changes made by OSHA to certification duration, which would be passed on to companies that employee forklift operators. However, for certification to be valid, it must be signed by the employee of the company qualified to provide the training.
Types of Forklift Training
There are actually two unique types of training for forklift operators. The first is formal training and the second practical training. Regardless of the type of forklift training chosen, the operator’s skills would be rated based on driving ability. Any evaluation done has to be formally documented in that sometimes, a person could try to become certified but no pass the evaluation phase. With the process properly documented, the employer would cover all bases from a legal standpoint.
If the individual passes the evaluation then he or she would be certified but just for the driving part. For the trainer to sign off on forklift training certification, the employee would need to go through all areas of training required by OSHA. With that, certification would be proof of that person’s knowledge and ability to operate the power industrial truck. Bear in mind that along with forklifts, the mentioned OSHA standard applies to other power industrial trucks to include rider trucks, high lift trucks, platform trucks, cantilevered trucks, pallet trucks, rough terrain trucks, and others.
Official Training
If an employee were not interested in providing forklift training using a kit or if no one was qualified to provide training, people can go through official training through a licensed organization. For new certification, a person would need to dedicate about two hours to the process whereas for recertification, less time would be needed. During this time, the individual would complete classroom education along with hands-on training.
To become a qualified operator, forklift training must cover several areas. For instance, the individual would need to learn methods for reducing injury and property risk, know appropriate ways of handling different situations that might arise, check all forklift controls prior to working, wear proper equipment, and ensure there is no obstruction to visibility. Other areas covered would include load stability, working with inclines and declines, maneuvering around obstacles, load height and weight, speed, rigging, etc.
Responsibilities of a Forklift Operator
Once a person has gone through forklift training, whether through a kit or licensed facility, he or she would be responsible for all aspects of operating that piece of machinery. This would involve completing a full safety inspection at the start of each shift or for companies with just one forklift operator, inspection once a day. The operator would also be responsible for finding and logging any found defects, followed by notifying the appropriate supervisor.
Determining the machine to be safe, the forklift operator would then move to the area for picking up the load, delivering the load to its intended destination, and placing it down safely. Some actions performed by an operator are mundane, which is why proper forklift training is so critical. A lax attitude creates the prime opportunity for mistakes that could cause merchandise damage or even worse, bodily injury.
Proper forklift training makes the operator aware of potential risks but also prepares that person how to respond accordingly. For instance, a trained individual would recognize lifts left too high or those with unstable loads. Additionally, training would help the operator see when loads are not engaged on the forks completely or when an incline or decline is too great for forklift stability.