According to the lift truck rules, an employer is not required to replicate past training of a new operator. In order to deal with specific workplace hazards and particular workplace equipment, training has to be supplemented. Like for instance, an operator doesn't have to be trained to be able to maneuver a lift truck on a ramp if that work place does not have a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace which has a ramp, it is necessary that additional training must be offered.
Trainees could use a powered industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of people who have the skill, training and knowledge to train operators and assess their skill using the machinery. The trainees could only learn in a setting where such operation does not endanger other workers or the trainee themselves.
Making a practical assessment in the workplace is also vital. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training occur at the jobsite, 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 name of the operator, the date of training, and the name of the person performing the training and evaluation and finally the assessment date. Though certain state OSHA bodies need the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not require it.
Every three years, refresher training is necessary. It could also become mandatory to those operators who have demonstrated some type of deficiency in safe lift truck operation. Like for instance, refresher training will be triggered by some occurrences like for instance: 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.
When unsafe use of a forklift is noticed, it should be noticed that refresher training is not always the solution. Like for example, if an operator is willfully disobeying workplace safety regulations, it may be required to implement disciplinary action. And lastly, 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 everyone would be safe.