Forklift Safety Training Requirements

This document outlines the safety training requirements for operating forklifts, including certification, inspection protocols, and hazard awareness. It is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the necessary precautions and procedures to ensure safe forklift operation and regulatory compliance.

Operator Certification and Training

Forklift operators must be experienced workers who are trained, certified, or licensed to perform this task. Some jurisdictions specify that only a 'competent' or 'authorized' person may operate powered lift trucks and others may specify a minimum operator age (e.g., 18 years or older). Check with your local occupational health and safety government department for more information. [1]

Training Program Elements

A comprehensive lift truck safety program should be developed and implemented, including operator training requirements, qualifications of the lift truck trainer (including medical and fitness requirements), maintenance and repair practices. [1]

Key areas covered in forklift training:

• Reading and understanding the Operator's Manual
• Knowing the location and purpose of all controls, instruments, and indicator lights
• Understanding and complying with OSHA standards, including 29 CFR 1910.178, and ANSI B56.6
• Reading and understanding all decals and warnings on the forklift
• Understanding the load rating chart and knowing the machine's lifting capacity
• Assessing the weight of the load to be lifted
• Operating the forklift safely
• Understanding safety rules
• Knowing the movements of other machinery, trucks, and personnel at the job site
• Making sure everyone is in a safe place before moving the boom, forks, load, or outriggers (if so equipped)
• Starting and stopping movements smoothly and swing at speeds that will keep the load under control

[2] [2] [3] [3] [3] [3] [1] [2] [2] [2] Pre-Shift Inspection

Operators must perform a visual and operational check of the forklift at the start of each shift. This includes ensuring all operational aids and warning signals are functional. [1] [2]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Operators must use appropriate protective clothing and safety equipment, including gloves, safety boots, hard hats, safety glasses, and ear protection where necessary. Clothing should be snug and belted where required. [2] [2]

Operational Safety Procedures

Safe operation includes:

• Knowing the recommended load limit and never exceeding it
• Being familiar with the route for travel and looking ahead for obstructions or restrictions
• Always inspecting and wearing any seat belt or operator restraint device
• Knowing how to properly enter and leave the vehicle
• Keeping the machine clean, including all instrumentation, windows, lights, and other glazed surfaces
• Keeping people, equipment, and material out of the work area
• Keeping a fully charged fire extinguisher and first aid kit in the cab and being familiar with their use
• Being alert, physically fit, and free from the influences of alcohol, drugs, or medications

[1] [1] [1] [1] [2] [2] [2] [2] Hazard Awareness

Operators must be aware of potential hazards in the work area, including:

• Slippery floors
• Items in the path of travel
• Weight restrictions for floors, docks, or bridge plates
• Movements of other machinery, trucks, and personnel

[1] [2] Regulatory Compliance

Forklift operations must comply with all applicable OSHA, federal, state, and local regulations. This includes adherence to 29 CFR 1910.178 and ANSI B56.6 standards. [4] [3]

Importance of Manuals and Decals

Operators must read and understand the operator's manual and all safety decals and warnings on the forklift. The operator's manual provides detailed instructions specific to the machine, and the safety decals highlight potential hazards and precautions. [3] [3]

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