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Forklift Operator Training
Document Number: 106
Introduction
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) defines a
powered industrial truck as a mobile, power-propelled truck used to
carry, push, pull, lift, stack, or tier materials. Powered industrial
trucks--more commonly known as pallet trucks, rider trucks, forktrucks
or lifttrucks--can be ridden or controlled by a walking operator. They
can be powered through electric or combustion engines and designed for
a variety of applications.
Background
The Industrial Truck Association (ITA) estimates that American industry
has more than 850,000 powered industrial trucks. The Occupational Safety
& Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that industrial truck accidents
cause about 85 fatalities and almost 100,000 injuries annually. The adoption
of training requirements for industrial truck operators 1910.178(l)
will help reduce fatalities and accidents. In addition, annual savings
in the millions of dollars in direct costs associated with lost workdays
attributed to industrial truck accidents will be realized. Medical and
indirect costs savings will increase benefits substantially beyond the
direct savings.
The forklift operator training requirement applies to several industries
including; General Industry (1910), Shipyards (1915) , Marine Terminals
(1917), Longshoring (1918) and Construction (1926).
Training Requirements
The OSHA training requirements incorporate safe operation, training
program implementation, training program content, refresher training
and evaluation, avoidance of duplicate training, and certification.
Safe Operation
The employer must ensure that every powered industrial truck
operator is competent in the operation of a truck prior to operating
as proven by the successful completion of the required training.
Training Program Implementation
All operator training and evaluation must be conducted by individuals
who have the knowledge, training, and experience to train and evaluate
potential operators. Training will include a combination of formal instruction,
demonstrations and practical exercises performed by the trainee, and an
evaluation of the operators performance. Practical exercises must be performed
under the direct supervision of trainers and where the practical training
does not endanger the trainee or other employees.
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Safety Systems forklift safety training program.
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Safety Systems forklift safety chart.
Training Program Content
Trainees must be initially trained in the following truck-related
and workplace-related topics:
TRUCK-RELATED
- Operating instructions, warnings and precautions for type of
truck
- Similarities and differences to automobiles
- Control and instrumentation location and use
- Engine or motor operation
- Steering and maneuvering
- Visibility
- Fork and attachment limitations and use
- Vehicle capacity
- Vehicle stability
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance
- refueling or charging batteries
- Operating limitations
- Other operating instructions, warnings or precautions listed in
the operator's manual
WORKPLACE-RELATED
- Surface conditions where truck is used
- Load composition and stability
- Load stacking, unstacking and transport
- Pedestrian traffic
- Narrow aisle and restricted area operation
- Operation in hazardous locations
- Ramp and sloped surface operation
- Unique or potentially hazardous conditions
- Operating the vehicle in closed environments
Because powered industrial trucks are manufactured by different
companies with various models available, the training must be specific
to the operating characteristics of the specific powered industrial
truck the employee will be using.
Evaluation and Refresher Training
An evaluation of the performance of each powered industrial truck
operator will be conducted every three years. Refresher training will
be conducted so employees retain the ability to safely operate an
industrial truck. Retraining should also be used if there is reason to
believe that unsafe acts have been committed, an accident or near-miss
occurs, an evaluation reveals a deficiency, assignment to a different
type of truck, or a workplace condition changes that would effect
truck operation.
Certification
The employer must certify that every operator has received
appropriate training, has been evaluated and has demonstrated
competency in performing the operator's duties. The name of the
trainee, date of training and signature of the designated evaluator
will be included in the certification.
Avoidance of Duplicate Training
If a current or new truck operator has been trained in any of the
required training elements and is authorized to operate a specific
truck in a specific environment, the operator does not need to be
retrained in these elements if the employer certifies the operator is
competent.
Commonly Asked Questions
| Q. |
What is the stability triangle? |
| A. |
The majority of counterbalanced industrial trucks have their
weight supported on three points. Even on a four-wheeled truck, the
front two drive wheels are two points on the stability triangle,
while the back two steering wheels (which are connected on a central
pivot) support the weight at the rear and make the third point. When
these three points are connected with imaginary lines, the stability
triangle is formed.
The stability triangle is useful in explaining the stability of
a powered industrial truck. An unloaded truck on a level surface
will have a center of gravity in the middle of the stability
triangle. As a load is added to the truck, or if the truck is on an
inclined surface, the center of gravity will move within the
stability triangle. If the center of gravity moves outside of the
stability triangle, the truck will tip over. |
| Q. |
What is considered formal training? |
| A. |
A formal training is the combination of classroom training including lecture, discussion, video tape,
interactive computer learning, or written material. |
Sources for More Information
29
CFR 1910.178, Powered Industrial Trucks.
Federal Register, (63)230, December 1, 1998, pp. 66237-66274
Federal Register, (60)49, March 14, 1995, pp. 13782-13827.
ANSI/NFPA 505 Powered Industrial Trucks including Type, Areas of
Use, Maintenance, and Operation, 1992 Edition.
ANSI/ASME B56.1-1993, Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks.
Industrial Truck Association
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Please Note: The information contained in this
publication is intended for general information purposes only. This
publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable
government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as
legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer
to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.
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