What are the Main Components of Forklift Training?
If your employees work with a forklift or similar Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) in New Mexico, then you’ve likely considered getting some sort of formal training program for them.
While some businesses do provide employees with a formal orientation, it can be intimidating for those who do not already have a custom training program to provide the training that meets OSHA’s safety requirements.
However; OSHA standards provide that training on forklifts is much simpler than most employers may think. Per federal regulations, there are 5 key components to forklift operator training.
OSHA's standards regarding forklift operations are also viewed as the national standard in the area of maximum safety, and even if your state has developed its own regulations, those regulations will not be as high as OSHA's.
- Provide Good Knowledge Training to Your Operators
Every operator must have a 'Formal Instruction Component' (i.e., “lectures or discussions; interactive computer learning; video tapes; written material” etc. ) which satisfies OSHA's formal instructional requirement.
Employers having a single operator that wishes to take some form of training can take a self-directed online course.
Alternatively, Employers can deliver the training using a more traditional classroom approach through a slide presentation, textbook-based, exam-based training, or in-person Forklift Straight Safety Course.
- Do a Safety Audit of Your Facility to Identify Forklift Hazards
Conduct a hazard assessment of the environmental location(s) of the forklift operation so that all potential hazards are identified (such as the presence of pedestrians, other objects and/or equipment, materials on the work area floor, types of operating surfaces for the forklift, etc.).
OSHA identifies these types of environmental factors to consider when conducting a safety audit.
- Surface Condition at Points of Operation
- Load Characteristics
- Load Manipulation/Stacking/Unstacking
- Pedestrian Traffic in the Forklift Operation
- Narrow Aisleways and Other Restricted Operating Areas
- Hazardous Areas of Operation (i.e., Locations with Flammable Materials)
- Sloped Surfaces where the Forklift will be operating (i.e., Ramps, Hosing Drains, etc.)
- Confined/Enclosed Area Operating where there is a possibility for accumulation of CO2 or Diesel Smoke Based on Lack of Operational Maintenance of Forklift
- All Other Potentially Hazardous Environments that Affect Safe Operation of the Forklift.
- Have a Thorough Understanding of the Specific PIT You Will Be Training on
Prior to providing any training on a PIT (e.g., Forklift, Pallet Jack, Lift Truck); all trainers should familiarize themselves with the specifics about the PITs used in their facilities (i.e., operating parameters, manufacturer’s warnings, operator training manuals for operating the PIT, physical operating controls and gauges, fuel and fork attachment procedures, etc.).
Trainers must be knowledgeable about all types of PITs since experienced operators of one type of PIT may require training on an additional type.
- Learn How to Effectively Demonstrate the Training to Your Team
The most effective training can be delivered when a trainer possesses sufficient skills to deliver the training previously discussed. To ensure consistency in the method of how training is being delivered, provide to each operator a written plan as to how they will provide training, which includes: Demonstrating how to operate the PIT, allowing each operator to practice operating the PIT, Evaluating the proficiency of each operator based upon OSHA requirements for evaluation of operator performance, including completion of a written record for each operator, and Issuing a certificate for completion of PIT(s).
- Maintain a Written Record of Each Operator’s Certification and Retrain as Required
All educational institutions are required to maintain written records of all training provided to their employees. Businesses should all keep records of its employees complete training courses. It is advisable to maintain a spreadsheet of training records; however; any written format at a location in your facility that is easily accessible will suffice.
Operators are required to be re-evaluated every 3 years, at which time, they should also receive refresher training: if they operated in an unsafe manner; if they were involved in an accident or near-miss accident; if they will be operating a different type of PIT (i.e. Forklift vs. Pallet Jack); and if workplace conditions change that may affect the safe operation of the PIT.
Am I Qualified?
If you possess the background, and the experience mentioned during the discussion, as well as completing the training listed previously, then YES! You are qualified to be a trainer at your workplace!
Good Training = Long Term Savings
For all organizations and businesses, having people working safely and efficiently is critical, and it all stems from proper training.