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NEW! OSHA Forklift Training Standard
Introduction The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has new training standards for the more than 1.5 million workers who operate such
equipment. The new standards require a training program based on the trainee's prior knowledge and skill, types of powered industrial trucks used in the workplace, hazards in the workplace and the operator's demonstrated ability to
handle a powered industrial truck safely. Evaluation of each operator's performance is required as part of the initial and refresher training, and at least once every three years. Background The final rule
will apply to several industries including General Industry (1910), Shipyards (1915), Marine Terminals (1917), Longshoring (1918), and Construction (1926). The effective date of the new training requirements is March 1, 1999.
Initial training and evaluation of current industrial truck operators must be completed by December 1, 1999 and new operators must be trained and evaluated before assignment to operate a powered industrial truck.
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 CSRMA members 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 Individuals who have the knowledge, training, and experience to train and evaluate potential operators must conduct all operator training and evaluation. Training will
include a combination of formal instruction, demonstrations and practical exercises performed by the trainee, and an evaluation of the operator's 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. Training Program Content Trainees must be initially trained in the following truck-related and workplace-related topics:
TRUCK-RELATED
WORKPLACE-RELATED
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 The standard requires that an evaluation of the performance of each powered industrial
truck operator be conducted every three years. Additionally, refresher training should be conducted so employees retain the ability to safely operate an industrial truck. This retraining should also be used if any of the
following are true:
Certification CSRMA members 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 a powered industrial truck? A: 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
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 different forms of classroom training including lecture, discussion, videotape, interactive computer learning, or written material.
Sources for More Information
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