How do I get trained on the forklift if I'm not certified to operate one? This is a question that I get frequently, and a good one.
OSHA's regulation 29 CFR 1910.178 states that "...Prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck, the employer shall ensure that each operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely..."
Seems like a catch 22 at first, however,with further investigation we see that OSHA took this into consideration. Part of the (L) paragraph sections (a) and (b) they explain that trainees MAY operate the forklift. There are strict guidelines to doing so.
First, trainees may operate a powered industrial truck only under the direct supervision of persons who the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence.
Second, trainees may operate a powered industrial truck only where such operation does not endanger the trainee or other employees.
These guidelines are serious, and are not to be abused. You can not have a trainee (person not properly trained or certified) operating a forklift without a trainer present.
Your company may not have a person designated as a trainer. For the purpose of training inexperienced operators you should appoint someones with "the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence." That person can get operators familiar with the basic operations of the forklift and ready to get certified.
Most certification companies require operators to already have some forklift experience. Some companies like Forklift Certification Specialist may come out and spend some extra time with "trainees" and get them up to speed. It usually depends on if there are others in the class and the amount of time necessary. Always discuss your unique requirements when scheduling with your training company. Training inexperienced operators takes extra time and needs to be planned for.
I hope this sheds some light on a sometimes confusing regulation. Remember, workplace safety is all our responsibility.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
What is forklift training?
After learning WHY proper forklift training is so important, the next question is...What does forklift training consist of? OSHA gives us guidelines that we should follow for the foundation of our training.
When referring to OSHA's regulation 29 CFR 1910.178(l) you can see the mandated topics that need to be covered. There are 13 truck-related topics and 9 workplace-related topics.
Moving on to the (m) section,of the same regulation, OSHA goes further into specific rules and regulations. The specific topics include: truck operations,traveling,loading,operation of the truck, and maintenance of industrial trucks.
Depending on your company, types of forklifts being used, and jobs the forklifts are being used for, some topics won't apply to your situation. Your work site may actually require MORE safety precautions!
One of the biggest advantages of using ON-SITE trainers is the fact that they can address your unique needs. I am a trainer for Forklift Certification Specialist based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth. One of the keys to our success is the fact that we shape our training to not only be OSHA compliant, but also site-specific.
Online certification is popular choice due to convenience and it's lower cost. However, we strongly advise companies going this route to also have someone in house who is very familiar with the forklifts they use, and the working environment they use them in. That person will still have to administer the driving test. Keep in mind..with online certification, students still must take the practical portion of the test by someone with the knowledge,training, and experience to do so.
After training hundreds of operators through on-site classes we've found that every single company has it's own unique concerns that need to be covered in training. Through evaluating the workplace,talking with managers and drivers those specific topics can be incorporated into the training class.
Proper forklift training does not have to be a mystery with a little research and the dedication to a safe working environment. Whether you have an in-house trainer, hire a company to do you training, or go online, make sure your training meets OSHA's standards and your own unique working environment needs.
When referring to OSHA's regulation 29 CFR 1910.178(l) you can see the mandated topics that need to be covered. There are 13 truck-related topics and 9 workplace-related topics.
Moving on to the (m) section,of the same regulation, OSHA goes further into specific rules and regulations. The specific topics include: truck operations,traveling,loading,operation of the truck, and maintenance of industrial trucks.
Depending on your company, types of forklifts being used, and jobs the forklifts are being used for, some topics won't apply to your situation. Your work site may actually require MORE safety precautions!
One of the biggest advantages of using ON-SITE trainers is the fact that they can address your unique needs. I am a trainer for Forklift Certification Specialist based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth. One of the keys to our success is the fact that we shape our training to not only be OSHA compliant, but also site-specific.
Online certification is popular choice due to convenience and it's lower cost. However, we strongly advise companies going this route to also have someone in house who is very familiar with the forklifts they use, and the working environment they use them in. That person will still have to administer the driving test. Keep in mind..with online certification, students still must take the practical portion of the test by someone with the knowledge,training, and experience to do so.
After training hundreds of operators through on-site classes we've found that every single company has it's own unique concerns that need to be covered in training. Through evaluating the workplace,talking with managers and drivers those specific topics can be incorporated into the training class.
Proper forklift training does not have to be a mystery with a little research and the dedication to a safe working environment. Whether you have an in-house trainer, hire a company to do you training, or go online, make sure your training meets OSHA's standards and your own unique working environment needs.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
The importance of proper forklift training
Forklift safety, forklift training, and
forklift certification are important topics that need to be on the mind of anyone working with or around forklifts.
One of the first aspects of forklift safety is simply realizing what a forklift actually is...heavy machinery. All heavy machinery should only be operated after proper training has been completed. Seems like common sense, yet all across the United States forklifts are being operated by drivers with no formal training.
The number one reason for forklift training is safety.
OSHA reports there are over 90,000 forklift related accidents each year resulting in around 100 deaths. 70-90% of those accidents are due to operator error!
The second most important reason for training...IT'S THE LAW!!
The main two governing bodies for powered industrial trucks are OSHA and NIOSH. OSHA law states "The employer shall certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated..." Fines for not doing so can be up to $7,000 per operator! Refresher training should be conducted at least every 3 years.
Other reasons for forklift training include(but not limited to) Less product damage, reduced worker's compensation rates, lower forklift maintenance cost, and increased production.
forklift certification are important topics that need to be on the mind of anyone working with or around forklifts.
One of the first aspects of forklift safety is simply realizing what a forklift actually is...heavy machinery. All heavy machinery should only be operated after proper training has been completed. Seems like common sense, yet all across the United States forklifts are being operated by drivers with no formal training.
The number one reason for forklift training is safety.
OSHA reports there are over 90,000 forklift related accidents each year resulting in around 100 deaths. 70-90% of those accidents are due to operator error!
The second most important reason for training...IT'S THE LAW!!
The main two governing bodies for powered industrial trucks are OSHA and NIOSH. OSHA law states "The employer shall certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated..." Fines for not doing so can be up to $7,000 per operator! Refresher training should be conducted at least every 3 years.
Other reasons for forklift training include(but not limited to) Less product damage, reduced worker's compensation rates, lower forklift maintenance cost, and increased production.
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