Based on the lift truck rules, an employer is not required to repeat past training of a new operator. In order to address particular workplace hazards and particular workplace machinery, training has to be supplemented. Like for example, an operator doesn't need to be trained to steer a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not have a ramp; however, if the operator is really assigned to work someplace which has a ramp, it is necessary that extra training needs to be provided.
Trainees are only allowed to use lift trucks under direct supervision of just people who have the necessary training and knowledge to train and evaluate the trainees competence on the forklift. The trainees can only learn in an environment where such operation does not put in danger the trainee themselves or other workers.
It is vital to make a practical evaluation within the workplace. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training occur at the workplace, utilizing lift trucks at the workplace to be as accurate as possible.
Once an operator has successfully passed training with records maintained by the employer, they are said to be certified. The certification has to contain the name of the operator, the training date, and the name of the person performing the evaluation and training and lastly the date of evaluation. Though certain state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Refresher training is necessary to be completed every 3 years. It is also needed any time an operator shows some type of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For instance, refresher training will be triggered by some instances like: if a different kind of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if there is an accident or a near miss, if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation and if a supervisor observes operating unsafely.
It has to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe use is noticed. For example, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations intentionally, it might be necessary to implement disciplinary action. And last but not least, though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is essential to practice forklift awareness training for pedestrians and other staff working in the vicinity of forklifts in order to make certain that everybody stays safe.