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Forklift Operators Outline of Training Program Requirements

Training must include the following:

The fundamentals of the powered industrial truck(s) the employee will operate, including:

1. The characteristics of the powered industrial truck(s) and variations between the different trucks used in the workplace;
2. The similarities to and differences from automobiles;
3. The significance of the nameplate date, rated capacity, warnings and instructions affixed to the truck;
4. The operating instructions and warnings in the operating manual for the truck and the instructions for inspection and maintenance to be performed by the truck operator;
5. The type of motor power and its characteristics;
6. Steering method;
7. Braking method and characteristics, with and without load;
8. Visibility, with and without load, forward and reverse;
9. Load handling capacity, weight and load center;
10. Stability characteristics, with and without load, and with and without attachments;
11. Controls - location, function, method of operation, identification of symbols;
12. Load handling capabilities; forks, attachments;
13. Fueling and battery charging;
14. Guards and protective devices for the specific type of truck;
15. Other characteristics of the specific industrial truck.

The operating environment and its effect on truck operation, including:

1. Floor or ground conditions including temporary conditions;
2. Ramps and inclines, with and without a-load;
3. Trailers, railcars and dock boards (including the use of wheel chocks, jacks and other securing devices);
4. Fueling and battery charging facilities;
5. The use of " classified" trucks in areas classified as hazardous due to risk of fire or
6. Explosion, as defined in ANSI/NFPA 505;
7. Narrow aisles, doorways, overhead wires and pipes and other areas of limited clearance;
8. Areas where the truck may be operated near other powered industrial trucks, other vehicles, or pedestrians;
9. Use and capacity of elevators;
10. Operation near edge of a dock or the edge of an improved surface;
11. Other special operating conditions and hazards which may be encountered.

The operation of the powered industrial truck(s) including:

1. The proper preshift inspection and approved method for removing from service any truck that is in need of repair;
2. Load handling techniques, lifting, lowering, picking up, placing, tilting;
3. Traveling, with and without loads; turning corners;
4. Parking and shutdown procedures;
5. Other special operating conditions.

• Highlights of OSHA Standards on Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training
• Labor committee approves state-mandated safety training

Forklift Training: Train-the-Trainer programs offered by CBIA

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