FORKLIFT

This course provides classroom instruction and hands-on training for operators of forklifts (counterbalanced sit-down and stand-up trucks) and telehandlers (extendable-boom rough terrain forklifts). It is designed to meet the operator training requirements of 29 CFR 1910.178 in general industry and 29 CFR 1926.602 in construction, along with the applicable ANSI/ITSDF B56.1 and B56.6 consensus standards. Participants learn safe operating principles with emphasis on load capacity and center of gravity, stability, load chart interpretation, and safe travel and load-handling practices, followed by a practical skills demonstration and performance evaluation. Successful completion supports employer certification of the operator for each specific truck type and workplace.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

  • Identify the controls, instrumentation, and operating characteristics of forklifts and telehandlers
  • Interpret the manufacturer's data plate or load chart and determine safe load capacity at varying lift heights, load centers, and — for telehandlers — boom extension and reach
  • Explain the stability triangle, center of gravity, and how load weight, height, and truck movement affect tip-over risk
  • Perform a pre-operation/pre-shift inspection and properly report defects
  • Operate the truck safely, including traveling, turning, stacking, and unstacking loads
  • Properly pick up, carry, and place loads, including use of attachments where applicable
  • For telehandlers, safely extend and retract the boom, and set up and use outriggers/stabilizers where equipped
  • Recognize and respond to pedestrian, overhead, and workplace hazards affecting safe operation

EVALUATION AND CERTIFICATION

Each operator's performance is evaluated in the workplace by a qualified trainer or evaluator. The employer certifies that each operator has been trained and evaluated for each specific type of truck the operator is authorized to operate. The certification record includes the name of the operator, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation.