Employers are not required to replicate previous training of a new operator based on lift truck regulations. Training however needs to be supplemented in order to address specific workplace risks and particular workplace machines. For instance, an operator doesn't have to be trained in order to steer a forklift on a ramp if that place of work does not contain a ramp; nonetheless, if the operator is really assigned to work somewhere which has a ramp, it is necessary that extra training needs to be provided.
Trainees could use a powered industrial truck just when they are under the direct supervision of people who have the experience, knowledge and training to train operators and assess their skill using the machinery. The trainees could just learn in a setting where such operation does not put in danger the trainee themselves or other workers.
Making a practical evaluation within the workplace is also necessary. If a third party training provider is chosen, it is wise to have the training occur at the jobsite, using lift trucks at the workplace to be as precise as possible.
An operator is said to be qualified once they have successfully passed the training with records maintained by the employer. The certification has to contain the operator name, the training date, and the name of the individual performing the evaluation and training and finally the assessment date. Even if certain state OSHA bodies require the issue of an operator's certificate, the Federal OSHA does not need it.
Refresher training is required to be completed every 3 years. It is also needed any time an operator demonstrates some kind of inadequacy in safe lift truck operation. For instance, refresher training would be triggered by some occurrences including: if a different kind of lift truck is introduced to the workplace, if there is an accident or a near miss, if a supervisor observes operating unsafely and if an operator received a poor 3 year evaluation.
It has to be noted that refresher training is not always the solution when unsafe use is noticed. For instance, if an operator is disobeying workplace safety regulations deliberately, it can be required to implement disciplinary action. And finally, even though training lift truck operators is a requirement, it is necessary to practice lift truck awareness training for other employees working near forklifts and pedestrians so as to ensure everybody would be safe.