Operating a forklift seems pretty straightforward – drive up, lift the load, drive to the destination, lower the load. However, being a forklift operator requires proper training and certification for legal and safety reasons. This comprehensive guide will explore the intricacies of forklift certification, from understanding its importance to navigating the certification process.
Introduction to Forklift Certification
Forklift certification provides training in safely operating a forklift and formally acknowledges you are qualified to do so. Legally, any employee operating a forklift must be certified according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. These exist to protect workers from forklift-related hazards, which account for around 85 forklift-related deaths and over 34,900 serious injuries per year.
To legally operate a forklift, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete required training
- Pass a formal evaluation
- Receive certification
Certification is mandatory for all forklift operators and must be administered by qualified instructors. OSHA requirements state that operators should be reevaluated every three years. Certification demonstrates you understand how to safely operate, load, unload, and handle a forklift and its cargo.
Requirements for Forklift Certification
Several requirements must be met before obtaining forklift certification:
- Age: OSHA mandates that operators must be at least 18 years old. Some employers require operators be over 21.
- Training: You must complete comprehensive training that covers classroom instruction, hands-on training, and a formal evaluation. Training is typically done through third-party training organizations, employer-provided courses, or union groups.
- Classroom Instruction: This covers how forklifts operate, controls and instrumentation, safety procedures, inspecting the truck, refueling, and more. Training standards from OSHA must be included.
- Hands-on Training: You will receive hands-on training with an experienced instructor where you practice vehicle inspection, safe operating procedures, picking up and moving loads, and driving the truck.
- Evaluation: A driving test and written exam will evaluate your understanding of safety standards and ability to operate a forklift. You must pass to receive certification.
- Recertification: Forklift certification must be renewed every 3 years through an informal evaluation or formal training. New skills and safety procedures are covered in recertification.
Benefits of Forklift Certification
Becoming a certified forklift operator has many advantages:
- Job Opportunities: Certification allows you to widen your job search, as many employers specifically seek out certified operators. Experience operating different truck types also expands options.
- Higher Earning Potential: Certified operators typically earn 10-15% more than non-certified operators. Those proficient in multiple trucks and attachments have greater earning power.
- Safer Work Environments: Properly certified operators help decrease workplace accidents and related costs through safe operating practices. Certification often lowers insurance rates.
- Compliance: Certification ensures you and your employer comply with legal requirements for forklift operation, avoiding penalties and liability issues.
- Skill Development: Training enhances operational skills and safety knowledge while keeping skills current through recertification. Certification reflects advanced qualifications.
The Certification Process: Formal Instruction
The instructional component of forklift certification includes both classroom and hands-on training:
Classroom Instruction:
- Overview of forklift operation, components, and controls
- Procedures for inspecting the truck and reporting issues
- Instruction on battery charging and maintenance
- Fuel handling and tank inspection (fuel-powered trucks)
- Balance and stability factors when handling loads
- Safety standards and site-specific regulations
- Hazard avoidance, rights-of-way, and other traffic
- Proper load handling procedures
- Operator responsibility, liability, and conduct
Hands-On Training:
- Pre-operation inspection procedures
- Starting, driving, stopping, steering, and backing up
- Loading, unloading, picking, placing, and stacking loads
- Operating on ramps and inclines
- Handling unusual loads or obstructions
The Certification Process: Hands-On Training and Evaluation
The hands-on portion of forklift certification is a vital part of training:
Hands-on Training: Trainees receive hands-on training with an experienced instructor or trainer. This typically occurs on site with the specific trucks and conditions the operator will encounter. Trainees practice:
- Inspecting the truck and reporting issues
- Safe driving techniques with and without loads
- Picking up, maneuvering, and placing loads
- Stacking and unstacking loads at various heights
- Handling unusual loads or obstructions
- Driving on ramps and inclines
- Proper parking and shutdown procedures
Evaluation: The operator must pass a hands-on driving test observed by a certified trainer to confirm they can safely operate the truck. A written exam also evaluates knowledge of safety standards.
Certification: After passing required exams, the operator receives certification and a license from the training organization. Some employers provide additional on-site certification.
Worksite-Specific Training: Employers often require further on-site instruction covering company-specific regulations, traffic routes, load requirements, etc.
Online vs. In-Person Forklift Certification
For initial certification, most choose in-person training, which allows hands-on practice under close supervision. However, online forklift certification can offer advantages in certain situations:
Online Training Pros:
- More flexible scheduling
- Potentially lower cost
- Self-paced learning
- Accessibility for remote locations
- Recertification often available online
In-Person Training Pros:
- Hands-on practice with the truck
- Direct supervision and feedback
- Immediate answers to questions
- Employer-specific training options
- Networking opportunities
When choosing online vs. in-person, consider:
- Your learning style and needs
- The need for hands-on practice
- Specific requirements of your employer
- Whether it’s initial or recertification training
- Total costs and schedule implications
Maintaining and Renewing Forklift Certification
Once certified, operators and employers must ensure certification remains valid. OSHA requires recertification every 3 years with:
- Refresher training on safety procedures and emerging best practices
- Updated training on new truck types or attachments
- Evaluation of operator performance and knowledge
- Skills testing as needed for quality assurance
Recertification aims to enhance skills while confirming operators maintain safety standards. Allowing certification to lapse can endanger workers and lead to legal penalties. Proper documentation should be maintained by employers to validate certification status.\
Conclusion
In summary, forklift certification requires meeting age and training requirements, passing written and hands-on evaluations by qualified instructors, and renewing certification regularly. The result is skilled operators with the knowledge to help create safer, more productive workplaces. While the process requires an investment in training, the returns in worker safety and performance make certification well worthwhile.
Sources:
- Indeed: Forklift Operator Certification: How To Get Certified
- OSHA Regs: 1910.178
- Carolina Industrial Trucks: Advance Your Career: Benefits of Forklift Certification
- SafetySkills: OSHA Forklift Training Requirements
- A-1 Forklift Certification: Online Forklift OSHA Certification Training & Licensing
- CertifyMe.net: OSHA Forklift Certification Requirements
- Toyota Material Handling Northern California: 4 Major Benefits of Forklift Safety Training
- OSHA: Powered Industrial Trucks – Forklifts
- Toyota Material Handling Northern California: How to Get a Forklift Certification in California
- OSHA Education Center: OSHA Forklift Certification Training | 100% Online Course
- HCR: What Are the Benefits of Getting Forklift Certification?
- J.J. Keller: OSHA Forklift Training FAQs
- Forklift Certification Institute: Forklift Certification – 100% Online – Official Site
- AZ Job Connection: Forklift Operator Training Training Program
- Indeed: FAQ: What Is a Forklift Certification and Why Is It Important?
- OSHA.com: Forklift Certification & Heavy Equipment Training
- Forklift Academy: Forklift Certification Licence & Online OSHA Training For Individuals