Despite the amount of information available online, there are many misconceptions about forklifts and forklift training. There is a genuine reason for the confusion, myths, and misconceptions. When it comes to operating warehouse forklifts and forklift training, there are several layers of information regarding regulations, directives, policies, standards, best practices, guidelines, manufacturer’s instructions, etc. It makes sorting out the important stuff a little difficult. We are going to dispel some of the more common misconceptions about forklift training.
Forklift operators must be certified
Governing authorities toss around the term ‘certify’ so freely that it is possible to mistake certification as a legally mandatory requirement. According to the guidelines, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that each operator has been trained and evaluated properly.
Operators need a certificate of competence issued by an officially recognized regulatory authority to prove their qualifications, but it is the employer of the forklift operator who must provide proof of the competence of warehouse forklift operators.
While it is true that operators must hold a valid certificate to work, they must also be familiar with the specific equipment they are hired to operate. It’s imperative that employers provide specific and familiarisation training (and re-training when required) before authorising either permanent or contract-based staff to work.
Forklift operators must carry an operator’s license on them while using a forklift
Except for a few select locations, forklift training certificates are not required during the actual forklift operation. Issuing a certificate is a quick, easy way for a supervisor to confirm an operator has been formally qualified. The forklift training certificate warrants that the operator is qualified to use the truck, but its physical presence is not compulsory when the operator is at work. Known exceptions are restricted to a certain province in Canada
Forklift operators must be re-certified every three years.
Regulations state that operators’ knowledge and skills be re-evaluated at least every three years. If any unsafe behaviour is observed, only then must those operators receive a refresher course in forklift operations.
A forklift training course must be provided in the following circumstances:
- The operator has been observed conducting forklift operations in an unsafe manner.
- The operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident.
- A condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect the safe operation of the truck.
If the operators are found to be proficient and their working conditions have not changed, then additional training is not required.
If any of the issues are apparent, then training and evaluation may need to be done before the specified time interval.
While quality forklift training (or re-training) is vital for safety, good supervision from capable supervisors is critical to ensure fewer incidents and improves efficiency.
Once qualified, forklift operators can operate anywhere, on any type of equipment
An operator’s area of work is restricted to the workplace in which the certification they were issued and are not transferable. Regulatory authorities expect operator training to be limited to the worksite and the equipment specification for which the operator has registered.
For example – If you acquire a new larger counterbalance, different from what your employees are used to, even if it is the same brand, it will be significantly different to operate. In this instance, the operator should undergo conversion training. However, novice retraining is not usually needed.
Operators don’t need training on loads above a forklifts’ rated capacity, if they’re already trained on that truck
It is imperative that forklift safety and training is taken seriously. Regardless of whether your staff are trained to operate safely on specific types of truck, you must first ensure they are given the right equipment for the job in hand.
If a lift truck is not unduly rated to handle a particular load, that load must not be moved, even by a trained operator. Never attempt modification of existing trucks with longer forks or added weight without the authorisation of the manufacturer.
OM a leading forklift manufacturer in India that provides forklift training along with forklift maintenance and sales services. With a team of experts OM is well equipped to offer you best quality warehouse forklifts as per your business requirements and additional services to provide you a seamless material handling experience.
