One of the most risky pieces of equipment operated around pallet rack in a warehouse is a forklift. To prevent the hazards of forklifts and other powered industrial trucks, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires anyone who operates a forklift to receive forklift certification. To receive forklift certification, you must be evaluated (sometimes by a written exam) to ensure that you have the proper forklift skills.

Forklift certification classes are available from truck manufactures, online courses, private consultants, and local trade or vocational schools across the country. While you may come across many videos that can assist with forklift training and certification, watching video does not meet the OSHA standard for forklift certification. Your own personal knowledge and skill about operating a forklift must also be evaluated before forklift certification is achieved. Some of the areas covered by forklift certification classes are the following:

• Safety rules
• Hands-on operation
• Forklift maintenance
• Proper recordkeeping

Forklift certification is not a one-time process. OSHA requires that employees be evaluated for forklift certifications at least once every three years. For more information about forklift safety, pallet rack safety, and other warehouse issues, call or e-mail the experts at Ace Industrial Equipment.