Forklift Training: Required by OSHA, Good for Warehouses

Just like you would want everyone driving on the road to have a valid drivers license, you also want everyone operating a forklift to receive forklift training and thus be qualified to operate the machine. Forklift training is not only smart, it is required by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). OSHA federal regulation CFR 1910.178 says that forklift operators must be trained and authorized to run a powered industrial truck.

Forklift training includes both knowledge and hands-on operational skills. Here is a sample of the many things a person will learn during forklift training:

• Recognizing the types of lift trucks (diesel, electric, gasoline, and LP-gas powered)
• Maintaining lift trucks
• Protecting yourself by watching where you place your hands and feet
• Knowing what to do if the forklift begins to tip over
• Driving slowly and always stopping at warehouse intersections

Forklift training is important because forklift operators are responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of people around them. Forklift operation can also be improved when the warehouse uses the right forklift truck for their pallet rack system and aisle width. Please call or e-mail Ace Industrial Equipment about various ways that pallet rack, warehouse design, and safety equipment can help you with forklift training and operation.