How to Get Forklift Certified

Interested in getting forklift certified? If you or your employees need to operate a forklift on the job, you need to know how to use the equipment properly to prevent dangerous accidents. Before operating a forklift, you need to be familiar with all facets of the equipment, including all forklift parts and any forklift attachments you may use for your everyday applications.

Here’s a closer look at how to get forklift certified.

Why is certification required?

Forklift-related accidents can be deadly, and they’re often caused by operator carelessness or an unfamiliarity with forklift attachments and components. When operators complete their certification requirements, they have a full understanding of the risks and dangers associated with operating a forklift in their work environment.

In addition, certification benefits businesses since operators are trained to keep an eye on the condition of their forklift and its components. Certified forklift operators understand that pre-shift inspections can help identify maintenance issues before they become major problems. Not only does this contribute to improved safety on the job, but it also increases forklift life and reduces downtime.

Forklift certification is the law. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all forklift operators to be certified before operating any lift truck. This certification reduces accidents, reduces equipment damage and lowers insurance premiums.

How to become forklift certified

The actual process of certification depends on who provides the training, but in any case, a formal educational training must be provided. Training can take the form of a lecture, online course, written course and other educational training on forklift operations.

According to OSHA regulations, you also need to take a hands-on training session at the location where you’ll be using the forklift. Training should be facilitated by experienced educators, ensuring new operators have the knowledge and experience required to use the equipment in their specific work environment.

Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll need to meet OSHA 1910.178 standards in terms of evaluating your skills. You’ll need to schedule an evaluation and show you’re able to operate the equipment in your workplace.

Who offers forklift training and certification?

Since OSHA doesn’t train forklift operators, it’s up to the employer to organize forklift training and certification. It’s usually easiest to reach out to your local forklift sales and service provider. They often offer comprehensive training programs that fulfill all OSHA requirements.

Do I have to take a written test for forklift certification?

A cumulative written test is usually required for forklift certification. It evaluates whether the would-be forklift operator is trained and knowledgeable enough to safely operate a lift truck during certification. While OSHA doesn’t specifically require a written test, they do require some form of evaluation or examination before they award certification.

Want to know more about forklift certification and get an understanding of the forklift parts you need to inspect before you operate your lift truck? Talk to the experts at V-Bar Equipment Company today. We offer comprehensive forklift training that gets you and your employees forklift certified as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Categorised in: Forklift Certification

This post was written by Writer