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OS5u—Forklift Operator Safety Training

Subscriber price: $30.00, Non-subscriber price: $45.00
Estimated total study time: 2 hours 40 minutes [Enroll now]

This course teaches basic forklift operating procedures with an emphasis on universal safety concerns and procedures. It is designed to meet U.S. OSHA required safety training as specified in 29 CFR 1910.178, both initial certification training and refresher training using sub-courses as MAY be required. Note: Some states have state-level forklift safety regulations in addition to the federal OSHA regulations which may affect operator training. State safety regulations are not addressed in this training. Employers should determine if state regulations affect forklift safety training, and if so must supplement this training as appropriate.

This course covers theory and procedures applicable to most forklift trucks designed for use on hard surfaces powered by both propane and electric motors. It does NOT address additional safety concerns when operating:

  • Large or high load capacity forklifts (e.g., lifting capacity over 3000 kg. (6600 Lbs.))
  • Forklifts equipped with other than standard forks and fork extenders (e.g., front-end drum/side clamps, booms, slip sheet attachments)
  • On unpaved/soft surfaces (e.g., construction and field operations)

The course consists of:

  • Forklift operation and safety measures applicable to typical general purpose sit-down forlkifts of the type used in warehouses and cargo terminals. This consists of three on-line lessons covering operational theory and practice inclusive of video examples of correct (safe) and incorrect (unsafe) operations, and preparation for subsequent "hands-on" learning and performance evaluation.
  • Multiple "hands-on" training and performance evaluation modules as needed for the operational circumstances of the operator to be trained and evaluated:
    • OS5.1—Performance Evaluation: Pre and Post Operation (Propane Powered Forklift) (optional, depending on type of forklift to be used)
    • OS5.2—Performance Evaluation: Pre and Post Operation (Electric Powered Forklift) (optional, depending on type of forklift to be used)
    • OS5.3—Performance Evaluation: Forklift Driving, Maneuvering and Parking
    • OS5.4—Performance Evaluation: Forklift Load Handling
    • OS5.5—Performance Evaluation: Loading/unloading conveyances (dock and ground-level)
    • OS5.6—Performance Evaluation: Forklift Operation Inside Enclosed Conveyances (optional, if operator will operate across dock board or ramp into conveyances)
    • OS5.7—Performance Evaluation: Forklift Operation Using Fork Extenders (optional, if operator will use these)

This course requires a trainer-evaluator at the student's facility to conduct the "hands-on" performance evaluations for each student. Per OSHA rules, this must be a person with "the knowledge, training, and experience to train ... (forklift) operators and evaluate their competence."

Each of these performance evaluation modules consist of a preparatory remarks and a downloadable instructive checklist to guide the "hands-on" training as needed, and the subsequent a performance evaluation conducted in the workplace by a company-designated trainer-evaluator. When the student passes an evaluation, the trainer-evaluator marks the particular evaluation (checklist) as passed using a link in the email which notified him/her of the operator training assignment. This notification message will provide needed instructions to the evaluator as well.

This training will be completed when the student has completed the three on-line lessons and the evaluator has marked all evaluated exercise modules as "passed" or, for optional modules, as not-applicable, in the system. Upon completion of this course, the system will send the evaluator an email message confirming completion, with a certificate as well as a wallet card for the evaluator to sign and provide to the student (now a company-certified forklift operator)

Important: The on-line portion of this training course is not sufficient for certification of an forklift operator under U.S. OSHA and most other jurisdiction regulations. The operator must also complete "hands on" training as needed and then pass a performance evaluation in the workplace on the particular forklift(s) to be operated. These "hands-on" performance evaluation modules (worksheets) are assigned as a package (i.e., as part of this "course"). Particular modules may also be separately assigned for use when the type of forklift or work conditions change and therefor added training is required.

Forklift Safety & Training Responsibilities

This lesson consists of an overview of training and safety responsibilities, as specified under OSHA rules (29 CFR 1910.177), and previews the training subject matter and process for the student.

(Estimated study time: 35 minutes)

  • Forklift Safety Orientation & Training Responsibilities
    • Forklift Truck Operation Is Hazardous
    • Shared Responsibilities
    • Our General Training Objectives
    • Forklift Safety Training Requirements (Preview)
      • General – Federal (OSHA) Plus State Regulations
      • OSHA (Federal) Forklift Training Requirements
      • Training Topics Based on Type of Truck
      • Training Topics Based on Workplace Conditions
      • Structure of Your Training Herein

Forklift Functionality & Safe Operation

This module uses a narrated youtube presentation to address the various types of forklift trucks, basic functionality common to all, the hazards faced when operating a forklift, and how to avoid accidents and injury.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 36 minutes)

  • Forklift Functionality & Safe Operation

Preparing for "Hands-On" Learning and Performance Evaluation

This module uses a narrated slide show and video presentation to address the various types of forklift trucks, basic functionality common to all, the hazards faced when operating a forklift, and how to operate safely without accidents and injury.

(Estimated study time: 28 minutes)

  • General Instructions
  • Review and Preparation for Hands-On Training
  • Checklist Purpose and Functions

OS5.1u—Propane Forklift Pre/Post Operation

OS5.2u—Electric Forklift Pre/Post Operation

Forklift Driving, Maneuvering and Parking Checklist

This module will prepare you for your hands-on training and performance evaluation in safely driving, maneuvering and parking a forklift.

(Estimated study time: 1 minute)

  • III. Driving, Maneuvering and Parking Checklist

Forklift Load Handling Basics Checklist

This module will prepare you for your hands-on training and performance evaluation in forklift load handling basics.

(Estimated study time: 1 minute)

  • IV. Load Handling Basics Checklist

OS5.5u—Loading/Unloading Trucks Using a Forklift

OS5.6u—Forklift Operation Inside Conveyances

OS5.7u—Using Forklift Fork Extenders