Forklift Training
Before operating a forklift, workers must complete a forklift training program that provides them with certification showing that they have learned to drive and load the forklift in a safe manner. For the most part driving a forklift is similar to driving an automobile. The trick comes in learning how to load items onto the forklift's tines and balance them while the forklift is moving. Forklifts are used in a variety of workplaces including retail warehouses for grocery, department, garden supply, and electronics stores. They are also used in manufacturing facilities, sawmills, constructions sites and some agricultural settings.
The occupational health and safety agencies in Canada and the United States have regulations detailing the forklift training requirements for their area. Forklift drivers should have their certification available for inspection at all times while on the job site. In most cases supervisors or business owners select the training program for their forklift drivers. Workers rarely have to find their own forklift training, but young people looking for their first job in a warehouse may want to take training before job hunting to get an edge on the competition.
Forklift training is advertised in the yellow pages, in the employment or education classified ads of local newspapers and online. Supervisors can choose to hire an outside source to teach forklift training. However, they can also purchase training kits that provide them with instructions and all the supplies necessary to hold a training session anytime. This can be useful and cost efficient if they will be training a number of workers throughout the year, rather than all at one time.
Forklift training usually consists of two parts, a theory class and hands-on training. Often the class can be completed in a single day or several meetings over a couple of weeks. At the end of the program there is usually a multiple choice test and a driving test. Those who score over a certain percentile will receive their certification, while those who do not will have to repeat the course.
There are a number of different kinds of forklifts including narrow aisle, counterbalanced and rough terrain. Training programs can cover all the types or be focussed on just one. Training may focus on using the forklift in a specific location such as a construction site or crowded manufacturing plant. Regardless of forklift type and location, training programs cover common topics like driving, checking controls, accident prevention, refuelling, and how to load, stack, balance, and unload materials from the forklift. If there are special challenges in your work setting, many training facilities can design the training to meet your specific needs.
While the hands-on training for forklift drivers must be done in person with an instructor, there is more versatility in how workers can complete the theory part of their training. Forklift instructors may hold class sessions at the job site or in their own classroom space. Workers may also be given instruction manuals, videos, or workbooks to complete at home. Some trainers even offer their theory training through online lessons and quizzes.