OSHA Requirements

“The employer shall ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in the OSHA standard.”

“Prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck (except for training purposes), the employer shall ensure that each operator has successfully completed the required training (or previously received appropriate training).”

“The powered industrial truck operator training requirements are performance-oriented to permit employers to tailor a training program to the characteristics of their workplaces and the particular types of powered industrial trucks operated.”

“Under direct supervision of a person who has the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence; and, … Where such operation
does not endanger the trainee or other employees.

Training shall consist of a combination of: “Formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, written material), “Practical training (demonstrations and exercises performed by the trainee)

“Evaluation of the operator’s performance in the workplace

“Training and evaluation shall be conducted by a person with the knowledge, training and experience to train powered industrial truck operators and evaluate their competence.”

“Operators shall receive initial training in the following topics, except in topics which the employer can demonstrate are not applicable to safe operation in the employer’s workplace.”

Truck-related topics:
Operating instructions, warnings and precautions
Differences from automobile
Controls and instrumentation
Engine or motor operation
Steering and maneuvering
Visibility
Fork and attachment adaptation, operation, use

Vehicle capacity and stability
Vehicle inspection and maintenance that the operator will be required to perform
Refueling/Charging/ Recharging batteries
Operating limitations
Other instructions, etc

Workplace-related topics:
Surface conditions
Composition and stability of loads
Load manipulation, stacking, unstacking
Pedestrian traffic
Narrow aisles and restricted areas
Operating in hazardous (classified) locations
Operating on ramps and sloped surfaces
Potentially hazardous environmental conditions
Operating in closed environments or other areas where poor ventilation or maintenance
could cause carbon monoxide or diesel exhaust build-up

Refresher training required when:
Unsafe operation

Accident or near-miss
Evaluation indicates need
Different type of equipment introduced

Workplace condition changes

An evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator’s performance must be conducted:
After initial training,
After refresher training, and
At least once every three years

“If an operator has previously received training in a topic specified in this section, and the training is appropriate to the truck and working conditions encountered, additional training in that topic is not required if the operator has been evaluated and found competent to operate the truck safely.” OSHA.gov