Forklift Certification...

[John Banks]

I just got a mailer from United Rentals. They are offering a Lull Forklift Certification class, $250 per person. In the letter it states that "as of 12/1/99 Operators must be OSHA compliant, it's the law" Can anyone tell me what this means? I know lots of Lull operators that have not had any formal training classes or certifications. What does it mean to be OSHA compliant? I am in CT btw, which I know has some different laws regarding equipment operation, etc. vs. states like MA.

 

[xkvator]

John,
you, or a competent person in your company can do the training.
I do safety training for a major co...we get certified by a formal program they have. plus, i have been to Bobcat's instructor program for skidsteer/backhoe safety.

lookup "forklift certification", "OSHA forklift safety training'', etc. and you'll find all the info you need.
Examples
http://www.certifyme.net/index.php3
http://www.forklift-safety.com/?src=overture

You'll find courses you can buy, written tests, etc., but save yourself some money and alter them to your specific equipment
I've made up programs for small machine shops from my books and stuff off the internet.
One thing they like to see is pre-operation inspections...and make up a pre-op list, laminate it, and display it on the machine

You must have:
classroom instruction
written test
hands on evaluation
...and OSHA wants companies to keep formal records of training

down the road, they're going to want safety training for all equipment

let me know if you have any questions, and i'll be glad to answer/ or find the answer to them

 

[xkvator]

another example is http://www.omniquip.com/Customer_Support/SalesSchoolsGeneralInformation.asp they have a telehandler training program for trainers and operators...there's a training material list with part #'s
you could probably order them from your local dealer



BRL Edit: I fixed that link - goes right to the training page now.

 

[xkvator]

written test

here's a written test
http://forklift1.com/OperatorSafetyTest.html

 

[John Banks]

Thanks very much for the links and info, I'll take a look.

 

[Ford LT-9000]

That Forklift certification is a freaking joke all its for is to cover the azz of the insurance company or the company you are working for. They will give certification to people that know the therory but have no frigging experience.

I have been running forklift since I was 14 year old for my famillies freight company. I have unloaded parts for helicopters that were worth close to a million dollars. Objects that we need two forklifts to lift off because it weighs 20,000 plus pounds and its 9' wide.

One job my brother was on the guy that was certified was the only one allowed to run the forklift who flipped it over because he had no forklift experience. It came around that oh he is certified it was the forklifts fault it flipped over the operator is trained and certified

Like I said is more to do with putting the blame for accidents on someone else the certification is a crock of crap. More rules and regulations some pencil pusher that prolly doesn't even know what a forklift is says oh operators need to be certified.

I have told some people get off the damn thing and let me do it your going to cause a accident. Nothing replaces close to 15 years of experience.

 

[Grader4me]

I would have to agree...I am an Equipment Instructor but I have very little Fork Lift experience. I could teach the classroom part on safety etc. but with the practical I would refuse because I am not "competent" on a Fork Lift. So...I make arrangments and send the students to a outside training source to a "competent" Instructor. They have one day classroom then become "certified" Fork lift operators:Banghead
I have no idea how this works in the rest of the country but to me to become a "Certified Fork Lift Operator" you should have the one day classroom and at least five days in the field for training and experience, be evaluated and hopefully become reasonably competent enough to receive Fork Lift Certification.

 

[D10N]

I wish MSHA was that easy!!! I'd get myself one heck of a raise by qualifying myself on EVERYTHING by taking online tests!!

That said, the certification is a good idea - Even for seasoned operators. It's got the potential to increase safety and reduce accidents, as well as reduce overall liability, especially by FORCING preshift inspections. I absolutely HATE when a machine has had a problem for months, and nobody bothers to check off/report the problem.

Nobody likes to do a thorough inspection, but this will also have the potential of holding companies liable for fixing things. I worked for a contractor once that absolutely REFUSED to acknowledge a Pettibone (Lull/telehandler/insert generic term of choice here) with a major-league bleed down issue on the boom. At least until a welding machine got dropped, then it was "Nobody told me about it!!:beatsme :angel " If there had been inspection cards done and filed, the cheap SOB would've had to fix it.

 

[544D10]

At my previous employer, our Certification test went as follows. They tell us the answers to write down and then they tell us the question. That way there are NO mistakes on any of the test incase OSHA or ??? came looking. What a JOKE.

 

[mikepattenson]

I just got a mailer from United Rentals. They are offering a Lull Forklift Certification class, $250 per person. In the letter it states that "as of 12/1/99 Operators must be OSHA compliant, it's the law" Can anyone tell me what this means? I know lots of Lull operators that have not had any formal training classes or certifications. What does it mean to be OSHA compliant? I am in CT btw, which I know has some different laws regarding equipment operation, etc. vs. states like MA.

Being OSHA compliant mean the United Rentals or the training school adhere to standards set forth by OSHA. This mean that the training program they have to certify forklift operators is in accordance to OSHA. At the training course, you must attend the classroom lectures and hands-on driving, pass the written exam and evaluation before you can be certified and have your license.

If you want to know more about forklift licensing, click here

I just want to clarify, OSHA is not in the business of certifying operators, they're the authority to be followed. They set the standards.

 

[old-iron-habit]

OSHA is national, not state. Individual states may go stricter on safety rules but they can not go less than OSHA. OSHA requires a competent operator on a powered forklift any kind. Forklift operation is only part of it. If you get an OSHA site inspection you better have your daily inspection sheet correctly filled out and in the machine if it is or has been used that day. Any yes, some of them will lay their hand on the engine to see if it is warm.

Forklift certs are only good for two or three? Years and then you need to do another practical test to maintain you certification. Takes all of 5 minutes. The class does cover the basics for the totally green folks that don't understand the laws of gravity but it is pretty basic for any one with common sense. Most construction companies of any size have a competent trainer certified to do the training and testing. Rental companies often do them for free if you ask when you rent their equipment.

 

[oldtanker]

Every time I read about training on here I have to laugh. While on active duty, on tanks we turned in our M60A3's for M1's. A 5 million dollar tank. We got 2 weeks of training on the M1. That's 8 hours a day 5 days a week. When I became a tactics instructor us instructors had to mow the lawn around our building. We were all SSG's (E6) tank commanders. We had to attend an 8 hour a day course for 5 days to be certified to operate and push rotary mower, a weed whacker and a TORO Grounds Master riding mower, total value under 4K. In this case it was someone creating a civilian government job for someone. I wonder just how much of the safety certs in the civilian sector are just someone creating work to justify their job?

Rick

 

[old-iron-habit]

In Minesota all required safety certifications but crane operator can be taught by a safety officer employed by the company whom has attended and passed the "train the trainer" school. Most larger companies have multiples of trainers. You need them when certs are expiring every couple of years.

 

[michaelblaire]

Forklift certification can be administered by an experienced trainer. The trainer must be knowledgeable and able to conduct the training. Training can be done on site or in training school. If you are presently employed, it's your employer's obligation to provide you the training.

http://forkliftcertificationblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/how-to-apply-for-forklift-certification.html

 

[mikepattenson]

You can find info here about forklift license application: https://forkliftlicenseblog.wordpress.com

 

[dozerman400]

A lot of people have got hurt or killed because of people getting on the forklifts thinking they are easy and what could go wrong? After a lot of accidents pulling scaffolding down with labors on it, our union decided to make it mandatory to be certified for operating forklifts.

 

[N8th]

Hello All,
I hope not to be redundant with my question and otherwise possibly ask a new one as well.
I have about 10 years experience operating forklifts in a small warehouse setting, nothing more than loading and unloading trucks with inventory and in/outbound shipments, moving pallets of inventory from racking to the floor and visa versa around 900 lbs. I've operated a standup RAYMOND forklift, a CLARK sitdown and a Toyota sitdown all battery powered.
My company essentially bought a training package including videos for gas and battery powered standup and sitdown forklifts and a fun little film titled "The Great Betrayal".
It also includes a multiple choice test from Jane Adams and a set of certification cards, certificates, and workbooks from forkliftsafety.com.

Based on the wording I found on the USDL OSHA site (link:https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIVES&p_id=2277) thus:
"
How could an employer determine the qualifications of trainers?

An example of a qualified trainer would be a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by knowledge, training and experience, has demonstrated the ability to train and evaluate powered industrial truck operators."
With that, I assume I am qualified as I have had no accidents and an overall clean record for 10 years operating a forklift, to train and certify forklift operators for our warehouse location/company.
Well, I can also assume that nothing is this easy/simple, but with my status of Manager and time with sound accident-free operation for 10 yrs, it seems I'm qualified to be a forklift safety and operation trainer for our warehouse/company in tandem with the package we have for the "classroom" portion of the training process.

I'd love to hear from you experienced and knowledgeable forklift operators/trainers that my assumption is correct or incorrect and if it would satisfy an audit of my status as a certified forklift trainer (or even a certificate signed off on by my supervisor) based on the criteria quoted above?
I look forward to hearing from you all. Thanks for your time.

 

[crane operator]

If the company wants to make up the paperwork that you are a "qualified" trainer, and you are willing to assume the responsibility and the liability, sure.

Most big companies anymore, would rather send everyone out for a 3rd party training/ or a video/ with testing, and then they throw some of the liability too the training company in the event of a accident.

I "trained" all of my guys for our company forklifts. We make up little cards and a "certificate" and have it on file for our insurance company.

 

[John C.]

I have to wonder how anyone could prove liability on a trainer in the event of a forklift accident. As a trainer I can honestly state you can lead a horse to water but I'll be damned if I'm responsible that he isn't thirsty.

 

[crane operator]

I don't think they could prove any liability, but that doesn't mean you aren't going to court, and could get drug into a mess. Some guys just don't want the hassle. Lawyers get paid by the hour, and can bill their client for everybody they sue.