Training & Certification

Because knowledge and skills are needed to operate a forklift or PIT safely, anyone who drives a forklift or PIT must be trained and certified by an approved PIT training program. In addition, operators must be retrained in the event that he or she has driven in an unsafe manner or been involved in an accident or a near-miss, and whenever workplace conditions change and require new operator skills.

Appropriate training typically combines interactive computer learning and written material with hands-on training and the evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace. Operator training and evaluation must be conducted by persons who have the knowledge, training, and experience to train forklift and PIT operators and evaluate their competence.

Before you complete a training program and receive your certification, you may operate a forklift or PIT only when supervised by a qualified, certified operator and only in an environment where such operation does not pose a risk to you, to the supervisor, and to other employees and bystanders. Once you are certified, you can drive only the types of trucks for which you have received certification.

Remember that forklift trainees and operators must be at least 18 years old.

The employer is responsible for making sure that all forklift and PIT drivers are certified. The operator certificate must include the following:

• Operator's name
• Date of training
• Date of evaluation
• Name of the person who conducted the training or evaluation

The employer is also responsible for reevaluating every operator's performance at least once every three years after the operator's initial certification.

If workplace conditions change, an operator is not required to take additional training if the operator has received previous forklift training that is is appropriate to the new truck and working conditions, and the operator has been evaluated and found competent to operate the truck safely.

Employees should be aware of certification and reevaluation requirements and follow up with their employers with questions or concerns.

To learn more about Forklift Safety visit our Forklift Safety Online Training web page.