Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklifts): Practical Training (Hands-On)

This course informs the learner about the safe operating procedures needed for using powered industrial trucks. Powered industrial trucks refer to fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, and other specialized industrial trucks powered by electric motor or internal combustion engines. The course participants will know safe operating procedures for powered industrial trucks. Students will also be able to demonstrate safe driving techniques. 

Contents:

• Specific operating instructions, warning and precautions for the type of truck the operator will be authorized to operate;
• Specific truck controls and instrumentation for the type of truck the operator will be authorized to operate including where they are located, what they do, and how they work;
• Surface conditions where the vehicle will be operated
• Composition of loads to be carried and load stability;
• Load manipulation, stacking, and unstacking;
• Pedestrian traffic in areas where the vehicle will be operated;
• Hazardous locations where the vehicle will be operated;
• Ramps and other sloped surfaces that could affect the vehicle’s stability;
• Closed environments and other areas where insufficient ventilation or poor vehicle maintenance could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide or diesel exhaust;
• Other unique or potentially hazardous environmental conditions in the workplace that could affect safe operation; and
• Any other operating instructions, warning, or precautions listed in the operator’s manual for the types of vehicle that the employee is being trained to operate.
• Evaluation of Forklift Operator

Target Audience:
This course is intended for West Virginia University employees who use any type of powered industrial truck as part of their job duties.

Frequency Requirements	Course Length	Referenced Regulation
Every 3 Years	3 Hours	29 CFR 1910.178