The classroom portion of forklift operator training: how operator training and evaluation work, checking the truck, handling loads, traveling around people, parking and docks, and fueling and charging.
Based on OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 (powered industrial trucks, general industry) · about 10 min read
Need proof of training? The full course (30 min) adds practice questions, a job scenario, the final quiz and a certificate your employer can verify.
Your employer must make sure you are competent to operate the truck safely, shown by successfully completing the required training and evaluation. Before you operate a truck (except for training purposes), your employer must make sure you have completed that training.
Three parts, in combination
1. Formal instructionLecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video or written material. This course covers part of it; your employer covers the topics for your own trucks and workplace.
2. Practical trainingDemonstrations by the trainer and practical exercises you perform.
3. EvaluationYour performance is evaluated in the workplace.
Training and evaluation must be done by people with the knowledge, training and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence.
While you are a trainee
You may operate a truck only under the direct supervision of such a person, and only where it does not endanger you or other employees.
Your initial training covers truck topics and workplace topics, except topics your employer can demonstrate do not apply to safe operation of the truck in your workplace.
You get refresher training in relevant topics when
You have been observed operating the truck in an unsafe manner
You have been involved in an accident or near-miss incident
An evaluation shows you are not operating the truck safely
You are assigned to drive a different type of truck
A condition in the workplace changes in a way that could affect safe operation
Evaluation at least every three years
Your performance must be evaluated at least once every three years, even if none of the events above happens.
Your employer certifies you
Your employer must certify that you have been trained and evaluated. The certification includes your name, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation, and who did the training or evaluation.
Examined before service, out of service when unsafe
Examined before it goes into service
Trucks must be examined before being placed in service, at least daily. Where trucks are used round the clock, they must be examined after each shift. A truck must not be placed in service if the examination shows any condition that affects its safety. Your training covers any inspection and maintenance your employer requires you to perform.
Found a problem? Out of service
Defects, when found, must be reported immediately and corrected.
If at any time a truck needs repair, is defective or is in any way unsafe, it must be taken out of service until it is restored to safe operating condition.
A truck that emits hazardous sparks or flames from the exhaust, or that runs hotter than its normal operating temperature in a way that creates a hazard, must be removed from service until the cause is eliminated.
All repairs must be made by authorized personnel.
Do not change the truck
Modifications and additions that affect capacity and safe operation must not be made without the manufacturer's prior written approval. All nameplates and markings must be in place and legible.
Handle only stable or safely arranged loads. Use caution with off-center loads that cannot be centered.
Handle only loads within the rated capacity of the truck.
Long or high loads (including multiple-tiered loads) that may affect capacity must be adjusted.
A truck with an attachment is operated as a partially loaded truck even when it is not carrying a load.
Put the forks under the load as far as possible, then carefully tilt the mast backward to stabilize it.
Tilting
Use extreme care when tilting forward or backward, especially when high tiering.
Do not tilt forward with the forks elevated, except to pick up a load.
Do not tilt an elevated load forward except when it is in a deposit position over a rack or stack.
When stacking or tiering, use only enough backward tilt to stabilize the load.
Guards
The overhead guard protects you from small falling packages, boxes and bagged material. It is not meant to withstand a falling capacity load. A load backrest extension must be used whenever necessary to keep the load, or part of it, from falling rearward.
This page comes from OSHA's non-mandatory Appendix A on truck stability. It is guidance, not an added rule, but it explains why the load rules matter.
The stability triangle
Almost all counterbalanced trucks are supported at three points that form a stability triangle. When the line of action of the truck and load stays inside that triangle, the truck is stable. When it falls outside, the truck may tip over.
Read the data plate
Always check the data plate for the maximum allowable weight at the rated load center. A longer load moves its center farther out, so it may weigh less. OSHA's example: a truck rated 3,000 pounds at a 24-inch load center can handle a load-moment of 72,000 inch-pounds. A load with a 30-inch load center can then weigh at most 2,400 pounds.
Side-to-side tipping
Load placement, load height above the surface and how much the truck leans are factors that affect sideways stability.
Heavy loads
With a maximum load, carry it as low as possible, accelerate slowly and evenly, and tilt the forks forward cautiously.
Reference: 29 CFR 1910.178 Appendix A, A-4.1 · 29 CFR 1910.178 Appendix A, A-4.2 · 29 CFR 1910.178 Appendix A, A-5.2 · 29 CFR 1910.178 Appendix A, A-5.3 · 29 CFR 1910.178 Appendix A, A-6.2 · 29 CFR 1910.178 Appendix A, A-7.2 · 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(8)
Traveling and people
Rules of the road inside the plant
Obey all traffic regulations, including authorized plant speed limits. Keep the truck under control at all times.
Stay approximately three truck lengths behind the truck ahead.
Do not pass other trucks going the same direction at intersections, blind spots or other dangerous locations.
Slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other places where vision is obstructed.
If the load blocks your forward view, travel with the load trailing.
Look in the direction of travel and keep a clear view of your path.
Yield the right of way to ambulances, fire trucks and other vehicles in emergencies.
Always drive at a speed that lets you stop safely. Slow down for wet and slippery floors.
No stunt driving or horseplay.
Grades and tracks
Go up and down grades slowly. On grades over 10 percent, drive a loaded truck with the load upgrade.
On all grades, tilt the load back if applicable and raise it only as far as needed to clear the surface.
Cross railroad tracks diagonally wherever possible. Never park closer than 8 feet from the center of the tracks.
UnattendedYou are 25 ft. or more away, even if you can see it, or you have left and cannot see it. Fully lower the forks, neutralize the controls, shut off the power and set the brakes. Block the wheels if it is on an incline.
Dismounted, close byYou are within 25 ft. and can still see it. Fully lower the forks, neutralize the controls and set the brakes to prevent movement.
The highway truck's brakes are set and wheel chocks are under its rear wheels.
Brakes are set and wheel blocks are in place so trucks, trailers or rail cars cannot move during loading or unloading. Rail cars also need wheel stops or other recognized positive protection.
A semitrailer not coupled to a tractor may need fixed jacks to support it.
The floor of the truck, trailer or rail car has been checked for breaks and weakness.
On the dock
Keep a safe distance from the edge of ramps and platforms.
Never use the truck to open or close freight doors.
Dockboards and bridge plates must be properly secured before you drive over them. Drive over them carefully and slowly, and never exceed their rated capacity.
Elevators
Approach slowly and enter squarely after the car is properly leveled. Once on, neutralize the controls, shut off the power and set the brakes.
Fact-checked against the regulation text on October 09, 2026. This certificate records completion of awareness training (classroom portion) based on OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178. It is not an OSHA card or license, and it does not by itself qualify anyone to operate a powered industrial truck. Your employer must provide practical training, evaluate your performance in the workplace, certify your training and evaluation, and provide any required site-specific training and evaluation.
This guide explains the rule in plain words. Always read the regulation itself and your employer's site-specific procedures.