Learning objectives

• Describe what a forklift is and how it is used.

• Explain how to operate a forklift.

• Describe the hazards most commonly associated with forklifts.

• List the training requirements to operate a forklift.

Course overview

This lesson is the first lesson in a five-lesson curriculum, designed to provide workers with an awareness of the federal safety regulations for operating a forklift. The five-lesson curriculum fulfills the formal-instruction portion of forklift operator certification training, and is designed to precede practical operator training and site-specific training. The regulations for operating a forklift, also referred to as a powered industrial truck, are outlined in 29 CFR 1910. This lesson presents some fundamental information about operating a forklift, including the differences between driving a forklift and driving a car, the most common hazards associated with operating a forklift, and the training requirements to operate a forklift.