All certifications for powered industrial trucks require classroom or online instruction, a knowledge evaluation, a practical demonstration, and a hands-on skills test. Certifications remain valid for up to three years unless retraining is triggered.

Four Steps to Get Certified:

1. Discuss with Supervisor: Notify your supervisor of your operational needs so they can coordinate with Environment, Health & Safety (EHS).
2. Complete Online Instruction: Take the online instructional course and knowledge assessment via Vector Solutions.
3. Schedule Practical Assessment: Your supervisor will arrange the hands-on demonstration and practical evaluation with EHS.
4. Maintain Certification Records: Upon passing the practical exam, EHS will file your records. Certification remains valid for up to three years.

Forklifts are selected based on operational requirements, terrain, and space limits. They run on internal combustion engines or electric batteries, with manual or automatic transmissions.

1. Stand-Up Rider Forklifts: The operator stands fully enclosed inside the vehicle's cabin during operation.
   

   Figure 1: Stand-up rider forklift (Toyota Material Handling, 2025).
2. Stand-Up Narrow Aisle Rider Forklifts: Electric lifts designed for tight aisles, featuring outrigger legs for extra stability (e.g., order pickers).
   

   Figure 2: Narrow-aisle forklift (Toyota Material Handling, 2025).
3. Sit-Down Rider Forklifts: The operator works seated inside the cab. Features a heavy rear counterweight under the frame to balance carried loads.
   
4. Powered Pallet Jacks: Motorized pallet jacks controlled through push-buttons and switches located on the control handle.
   
5. Reach Forklifts / Telehandlers: Heavy-duty units with pneumatic tires and extending telescopic booms designed for outdoor, rough terrain, or multi-level transfers. Includes outriggers for stability.
   

Standard primary components across powered industrial trucks include:

Operators use internal control levers to raise, lower, or tilt loads, as well as adjust fork spacing (side-shift/positioner).

1. Overloading

Always review the vehicle data plate for maximum weight capacities. Load ratings vary depending on the load center and positioning of the forks.

2. Tip-Over & Stability Triangle

Monitor your path for grade changes, uneven surfaces, or debris. Avoid overextending the mast or exceeding capacity limits.

3. Traveling on Incline Slopes (10% or Greater)

• Never stand or walk underneath a raised load.
• Keep loads close to the mast and maintain a low center of gravity.
• Loaded Truck: Travel up or down slopes with the load pointed upslope (facing uphill). Keep the load lowered.
• Unloaded Truck: Travel with forks low and the operator cab pointed upslope (facing uphill).

4. Blind Spots & Collisions

Always face the direction of travel and check blind spots continuously. When traveling in reverse, turn to look behind you. Utilize a spotter when negotiating narrow spaces or obstructed forward views.

5. Electrical & Overhead Hazards

Work with a spotter to maintain clear communication when traveling near overhead piping, structures, or power lines. Establish clear hand signals before starting work.

6. Proper Fork Handling

Travel with forks lowered just high enough to clear ground obstructions. Keep forks tilted back during transport, tilting forward only when stacking or unstacking. When parking, rest forks fully flat on the ground with the tines set close together.

7. Load Repositioning

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop before adjusting or repositioning a load. Never adjust mast position while driving.

8. Parking & Unattended Vehicles

• Within 25 ft and in line of sight: Lower forks to the floor, neutralize controls, set the parking brake, and leave the engine idling if necessary.
• Further than 25 ft or out of line of sight: Lower forks flat, neutralize controls, set the parking brake, and shut off the ignition. Chock the wheels if parked on an incline.

9. Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance

Inspect all powered industrial trucks prior to the start of each shift. Review previous logs and remove damaged units from service immediately.

Operators must complete and document a pre-shift safety inspection prior to operating a forklift. Completed inspection forms should remain with the vehicle operator manual.

Pre-Start Inspection (Key Off)

• Tires: Check for missing chunks, embedded nails/debris, deep sidewall cuts, or worn tread.
• Fluid Leaks: Look beneath the truck for hydraulic oil, fuel, or battery fluid leaks.
• Overhead Guard & Frame: Inspect rollover protection for cracks, weld breaks, or structural damage.
• Mast & Chains: Check hydraulic hoses, lifting chains, and mast assemblies for wear or damage.
• Fuel & Power Connections: Inspect fuel tanks for leaks or strong odors; check battery connection cables.
• Seatbelt & Restraints: Confirm proper latching and check webbing condition.

Operational Test (Key On)

• Battery & Gauges: Check battery charge level and ensure instrument indicators show normal readings.
• Brakes & Steering: Verify full range of steering motion and test service/parking brakes.
• Hydraulic Controls: Test raising, lowering, tilting, and side-shifting controls for smooth operation.
• Warning Devices: Test horn, backup alarm, and safety lights to ensure clear communication with nearby pedestrians.