Forklift Training Regulations
Forklift training is not only an important legal requirement but can also reduce costs and injury in the work environment.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act for Driven Machinery Regulations, which includes forklifts, states that:
- All working environments have to be free of any dangers/hazards, and
- All lifting equipment operators must be training by accredited providers (regardless of the capacity of the equipment.)
This means that no employer can ask an employee to operate a forklift if they have not had proper training by an accredited training provider, and found competent to operate the forklift. It is the employers’ responsibility to ensure that employees that will be operating forklifts, have a valid license or the proper training as required by law.
It’s also important to ensure that the trainer has the proper accreditation to perform the forklift training. The trainer needs to have accreditation from the South African Qualification Authority and deliver training programmes that have been approved by the National Qualifications Framework. Trainers must also have approval from the Chief Inspector in terms of the Driven Machinery Regulations.
When an employee receives the proper training they will be able to conduct forklift pre-start and start up checks, learn how to move and positions loads correctly as well as refuel, park and shut down the forklift. Another important factor that should be included in the training is health and safety, which should prepare your employee on how to handle themselves in the case of an emergency.
Your company stands to benefit in more ways than one by complying with regulations. This includes:
- Reducing wear and tear on forklifts
- Reducing costs as a result of less accidents and damage to goods
- Improved performance from forklifts, and
- Greater productivity
