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Forklift Safety Training Where You Need, When You Need It. |
& I.T.S. |
TRAINING |
TRAINING |
RESOURCES |
Is there a minimum class size?
Industrial Truck Safety requires a minimum class size of five operators to present the program. Setting this minimum allows us to hire and retain very competent instructors. In many cases smaller companies will set up joint training with neighboring companies to meet this minimum.
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If I have to hold training on a weekend on on multiple shifts, can Industrial Truck Safety accommodate me?
Industrial Truck Safety will work with your company to set up classes on weekends or even on different shifts. Your second and third shift workers should not be penalized for working their normal hours. This keeps your employees fresh because they do not have to show up early or stay late to receive the training they need and deserve. It also saves your company money because it does not have to pay for overtime to complete the training.
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Will Industrial Truck Safety notify our company when it is time to re-certify?
Absolutely. Your operators' training is probably as important to us as it is to you. Industrial Truck Safety does not want your operators at risk because they do not have up-to-date training, and we do not want your company at risk for not being in compliance with OSHA regulations.
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I cannot have all my operators trained at the same time. How can we handle this?
If you cannot schedule all of your operators to be off the work floor at one time, Industrial Truck Safety will work with your company to set up multiple classes.
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I have an operator that cannot read or write. Is that a problem?
No Problem at all. Our instructors have met many operators who have been working with forklifts for ten, fifteen, or twenty years who, for whatever reason, did not learn to read or write. This does not diminish their ability to operate the equipment as well as, and in many instances, better than other operators. In situations such as this our instructors will issue the exams verbally. Our goal is simply to make sure that the information in the program is absorbed and utilized. We will do this in a discreet manner so that the operator is not subject to embarrassment and to insure that this operator receives the same level of training as all others involved in the program.
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What if my operator cannot speak or write English?
Because Industrial Truck Safety was founded in Houston, Texas this is a situation that we have encountered many times. At this time we present the program only in English; however, we have been able to work with many non-english-speaking operators by having on-site supervisory personnel in those companies assist us in translating the program for their operators in numerous languages. In the future, we plan to add bi-lingual trainers to our staff to assist even further.
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Does Industrial Truck Safety provide ongoing support for our operators?
Yes. Once they receive training, each operator is given our contact information and is encouraged to call us with any question from that day forward. There is no time limit on this courtesy service, and we regularly answer questions for operators who were trained years ago, even if their current certification is through a different organization. The same courtesy is extended to the client company, to assist them with providing the safest work environment possible.
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Can our operators use all types of forklifts once they complete this safety training?
Your operators can only operate the equipment for which they received training and evaluation; however, Industrial Truck Safety can show your company how to expand their training as needs arise with little or no cost to your company.
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Is the hands-on evaluation required?
Yes. Every operator receiving safety training is required to be evaluated on the equipment type they would normally use to insure that they are comfortable and competent with the equipment. This is specifically mandated by OSHA regulations.
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If we have a new, inexperienced operator, can he or she complete the safety class and hands-on evaluation?
Training and evaluation can still be delivered. Our instructor will work closely with the operator during the evaluation process and then advise the company of any restrictions, special training, or additional supervision that will be needed going forward.
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How
many different "classes" of forklifts are there?
There are seven different classes of forklifts. They include:
--- Class 1 - Electric Motor Rider Trucks
--- Class 2 - Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks
--- Class 3 - Electric Motor Hand or Hand-Rider Trucks
--- Class 4 - Internal Combustion Engine Trucks - Cushion (Solid) Tires
--- Class 5 - Internal Combustion Engine Trucks - Pneumatic Tires
--- Class 6 - Electric & Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
--- Class 7 - Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks
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Can our operators be evaluated on only one classification of equipment even if they operate multiple types?
No, operators must be evaluated on each type of equipment they operate. During training, multiple evaluations can be accomplished in a timely manner and at a very minor expense.
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Who in our company should be trained?
Anyone who will be operating the equipment, no matter how infrequently, should be trained. This includes full time, part time, temporary, seasonal, and even occasional employees. If they operate the equipment without having had training, it not only places the operator and other employees at risk, but it places your company in violation of OSHA regulations as well.
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What other materials or supplies will my company need to purchase after the training?
None. Unlike other companies, our purpose is not to sell you materials every month or subscriptions to safety programs. Of course, we would like to see your company choose Industrial Truck Safety the next time your operators need safety training.
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What other costs are involved in having Industrial Truck Safety provide our training?
Industrial Truck Safety sets a "per operator" fee for operator training. The only other possible additional costs would arise from the need for additional evaluations (in the case of operators who use multiple classifications of equipment), or if travel expenses would apply. When you call our office to schedule training, we will discuss these issues with you in detail, so you know if they apply well before we begin training.
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How often do we need to have our operators repeat the training?
According to OSHA operator training is required every three years, regardless of experience.
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If Industrial Truck Safety re-trains our operator later, will they receive a condensed version of the training they received before?
Because of the possible consequences of cutting corners or failing to conduct this training properly, our instructors prefer to conduct the full training every time as if it was the first time. After all, our clients' health and safety are our major concern, and we feel an extra hour of their time is well worth the reward of seeing them uninjured each time we visit. We do update our class materials so that the training will not be completely redundant, but the complete content required by OSHA will be taught in its entirety each time.
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I've talked to a company that tells me that they can provide the training at their location, but they did not mention the hands-on evaluation portion of the training. Can they do this?
OSHA has determined that the best scenario for training in this area is one that is site- and equipment-specific. This means that the hands-on evaluation of operators must occur on the machinery they will use in the environment where they will normally use it. Aside from being mandated by OSHA, we also find that it is an extremely valuable portion of the training.
If your current training company is not providing these services, check the OSHA regulations. You will find that while the training company is at liberty to simply perform the classroom training, the job is only half-finished; without the hands-on evaluation your company has not fulfilled the standards as they are written and is in violation of those regulations.
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What makes Industrial Truck Safety different from its competitors?
Service - Industrial Truck Safety is there when you need us, where you need us.
Awareness - The quality of training you provide for your operators can have a drastic effect on your operation as a whole. We strive to provide the best training possible in a concise, cost efficient manner so that your operators will be motivated to return to work with a new understanding of safety and how if affects them, as well as other employees in your company and the company itself.
Thoroughness - We do not take shortcuts. Our programs are up to date, designed to cover 100% of the demands made on your company by regulatory agencies, and customized to fit your needs.
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How do I know that our company is getting the best training possible?
This is the easiest question to answer. Our programs are designed line-by-line to adhere to OSHA standards. Our classes are interesting and motivating. Our materials are well thought out and useful. Our instructors love what they do and take pride in their role in helping operators stay safe. If you can find a company that can provide better training, materials, or support - at any price - please use them. This is not meant to sound arrogant - we are simply confident that our program is the best on the market today.
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