Forklift/Powered Industrial Truck PIT Training

OSHA requires PIT training for PIT operators—on that, there is no question. Where confusion exists is how often operators need PIT refresher training or recertification. Outside of the initial safety training class, OSHA requires PIT operators to be re-evaluated every three years to determine if they are still competent enough to operate.

However, three years is the maximum time that is allowed to pass before an operator receives PIT recertification. According to OSHA, several instances require additional PIT safety training and observation before the three-year period is up:

Not likely. OSHA requires PIT operators to receive PIT safety training for each type of PIT. On this term, “type,” there is much confusion. Generally speaking, by “type” OSHA means PIT vs. stand up PIT vs. telescopic handler vs. truck mounted PIT, etc. For example, imagine you have always operated a stand-up PIT in a warehouse but have suddenly been asked to operate a telehandler. In this case, you would need additional PIT training specific to telescopic reach PITs.

Here’s a different scenario: if you have received sit down counterbalance PIT safety training in a warehouse and have always operated a Toyota PIT, but then are asked to operate a Cat PIT, you should be just fine to operate under the same training certification and PIT license (wallet card) received previously. Keep in mind though, controls can differ greatly from brand to brand, so in some cases, you may need additional instruction or a quick refresher training PIT course to make sure you are clear on what each control does.

Yes, you need to take a PIT operator safety training course. No matter how long you’ve been on the job, OSHA requires PIT safety training, a PIT written exam, and a practical PIT evaluation. There is no way around it. The extent of the classroom training can be adapted by the instructor according to student needs. The written exam proves mental competency and understanding of the safety principles taught. And the practical evaluation proves the PIT operator not only understands but is capable of operating safely. Many of our customers believe the practical evaluation has the greatest overall value.

This is a common question, especially among laborers-for-hire who may sub out from job to job. Technically, it is your current employer who is responsible for saying whether or not you have been trained specifically for the type of PIT and job. If you bring a counterbalance PIT certificate or counterbalance PIT license (wallet card) to your new employer, they do not have to accept it. It is their right to require you to take their own training class. This is because if there is an accident, they will likely be responsible and need to prove to OSHA that they trained you on PIT operations.

This, above all, causes a lot of confusion. Bottom line, OSHA states that employers are responsible to train their employees. Generally speaking, there are three ways they can do this:

In terms of using a 3^rd party’s safety training materials (like our PIT training kits on CD or our PIT online training classes), OSHA does not recognize one company over another. They simply state that ‘training needs to occur’ and ‘here are the things a PIT operator should be trained on.’

The online PIT course covers OSHA’s requirements for the classroom portion. Many employers prefer online training because they know exactly what PIT safety training the operator will receive. In live classes, the training sometimes varies. A written exam is included at the end of our online training courses. After the PIT class and exam are finished, you and your safety managers will have immediate access to a practical evaluation checklist. This can be printed off and used by your supervisor to help him or her evaluate you on the PIT. When the practical evaluation is done, they can sign it and file it with your exam. This will satisfy OSHA’s requirements for PIT certification.

No. OSHA states that the PIT manufacturer must approve the use of a specific PIT attachment. Too often we see PIT operators using personnel work platforms (man baskets) or other attachments that are made by different manufacturers. They assume that because their PIT is equipped to use such an attachment, it is okay to use any brand. Not true. If you are operating a Toyota PIT then you must contact Toyota and get their written approval to use any attachment, especially if they are of another brand. New capacity plates must be issued with any addition. Your operator’s manual will tell you if your PIT can handle certain kinds of attachments or not.

Contrary to popular belief, OSHA does not dictate what a passing score entails. That is ultimately up to the employer, who is also responsible for certifying (or authorizing) their employee to operate a PIT. If an employer chooses to pass their employee at 80% on the PIT safety exam, that’s fine. But what if a question or two among the 20% missed could lead to an accident or death? Is it worth it? Our recommendation is that you always go over any missed questions with your trainees—even if they just missed one. Once they understand the principle missed, have them write their initials by the correct answer. That way, you are protecting them and those around them from potential accidents in the future.

We offer online training that is aligned for forklifts and other powered industrial trucks. Many employers prefer online training because they know exactly what training the operator will receive.