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Pallet Jack Training & Certification
Class III (Electric & Manual)
We Offer Three Types of Pallet Jack Safety Trainings
Our regulation-aligned Pallet Jack certification courses are updated to reflect the most recent changes made to safety standards. Whether you want a certification in as little as two hours, or a more robust training, we can help! We offer online trainings that can be completed in a day, DIY training kits that provide training materials, Train the Trainer certifications that certify individuals to train others and provide training materials, or onsite training. No matter what you choose, we can get you what you want, at a price you can afford.
Online Training
Online training is for those who prefer self-paced training from any location and/or for employers who need to assign and monitor employee training progress and exam scores.
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Training Kits
The training kit is for those who want the freedom of doing the training themselves. It is an PowerPoint Presentation (PPT) that you can present yourself to a group of trainees.
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Train the Trainer
Train the Trainer courses are online and meant to certify a individual to use the training kit to train others. Training kit and materials are included with the Train the Trainer online course for no additional cost.
Purchase OptionsWhat’s in the Pallet Jack Training Course?
Here at Hard Hat Training our Pallet Jack Safety Training course is regulation aligned, and our online version fulfills classroom training requirements. Each class contains sections on anatomical components, principles of stability, safe operations, hazards to avoid, and more.
This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam.
Though you will still need to familiarize yourself with all other applicable federal, state, provincial, territorial, and local standards, this training encompasses the following standards for pallet jacks:
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For most courses, we offer OSHA trainings in English and Spanish, CAL/OSHA trainings in English, and Canada trainings in English. See all of our options!
View Purchase OptionsPallet Jack Certification Standards
U.S. Standards
Canada Standards
Train the Trainer Certification
The Train the Trainer option is used to certify a trainer to teach others using the included training kit. It incorporates the online course with an additional train the trainer module, as well as the training kit. This option results in an regulation-aligned lifetime trainer certification from Hard Hat Training. This certification is not company-specific, meaning you can take it with you should you change employers.
Why Do I Need Pallet Jack Safety Training?
In line with regulations, anyone who operates heavy equipment must receive training prior to operating the machine on their own. Requirements for refresher training related to forklifts or other processes are very specific. Most other equipment doesn’t have such specific requirements, but it’s wise to follow the same guidelines.
When it comes to refresher training, the standard in some instances (like forklifts) are very specific: operators must be re-evaluated every three years to see if they are still competent to operate the equipment. Best practices say to apply this same rule to all types of equipment. A so-called “free-pass” cannot be awarded based on experience, age, or time on the job. The extent of the evaluation is to be determined by the employer but should include a written and practical examination that prove continued competency.
Stay Informed On All Things Pallet Jack
Did You Know?
Pallet jacks have been around since 1918. (Source: Popular Science Monthly).
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Pallet Jack Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need pallet jack training?
OSHA requires pallet jack training for pallet jack operators–on that there is no question. Where confusion exists is how often operators need pallet jack refresher training or recertification. Outside of the initial safety training class, OSHA requires pallet jack operators be re-evaluated every three years to determine if they are still competent enough to operate.
However, this every-three-year pallet jack evaluation is the maximum time that is allowed to pass before an operator receives pallet jack recertification. According to OSHA, there are several instances that will require additional pallet jack training and observation before the three year period is up:
- Pallet jack operator is observed in an accident or a near miss
- Pallet jack operator received a poor evaluation or is observed driving in a dangerous manner
- The pallet jack operator is assigned to drive a different type of pallet jack or the workplace has changed significantly enough to require additional pallet jack training (such as being transferred from a warehouse to a dock or a construction site)
I’ve received pallet jack training. Can I operate a Forklift?
Not likely. OSHA requires forklift operators to receive forklift training for each type of forklift. On this term, “type,” there is much confusion. Generally speaking, by “type” OSHA means sit down forklift vs. stand up forklift vs. telescopic handler vs. truck mounted forklift, etc. For example, say you have always operated a stand up forklift in a warehouse but have suddenly been asked to operate a telehandler. In this case, you would need additional forklift training specific to telescopic reach forklifts.
If you have received sit down counterbalanced forklift training in a warehouse and have always operated a Toyota forklift, but then are asked to operate a Cat forklift, you should be just fine to operate under the same pallet jack certification 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 to make sure you are clear on what each control does.
I’ve operated pallet jacks for 30 years. Do I need to take a class, a written exam, and a practical exam still? Or can I just take a written test?
No matter how long you’ve been on the job, OSHA requires pallet jack training, a pallet jack written exam, and a practical pallet jack 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 pallet jack operator not only understands but is capable of operating safely. In the opinion of many, the practical evaluation is of the greatest overall value.
I received pallet jack training at a different job. Do I need to be trained again by my new employer?
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 pallet jack and job. If you bring a pallet jack certificate or 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 pallet jack operations.
Can you explain pallet jack certification? Who can train, evaluate, and certify operators?
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:
- Train employees in-house with their own program
- Hire a 3rd party to train the employees (on-site or off-site)
- Use another company’s materials or online classes to train employees
How do I take the pallet jack practical evaluation if I take pallet jack training online?
The online pallet jack training class covers OSHA’s requirements for the classroom portion. Many employers prefer online training because they know exactly what pallet jack 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 pallet jack 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 pallet jack . When done, they can sign it and file it with your exam. This will satisfy OSHA’s requirements for pallet jack certification.
Can I use any pallet jack attachment with my pallet jack ?
No. OSHA states that the pallet jack manufacturer must approve the use of a specific pallet jack attachment. Too often we see pallet jack operators using personnel work platforms (man baskets) or other attachments that are made by different manufacturers. They assume that because their pallet jack is equipped to use such an attachment, it is okay to use any brand. Not true. If you are operating a Toyota pallet jack 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 pallet jack can handle certain kinds of attachments or not.
My trainee scored 80% on the exam. Did he pass or fail?
Contrary to popular belief, OSHA does not dictate what a passing score entails. That is ultimately up to the employer whose responsibility it is to certify, or authorize, their employee to operate a pallet jack. If you want to pass him at 80%, 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.
What is a pallet jack used for?
A pallet jack is used to move pallets around in a warehouse or trailer. They are only meant for transporting small loads short distances. The pallet jack is the most basic form of a forklift.
How high can you lift with a pallet jack?
Pallet jacks, since they are only meant to transport small loads over short distances, can only lift a pallet up to 1 to 2 feet. Some can lift up to 8 feet up, but anything higher needs to be lifted by a different machine.
How much weight can a wooden pallet hold?
A wooden pallet can hold up to 4,600 pounds. A pallet jack can lift even the heaviest of wooden pallets, though, since they can typically lift up to 5,500 pounds
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For most courses, we offer OSHA trainings in English and Spanish, CAL/OSHA trainings in English, and Canada trainings in English. See all of our options!
View Purchase OptionsElectric Pallet Jack Certification and Training
What is an Electrical Pallet Jack?
Pallet jacks assist you in lifting and moving materials that are piled on pallets. There are many varieties of pallet jacks, but they are often divided into two groups: manual low lifts and electric or semi-electric.
Electric pallet jacks are motorized devices that lift and transport heavier and piled pallets. They are sometimes called powered pallet trucks, walkies, or power jacks. The motorized pallet jack is typically propelled forward or backward by a throttle on the handle, and it is directed by swinging the handle in the desired direction.
There are even more sub-varieties among electric pallet jacks, such as walk behinds, riders, center riders, counterbalanced walkie stackers, and walkie straddle stackers.
Before Using Your Electric Pallet Jack
While nothing can substitute for actual pallet jack training experience, this summary should give you a solid idea of preliminary knowledge before using your pallet jack:
- Know a pallet jack’s maximum lifting capacity
- Review the user guide and instructions provided by the manufacturer
- Thoroughly inspect the pallet jack to ensure it isn’t damaged or missing any parts
- Check the machine’s safety features
- Understand the importance of having clean hands and feet
- Always choose appropriate attire for any work project. Loose or ill-fitting garments may become tangled up with equipment
You’ll be prepared to use your pallet jack safely as long as you successfully complete OSHA Aligned training.
The Benefits of Pallet Jack Certification Training
Operators of pallet jacks are not legally permitted to work without receiving training from their employer. Therefore, lacking training could have a significant impact on your company and its staff.
Without proper authorization, an employee utilizing a pallet jack can get into big trouble. An untrained employee is more prone to errors. One slip-up can cause an accident that hurts another worker or a pedestrian. Additionally, this incident may reduce workplace productivity.
The OSHA ramifications of a pallet jack disaster should not be underestimated. Employers risk receiving hefty fines if OSHA determines that they failed to give the proper training. The maximum OSHA fine is tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, a company’s reputation could be ruined by one OSHA fine.
The bottom line is that you won’t have to sacrifice job safety if you receive the right training. If you lack training, you run a higher chance of workplace accidents and OSHA fines.
Electric Pallet Jack Training
As we’ve already said, electric pallet jacks are used to lift materials. Despite their ease of operation, there are possible risks that should be considered. Because of this, it’s essential that all operators receive proper instruction in electric pallet jack safety and operation.
What’s in the Pallet Jack Course?
Our Pallet Jack Safety Training course is regulation aligned, and our online version fulfills classroom training requirements. Each class contains sections on anatomical components, principles of stability, safe operations, hazards to avoid, and more. This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam.
Estimated Training Length: Because everyone learns and progresses at different speeds, the amount of time you spend taking this training will vary. However, the estimated time for this training is 60 – 90 min.
Why Take Our Pallet Jack Training?
Our pallet jack online training course provides a substantial, thorough, and effective way to learn how to work safely. We’ve been providing industry-specific safety training solutions for individuals, safety managers, and business owners for over 15 years.
The pallet jack online course meets the classroom requirement for occupational safety training. It also includes a proficiency checklist that employers can use to perform a practical evaluation, in accordance with standards and regulations.
We have fine-tuned this pallet jack training to provide you with the best experience possible. Our robust training approach gives an interactive experience that helps learners retain information and apply it on the job site, preventing costly accidents and fines. Safety training is an investment. That is why hundreds of companies and individuals all over the world trust the Hard Hat Training Series for their online training needs.
Why Buy Our Online Pallet Jack Training?
- Complete Training: Our goal is to keep you safe and save you money. Train using a program that helps you retain what is learned so that it is put into practice on job sites.
- Cost-Effective: Hiring a trainer to come on-site can be expensive. That is why we developed our online curriculum to lower costs while still providing a professional training experience.
- Records Tracking System: We offer an easy-to-use management system. If you have multiple students who are receiving the training you can have access to all records, certificates, observation guides and more! (Contact us if you would like us to quickly create a company account for you)
- Train Your Way: You can use this online training program for new hire training, refresher training, or to train remotely. Access it from anywhere and work on your schedule.
- Interactive Learning: Special reminders and quiz questions throughout the course prep students for the final exam so that it is passed the first time.
- Corporate License: Do you want to host this course on your own server? Contact us about obtaining broadcasting rights for this and any of our other online courses.
Safety Tips for Pallet Jacks
A worker must give a pallet jack their whole focus to operate it safely. Training for pallet jack certification gives employees the knowledge they need to concentrate on the task at hand. Additionally, it provides safety advice that staff members can apply each time they use one of these devices.
Pallet jack operators can take a number of steps to reduce risk when they use their lifts. These consist of:
- Store the electric battery charger cord somewhere safe after unplugging it
- Ensure that the prongs are positioned at the lowest level
- Maintain a firm grip on the controller’s handle
- Lower the pallet jack forks evenly and slowly under the pallet
- Lift the pallet just high enough to make sure it’s clear and stable
- Move the pallet safely to the desired spot.
- Reversing the forklift while lowering the pallet to the ground and retracting the forks.
- When not in use, reconnect the pallet jack to the battery charger
Learn how to use your pallet jack by reading the operator’s manual, which includes weight capacity, warning labels, attachment protocols, pre-shift inspections, maintenance, and attachment procedures. Never lift or move a load with just one fork; always use the appropriate jack for the job.
Pallets can splinter or break when they are overloaded or handled carelessly. You should inspect the condition of the pallets before engaging a load. It’s easy for unstable pallets or damaged pallets to topple over while being loaded or supported by a pallet jack.
You should leave between 1 to 2 inches between the floor and the pallet’s bottom when lifting the forks. The closer the load is maintained to the floor, the more stable it will be.
For more information check out our related articles Who Can Operate Pallet Truck Equipment? and How To Use a Pallet Jack.