In California and elsewhere, there are procedures that must be met for forklift operators that are taught during training. The biggest emphasis is on safety. Common duties of forklift operators include receiving and moving items to their appropriate locations, finding a place to store items, documenting items for inventory, and retrieving items for shipping. Most forklift operators are also responsible for the maintenance of the forklift, which includes recharging or refueling it and also making sure it is in tip-top shape.
Some jobs provide free forklift operator training. If you are seeking to become a forklift operator outside of the workforce, you will need to acquire certification through a forklift operating school. The cost to attend these schools in the state of California ranges from around $100 to $200 per person. OSHA regulations require that training occurs on a job site.
To become a forklift operator you must be taught OSHA and Cal/OSHA regulations regarding proper forklift operations and procedures. You will be required to do a few hours of hands-on training as well. If you have passed your tests and can demonstrate that you can properly use a forklift, then you will receive forklift certification. You will also be required to take a hands-on test that shows you can perform all forklift operations. The test is worth 100 points. You need a score of 85 to pass. Once you have passed all the tests, you are officially a forklift operator.
After you have had your forklift license for over a year, you can apply for a level 2 license. People with a level 2 license tend to get hired more quickly and are paid more. A level 2 license is proof to an employer that you have experience and proficiency in operating a forklift.
There are several schools in California that you might want to consider to become a forklift operator or to use to train your employees.
LiftSafe goes out to your work site and trains forklift operators in the proper usage of forklifts in compliance with OSHA regulations.
LiftSafe Forklift Training
Danville, CA
925-838-8859
liftsafe.com
Forklift University Training provides training in three states in OSHA regulations and compliance--Arizona, Nevada and California
Forklift University
1155 Amelia Ave.
Glendora, CA 91740
909-740-3647
forkliftuniversity.com/about/about.html
USA Forklift provides training to residents of the Southern California area in forklift operations. It has several locations throughout Southern California
USA Forklift
201 N Palomares St.
Pomona, CA 91767
909-865-1803
usaforkliftllc.com