Ask Bob

Our Ask Bob service is a free technical support system available to all IVES Certified Trainers. We have built our highly regarded reputation on not only the quality and accuracy in which our programs and materials are produced and delivered, but on our continued support afterwards. In fact, we like to make it clear with our customers that when they choose one of our mobile equipment operator or train the trainer programs, the end of that training marks the beginning of our relationship.

If you don’t know – just ask! There’s no such thing as a stupid question, and it’s better to tell your trainees “I’m not sure, but I can find out”, rather than guessing at an answer. We encourage all IVES Certified Trainers to take advantage of this service – IVES is here to help!

If you have questions related to your operator training procedures, including questions about regulations, use the Ask Bob service. One of our experienced and knowledgeable in-house trainers will respond back to you in a timely manner with the helpful information you need.

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Below are some of the questions that trainers have asked Bob. 

Is it mandatory to record (forklift) pre-shift inspection reports and keep them on file? If so, for how long?

There is no written requirement (i.e., regulation) requiring pre-shift inspection reports to be recorded or filed. However, IVES highly recommends filing recorded inspections for at least 90 days to provide documented evidence that they (inspections) are being done regularly, should you ever be asked. Remember, if it isn’t written down, it never happened!

How much practice time would you recommend be given before an evaluation is done?

There is no finite amount of time that should be given. Personally, as soon as an operator can demonstrate that he or she can do the things that I want them to do, then it’s time. This can range from 10 minutes to 10 days, so perhaps I can answer your question better by telling you when I would NOT perform an evaluation, which is before the operator is ready for one.

I have a forklift that’s rated at 8000 pounds. Does that mean that each of the forks has to be rated at 8000 pounds, too?

No. A forklift with a capacity rating of 8000 lbs. would only need to be fitted with forks rated for 4000 lbs. each. If you add the ratings of the both forks together, the number you end up with should be no less than the capacity listed on the plate.

Is the operator the one that has to inspect the forklift or can anyone do it as long as it gets done?

The regulations on this are different depending on your location. For example, California and British Columbia regulations specifically name the operator as the inspector, while federal OSHA regulations do not specify. I recommend you have the operator do it; after all, he/she is responsible for the safe operation of the equipment.

If a person is qualified to operate an aerial boom lift, can they also operate a scissor lift?

Absolutely not. In fact, when it comes to aerial lift operator training, the ANSI-SIA standards are very specific about providing not only equipment-specific training but also make and model-specific training. In your case, operators are not just operating different makes and/or models of the same type of equipment; they are also operating booms and scissors, which are two completely different types of equipment.

Do the same regulations and standards apply to training operators on pallet jacks as they do to regular forklifts?

If the pallet jacks you are using are powered (engine or battery), then yes, absolutely. A powered pallet truck is a class 3 powered industrial truck and, as such, is subject to the same rules as any other type of forklift truck as far as operator training is concerned.

My forklift operator credentials have expired, can I still operate the equipment?

No, similar to an automobile driver’s license, you must ensure it is renewed before it expires. There is no grace period.

Is my operator certification valid if I move to a different state, province or company?

No, it is not. Operator training is closely tied to the specific type(s) of machinery you are qualified to use as well as to the specific tasks you perform and the environment you work within. Even if you went to another location and used the same type of equipment you were qualified for and did the same tasks in the same environment, your new employer would still have to evaluate you on the equipment on site. Also, different regulatory requirements and company policies could come into play as you move between companies and states/provinces. You would need to be knowledgeable with these differences before you could be considered trained/competent to operate.