Rough Terrain Forklift FAQ

The 80% rule is a widely adopted safety practice in forklift operations. It advises operators to use no more than 80% of the forklift’s rated load capacity. While not an official OSHA rule, it supports compliance with OSHA’s general duty clause by reducing:

• Tip-over risks
• Hydraulic and mechanical stress
• Accidents during elevated lifts or on uneven ground

It’s especially important for rough terrain forklifts, which operate on unstable surfaces.

The 5-4-3-2-1 excavation rule is a memory tool often used in trench safety training. While not a formal OSHA standard, it summarizes key excavation safety practices:

• 5 feet deep → requires protective systems unless excavation is made entirely in stable rock
• 4 feet deep → requires safe access (ladder or ramp)
• 3 feet → materials and equipment must be kept back from the edge
• 2 feet → spoil pile setback distance from edge of trench
• 1 foot → trench edge should be inspected for cracks and cave-in risks

These principles are supported by OSHA’s excavation standard, 29 CFR 1926.651 & 1926.652.

The 20/20/20 rule isn’t an official OSHA regulation but is commonly used in ergonomics and eye safety discussions. It recommends:

• Every 20 minutes, take a break
• Look at something 20 feet away
• For at least 20 seconds

This rule helps reduce digital eye strain and fatigue, especially on job sites where tablets or screens are used frequently. It supports OSHA’s emphasis on reducing ergonomic injuries and fatigue-related hazards under the General Duty Clause.

The most common OSHA violation in the construction industry is failure to provide fall protection, specifically under 29 CFR 1926.501. Other frequently cited violations include:

• Scaffolding violations (1926.451)
• Ladder safety violations (1926.1053)
• Hazard communication failures (1910.1200)

Fall protection remains OSHA’s #1 cited construction violation nearly every year, due to unguarded edges, unprotected openings, and improper use of harnesses or guardrails.

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What is covered in the course?

Our Warehouse Forklift Operator Certification (Classes 1, 4, & 5) covers everything you need to safely operate a powered industrial truck at your facility.  The course chapters include:

1. The Basics
2. Inspection & Maintenance
3. Safe Operation
4. Vertical Mast Forklift
5. Extended or Variable-Reach Forklift (or “Telehandler”)
6. Load Handling
7. Stability
8. Fueling

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Do I need to take a test?

Yes, you will have quiz questions throughout, and a final exam at the end of the course. There are no trick questions, and the test is guided-learning style, so it is impossible to fail, meaning you don’t have to pay for it again if you get a question wrong. All of our customers say that it is both easy and informative, the best option available.

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What do I do after the course?

Once you complete the same-day online training, you can instantly download your certificate and start safely operating your forklift.  After the online portion of the training, you need to have signoff from a Certificated Trainer for safe operation of your equipment at your facility during the hands-on evaluation portion of the training.  We provide documents for all of that with our Train-The-Trainer Certification.

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How long is forklift certification good for?