Forklift Training Blog

Train-the-Trainer Program

Aerial and Scissor Lifts

1.  Introduction

Hello, and welcome to this course for aerial and scissor lift certification trainers.

This course is developed from a recent initiative to identify and document Best Practices for Aerial Work Platform (AWP) trainers and operators by members of the Scaffold Industry Association (SIA), in cooperation with rental operators, manufacturers, associations for those entities, educators, regulators, users and operators. Much of what follows has been adapted from the “Statement of Best Practices of General Training and Familiarization for Aerial Work

Platform Equipment” issued by SIA in February, 2010.

The stated objective for this initiative is very straightforward:

“To increase the safe use of AWP equipment and expand AWP equipment risk

management knowledge throughout the industry, those from the industry have

joined forces to create an industry-?recognized Statement of Best Practices of

General Training and Familiarization for Aerial Work Platform (AWP) Equipment.

This initiative is the result of recognized inconsistencies in the interpretation of

what is general training and familiarization and how each is being delivered in

the industry.”

The Best Practices initiative also includes a number of training objectives as well:

• “To educate members of the industry on recognized and supported standards, including the American National Standards Institute/Scaffold Industry Association (ANSI/SIA) A92 Standards and the Occupational Safety &Health Administration (OSHA) regulations
• Present best practices and minimum general training guidelines for AWP equipment operators
• Emphasize the differences between general training and familiarization
• Clarify minimum qualifications of the trainer”

Ultimately, the desired end result of this initiative is to increase awareness of best practices, clarify responsibilities and address the safe use of equipment. As a qualified trainer, these will be your objectives too.

Issues

There is a need to ensure that employers are aware of the training requirementsand where to access training materials that meet or exceed minimum standards. After providing appropriate training, the employer must monitor the operator’s performance and work to ensure the use, application and operation of AWP equipment is in conformance with the provisions defined for operators in the ANSI standards. Though the equipment is safe when properly used, training materials that address these needs could raise the level of operator safety even more.

Current ANSI/SIA A92 Standards outline the subject matter for operators and trainers of AWPequipment, but they do not establish quantitative requirements to be met for the qualificationof operators or for the trainers.

The responsibility for training is currently upon the employer/user to train operators of AWPequipment. Section 8.5.1 of ANSI/SIA A92 Standards lists what should be included in operatorgeneral training, and Section 8.5.3 of those same standards addresses what should be includedin familiarization. However, neither answers the question regarding what requirements are tobe met to educate operators to a minimum standard.

This Best Practices training will directly address these issues.

Attributes of Trainer

The ANSI/SIA A92 Standards have defined a qualified person as follows. This pertains to operators and trainers alike.

“ Qualified Person. One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.”

The Best Practices recommended attributes of a trainer include the following:
Skills/Knowledge

• Must know the rules, regulations and standards
• Needs to have knowledge of the equipment, the operator safety manual, warning decals and placards
• Possesses awareness of potential hazards and the means to protect against
  identified hazards
• Be able to identify and avoid potential workplace hazards
• Understands manufacturer’s guidelines for proper/improper use and application of
  the equipment
• Knows the consequences of improper use and application of the equipment
• Has a good safety record that is based on consistent implementation of the rules

Communication

• Possesses good communication and presentation skills when speaking with groups or individuals
• Knows and understands the teaching methods and learning styles of adult learners
• Be able to obtain acknowledgement from the operator that he/she can implement the training
• Has the ability to deliver training in a manner and language appropriate to ensure understanding by the audience

Qualities

• Possesses a concern for the welfare of others so trainers can serve as a safety advocate
• Be intuitive and perceptive with people, i.e., can “read” the audience.
• Works in a confident and honest manner with people.

Learn more about forklift certification train the trainer.