Get Telehandler Certified and Meet OSHA Requirements with HeatSpring

If you work in construction or maintenance and operate telehandlers – the versatile telescopic forklifts also known as boom forks, rough terrain forklifts, or reach forklifts – training is required by law. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your OSHA telehandler certification and why HeatSpring’s online Telehandler Safety Training and Certification is a great choice for you and your team.

Why Telehandler Certification is Mandatory

OSHA doesn’t mess around when it comes to heavy equipment safety. Under standards 1910.178(I) and 1926.602(d), anyone operating a telehandler must complete formal instruction, practical training, and pass an employer-led evaluation. These machines are powerful tools that can carry and place heavy materials at significant heights and distances, making proper training essential for preventing workplace accidents and injuries.

The certification requirement exists because telehandlers present unique risks – they combine the lifting capabilities of a crane with the mobility of a forklift, operating in challenging environments where visibility and terrain can be problematic. Without proper training, operators and their coworkers face serious dangers.

Who Needs Telehandler Certification?

Telehandler certification is required for construction and maintenance workers who operate these machines in various capacities, including:

• General construction and installation work
• Site service and maintenance
• Any situation requiring reaching out and over obstacles

If your job involves operating a telehandler, you need this training. There aren’t any exceptions.

What Our Course Includes

This two-hour program satisfies OSHA’s formal training requirements and is accepted in every state.

The course covers six comprehensive learning modules that teach you:

• Different types of powered industrial trucks and their specific uses
• Safety procedures and preventative measures to reduce or eliminate hazards
• How to maneuver a telehandler safely in busy worksites and low-visibility conditions
• Pre-operation inspection procedures and how to recognize defects during operation

Each module includes a brief quiz, and you’ll need to pass a 20-question final exam. Don’t worry – you get unlimited attempts to achieve the passing scores (80% for module quizzes, 70% for the final exam).

The Complete Certification Process

Getting certified involves three steps, and this HeatSpring course covers the first part:

Step 1: Formal Training (HeatSpring’s Telehandler Safety Training and Certification) Complete the online course at your own pace within a year of enrollment. Upon finishing, you’ll receive an official telehandler certification card that you can print and carry on the job.

Step 2: Practical Training (Employer-Provided) Your employer will demonstrate how to operate the specific telehandler equipment used at your worksite and explain any site-specific hazards.

Step 3: Performance Evaluation (Employer-Led) Using the Powered Industrial Truck Operator Evaluation Form provided with your course completion, your employer will evaluate your ability to safely operate the equipment. Once you both sign off, you’re officially certified.

Certification Renewal

Your telehandler certification remains valid for three years. To maintain certification after expiration, you’ll need to pass another employer-led operator evaluation. Although not required, we recommend completing refresher training every three years to stay current with safety practices and regulatory updates.

Ready to Get Certified?

Don’t wait until you need certification urgently. OSHA compliance isn’t optional, and proper training protects you and your teammates. This Telehandler Safety Training and Certification course provides the knowledge and credentials you need to operate these powerful machines safely and legally. Enroll today!