This is for United States, OSHA-compliant testing procedures.

In my experience, one of the biggest areas of discrepancy between forklift training programs is the hands-on evaluations:

* The forms are different
* The criteria for passing are different
* The operator tasks are different
* The number of tasks is different
* The amount of time taken is different
* Some trainers use cones away from the normal operation area, etc

I always have used the OSHA-phrases, "an evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace" as well as "the testing must be site-specific and equipment-specific."
I like today's safety article, which adds "and operator-specific."

My question and concern is - I have seen multiple trainers who only spend from 5-10 minutes on each operator's evaluation, ON AVERAGE!
Sometimes they spend as little as 2 minutes!

I don't see how this could possibly satisfy any remote interpretation of OSHA's regulations. Further, as I understand, those trainers would be putting themselves and their customers in an increased liability position, since if there was ever an accident that investigated their certification methods, I really don't see how 2 minutes could remotely ensure that each operator's skills and competence were tested in the site, demonstrating safety and knowledge in each of the site, load, and equipment hazards they encounter on a typical site.

So seriously - how long do your average evaluations take? (preferably USA trainers, but overseas approaches may be illuminating)
Also - If anyone knows of any OSHA paperwork that details this area of training, that would be most helpful. I know IVES teaches "6-10 loads per evaluation".