In line with regulations, anyone who operates heavy equipment must receive training prior to operating the machine on their own. While requirements for refresher training are very specific, most safety trainings don’t have such specific requirements. However it’s wise to follow the same guidelines.. Most other equipment doesn’t have such specific requirements, but it’s wise to follow the same guidelines.

When it comes to refresher training, the standards in some instances (like forklifts) are very specific: operators must be re-evaluated every three years to see if they are still competent to operate the equipment. Best practices say to apply this same rule to all types of equipment. A so-called “free-pass” cannot be awarded based on experience, age, or time on the job. The extent of the evaluation is to be determined by the employer but should include a written and practical examination that prove continued competency.