Forklifts, or Lift Trucks are integral pieces of equipment used to move and handle material safely and efficiently in many environments. Their widespread use requires that individuals working with and around forklifts recognize hazards associated with the equipment and the environment in which they are operated.
Our Safe Operation of a Forklift / Lift Truck Program makes participants aware of their legal responsibilities and provides the required information to achieve the theory portion of becoming a competent operator. Upon successful completion, a 3 year Forklift/Lift Truck certificate will be issued automatically and must be signed in the space provided by a competent individual verifying that a hands-on practical evaluation has been completed within your facility.
75 minute average runtime
Regulations pertaining to this topic vary from one province to the next and then again in federally regulated workplaces. For convenience Olelearning has captured these Forklift / Lift Truck regulations which can be reviewed by province and for Federally Regulated workplaces.
This course is also available in French. Click here to go to the Les chariots élévateurs page.
Forklift training course modules
- Hazard Identification
- Competency and General Responsibilities
- Stability Principles for Forklifts & Lift Trucks
- Pre-Operational Checks
- Safe Operating Procedures
- Fuel Sources
- Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Reach Trucks
This course discusses the hazards associated with operating lift trucks (sometimes called forklift or fork lift trucks). Hazards reviewed include equipment, material, environmental and process hazards. The responsibilities of employers, supervisors and workers are reviewed. The unusual design and operating characteristics of lift trucks including rear wheel steering, visibility issues and weight are illustrated, discussed and reviewed. Various lift truck classifications are discussed in detail, including:
- Class I : Electric Motor Rider Truck
- Class II : Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Truck
- Class III : Electric Motor Hand Truck or Hand/Rider Truck
- Class IV : Internal Combustion Engine Truck (Solid/Cushion Tires)
- Class V : Internal Combustion Engine Truck (Pneumatic Tires)
- Class VI : Electric & Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
- Class VII : Rough Terrain Forklifts (vertical mast, variable reach and Truck mounted)
The module on stability includes graphic illustrations of issues around the centre of gravity and the effect of the stability triangle and pyramid with various load types and mast positions including turning, reversing and braking. The need for and content of pre-operational checks are thoroughly reviewed using video. Safe operating procedures are covered extensively, including illustrative video. The characteristics of propane, battery (i.e. electric) and diesel fuel sources are included.
Fork lift trucks are often operated near other workers. In this case those workers should receive information about the unusual operating characteristics and hazards associated with them. This is where the Fork Lift Training Video can be used to good effect. It can be shown in a general safety session to educate large numbers of people in a group settings.
