Forklift Safe Operator

This course is required for anyone who operates a forklift as identified in Saskatchewan’s OH&S legislation. As of 2007, anyone who operates powered mobile equipment must have a minimum of 16 hours of training. 

The training is a combination of classroom instruction and practical experience. The instruction portion covers all pertinent aspects of Table 14.1 of the Saskatchewan OH&S regulations. 

Key Elements:

• Introduction to Forklift

• Why forklift operator safety training?; Lift truck accidents

• Forklift Fundamentals

• What is a professional forklift operator?; Warning labels & capacity plates; Forklift capacity; Forklifts vs. automobiles; Operators manual; Forklift terminology; Mast terminology; Mast types; Forklift tires; Forklift fuels

• Pre-Operation Inspection

• Visual inspection; Operation Inspection; Checking liquid propane powered vehicles; Checking electric powered vehicles; Completion of pre-operation inspection

• Balance, Stability & Capacity

• Offsetting weights: Internal & electric powered forklifts; Center of gravity: Loads; Forklifts; Loads & forklifts (combined); Static and dynamic conditions; Forklift capacity plates; Attachments to the forklift; Stability: Triangle; Pyramid; Lateral

• Safe Operating Guidelines

• Climbing on and off a forklift; General safety guidelines; Pedestrian Traffic; Rules for ramps; Tractor trailer & Rail cars; Parking the forklift

• Safe Load Handling

• General handling techniques; Engaging a load; Inching pedal; Traveling with a load; Executing turns; Depositing loads; Elevating personnel; How to survive a tip-over

• Forklift Refueling

• General safety rules; Refueling gasoline and diesel forklifts; Liquid propane characteristics; Liquid propane fueling guidelines; Replacing LP tanks

• Battery Care

• Battery size and its effects; What is an industrial battery; Battery hazards; General safety rules; Changing batteries; Charging batteries on the forklift; Watering batteries; Insuring maximum batter life

• Theory Exam

• Practical Exam

In this course a variety of teaching strategies are used to facilitate learning, including discussion, guides/manuals, PowerPoint, and equipment specific practical training. 

At the conclusion of each course participants may receive a certificate of completion provided the employer can give credit for past experience.

Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the theory and practical components (16 hours classroom and practical training combined) each participant will receive a certificate that is valid for three years. Course participants will be able to apply the knowledge and skills learned.

Additional Notes:

• Appropriate clothing is recommended (i.e. jeans, pants, PPE).

• Participants should be physically capable to perform the required exercises to pass the program e.g., employees not on Workers’ Compensation or light duty.

• Must have a total of 16 hours training consisting of theory and practical experience before a certificate can be issued.a