You must have a forklift license in Ontario to operate any lifting device

 

6 Steps for Getting a Forklift License in Ontario

Read on to find out the 6 simple steps for getting a forklift license in Ontario, and then contact Forklift Hub to book your course.

1. Find a Course that Meets or Exceeds the Requirements of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA)

The CSA outlines the required safety standard for lift trucks in its third edition CSA B335. The purpose of this standard is to specify the key elements of a lift truck safety program and also outline the recommended qualifications for a lift truck trainer as well as maintenance technicians and personnel. It covers all seven classes of lift trucks and is designed to promote forklift safety and lower the risk of worker injuries. It is a good idea, therefore, to make sure the course that you choose meets or exceeds the requirements set out in this standard.

The forklift training course you choose should follow the CSA guidelines

 

2. Sign Up for a Course Designed for the Particular Class of Forklift You Will Be Operating

Not all forklifts are the same. Because of this, you need to enroll in a course that will teach you to properly operate the specific type of lift truck that you will be operating. There are 7 basic classifications of forklifts/lift trucks. The vehicle's classification is determined by two main factors: the type of fuel used to power it and the type of work or purpose it is used for. The classifications are as follows:

Class 1 - Electric Motor, Rider, Counter-Balanced: Lift trucks in this category are powered by an electric motor. Their operators can either sit or stand to use them and they have a large weight in the back which helps to offset or counter-balance the weight of the load they are carrying.

 

Class 2 - Electric Motor Narrow Aisle: These types of trucks are also powered by electricity and are designed to work in especially tight, narrow spaces.

Class 3 - Electric Motorized Hand or Hand/Rider: This is another electric truck that is usually operated using a handle at the rear of the vehicle. They are also called pallet jacks and are low lift units.

Class 4 - Internal Combustion Engine, Cushion Tires: This category of forklift has an engine similar to that of a car and they use gasoline, diesel, or LP gas. They have solid tires for use indoors on smooth surfaces.

 

Class 5 - Internal Combustion Engine, Pneumatic Tires: This class of truck is similar to class 4, however, these vehicles are equipped with pneumatic tires which means that they work well both inside and outside.

 

Class 6 - Electric and Internal Combustion Tractors: This category is actually a tractor and not really a forklift at all. They can be run on any type of gas or by electricity depending on their motor.

 

Class 7 - Rough Terrain, Pneumatic Tires: This final category of forklift is perfect for rough terrain as their large flotation tires help them easily navigate construction sites and lumber yards.

 

 

3. Take the In-Class/Lecture Portion of the Training Course

As with most courses, it is important to study the theory behind the training in a classroom setting with a qualified instructor. A lecture component of your course will help you better understand the safety and risks involved in operating a lifting device. The types of topics that should be covered in a comprehensive in-class training course include:

• Provincial and federal legislation
• CSA guidelines
• Basic principles of a forklift
• Lift truck design and stability
• Pre-shift inspection
• Parts of a forklift
• Safety rules
• Driving hazards
• Classification of lifting devices

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4. Take the Practical Portion of the Training Course

Make sure that the forklift training course you choose has a practical portion that will allow you to practice on an actual lifting device. It is vital that you get hands-on practice using the type of forklift that you are going to be operating. Just like with driving a car, when operating a forklift you will improve with practice. You will want to get that practice under the guidance of a professional trainer, not on the job on your own.

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5. Be Evaluated by Your Trainer

Evaluation can be in the form or a written test to determine whether or not you understand the principles of operating a forklift, including best safety practices as well as an on-site, practical, evaluation to make sure that you can competently operate the vehicle that you are being trained on.

A practical evaluation will show that you can operate a forklift safely and correctly

 

6. Receive Your Certificate

Operating a forklift does not require a license as such but it does require that you have a valid certificate that proves you have successfully completed lift truck training. The certificate needs to be renewed at least every three years and it must be signed by a competent individual who can attest to the fact that you successfully completed a hands-on practical evaluation.

 

 

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Additional Reading

You may also be interested in the following blog posts.

How to Reduce Forklift Accidents
Top 5 Forklift Accident Videos
5 Reasons to Get Forklift Training

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Forklift Hub: Your Best Options for Forklift Training Ontario

If you are looking for the best and most effective forklift training in Ontario, contact Forklift Hub today. ForkliftHub offers national coverage, local service, and we train both individuals or groups at your facility or ours. Our training is so effective that we also have a 98% pass rate.

Our Safe Operation of a Lift Truck/Forklift Program is an excellent way for you to ensure forklift safety in your workplace. With our training you will experience:

• Innovative training practices
• Affordable pricing
• Flexible and professional trainers
• Comprehensive in-class and practical experience

Contact Forklift Hub today to book your next session.

 

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Forklift Hub Also Sells Top Quality New and Used Forklifts

If you are looking for top quality forklifts, contact Forklift Hub. We sell the best forklifts you can buy and our knowledgeable staff will be able to help you choose the perfect model that will best suit your particular applications. We will be happy to answer all of your questions and we can even provide top-notch safety training for your operators. Contact Forklift Hub today for all of your forklift needs.

 

Sources:

Forklift License Application in Ontario

Forklift America's Forklift Digest - Classes of Forklifts