A forklift license, or more accurately, a forklift certification, is required before you can work with these machines in accordance with the Ontario Health and Safety Act.
What does it take to get certified? The good news is that certification is widely available. Of course, you want to choose the best course and the best training. When you do, you improve your safety and help protect those around you.
Here are six easy steps you can take to get your forklift training and license in Ontario.
#1 Find a Course That Meets or Exceeds the Canadian Standards Association’s Requirements
Not all forklift classes are created equal. You want to make sure you choose training that meets the legal requirements. The CSA standard specifies what a high-quality training program is required to teach, and also gives information about what qualifications lift drivers need.
The CSA requirements cover all seven types of forklifts. You may not need training in all seven types, but it’s important to learn all the techniques and safety requirements for the forklift you will use.
#2 Choose a Class For the Right Kind of Forklift
As mentioned earlier, there are seven kinds of forklifts. Learning all the types at once would be confusing and unnecessary, so be sure you choose a class that covers primarily the forklift your job requires.
For instance, you might need to know about a counterbalance lift and a Lakeport Metalcraft Inc. in Canada reach truck, but not a motorized hand lift. Or, you might need techniques and safety steps specifically for rough terrain forklifts if you’re working on a construction site.
#3 Study During the Classroom Portion
Forklift classes start out with classroom instruction in a lecture format. Even if you aren’t the type of person who enjoys sitting in class, it’s vital to pay attention and fully learn the material. You’ll be taught legal guidelines, basic principles of how forklifts work, and how to keep them stable.
You’ll also learn about the parts of a forklift, how to do a pre-shift inspection, and how to avoid safety hazards as you work.
#4 Pass the Written Exam
After the forklift classroom time, there will be a written exam to assess how well you understand the material. If you studied carefully in class, you will be well-prepared to succeed.
Many people struggle with test anxiety. Learn some test-taking techniques that will help with anxiety, such as taking the test one question at a time and practicing in advance.
#5 Take the On-Site Training
Once you’ve finished the classroom training and passed the test, it’s time to practice driving a forklift on-site. You’ll have supervised hands-on training that will help you get comfortable with the machine and practice what you need to do.
It’s important to practice while a trainer is watching so that you can identify bad habits right away and instead build up the strategies you need to operate your lift safely and effectively.
#6 Pass the Practical Training Assessment
Once you’ve learned how to safely operate a forklift, your trainer will have you do a practical exam. They’ll ask you to manipulate the forklift in specific ways and watch you do a pre-shift inspection, among other tasks.
Once you’ve passed your practical assessment, you’ll receive your certification card. This is the forklift license you need to work with a lift in your daily job.
Congratulations! Now that you are a certified forklift operator, continue to practice your work safely and efficiently. You’ll need to renew your certification every three years, so it pays to stay vigilant.