Appendix III(b): Training Objectives–Skills to be Acquired
Procedure Tasks to be Assessed Final Outcomes for Operator Competence
General Operation Pre-operational Check (circle check) Before operating a lift truck, a competent operator:
  • carries out a visual inspection of the truck and its attachments to ensure that all are in good operating condition, using a checklist provided by the employer
  • follows recommended procedures for daily inspections of oil and water levels
Start Up A competent operator:
  • uses the correct mounting procedure
  • assumes the appropriate driving position
  • ensures transmission/directional control lever in "Neutral"
  • ensures parking brakes applied
  • activates start button/ switch
  • ensures warning system operating
Starting, Stopping and Turning A competent operator:
  • starts and stops safely with and without a load
  • allows sufficient room for turning corners
  • operates at low speed when turning
  • uses appropriate steering techniques when turning in confined and limited spaces
Shut Down/Parking A competent operator:
  • brings the truck to a complete stop, sets the parking brake, returns transmission/directional control lever to "Neutral"
  • lowers forks to the ground, tilts them forward
  • uses appropriate shut down procedures and turns off power supply
  • chocks wheels if risk of truck moving
Forward and Reverse Driving on Level Ground
  • keeps all parts of the body inside the operator's compartment at all times
  • ensures clear visibility in the intended direction of travel
  • if visibility is restricted, drives the truck in reverse or asks to be guided
  • keeps the load-engaging means or the load itself low (usually within 10 cm of the floor) and tilted backward
  • keeps safe operating distance from other lifting devices, pedestrians, machinery
  • observes traffic management rules established by the employer
  • drives at an appropriate speed, taking into consideration the type of device, the load, the pedestrian traffic along the path of the travel route, any obstructions and the condition of the driving surface
  • adjusts fork arms and/or attachments appropriately to maintain stability
  • observes weight restrictions for floors and elevators
  • takes appropriate action when meeting restrictions such as overhead equipment and/or other obstructing stationary structures
Forward and Reverse Driving on Inclines, Ramps or Uneven Terrain A competent operator:
  • when not carrying a load, travels forward down an incline and travels in reverse up an incline
  • when carrying a load, travels in reverse down an incline and travels forward up an incline
  • ensures that there is sufficient clearance for the lift truck, operator and load prior to travelling on an incline or uneven terrain
  • does not turn the truck around on a ramp or incline
  • drives at an appropriate speed taking into consideration the effects of gradient on the truck and on load security
  • approaches the grade straight and not at an angle
  • operates in gear
  • ensures visibility is clear in the direction of travel
  • verifies that the incline does not exceed the maximum permissible slope
Operating Around Personnel A competent operator:
  • always faces in the direction of travel
  • when turning, ensures no personnel within the truck's danger zone
  • observes employer's guidelines for ensuring the safety of pedestrians
  • if stopped at intersection, does not move until eye contact made with any personnel at intersection
  • maintains safe distance from pedestrians
Load Handling Selection of Loads Before picking up a load, a competent operator:
  • assesses the weight distribution of the load and identifies limitations of the structures where the load has to be placed
  • ensures that load is within the rated capacity for the device, taking into account the job to be done
  • checks forks/attachments to ensure that they are safe to use with respect to capacity rating
Load Pick Up and Placement A competent operator:
  • checks overhead clearance
  • ensures truck safe distance from any live power lines
  • engages at least 2/3 of the load length to be lifted and centres load evenly on forks
  • adjusts the tilting angle of the mast, height of fork arms and reach extension to stabilize load
  • ensures no loose articles lying on top of the load
  • does not drag the forks when inserting or withdrawing them from a load
  • does not raise or lower loads while truck is in motion
Load Security and Integrity A competent operator:
  • observes the limits for freestanding stack height
  • makes sure load is secure and balanced before lifting
Stacking and Destacking A competent operator:
  • is able to stack safely the particular types of loads encountered in the workplace
  • ensures that pallets or skids are safe to be moved and stored; for example, ensures no broken runners or legs
Personnel Lifting, Lowering and Supporting
  • ensures lift truck meets prescribed requirements
  • uses only a platform specifically designed for the purpose and having a guardrail
  • ensures that the platform is secured to the mast as prescribed
  • raises and lowers the platform to test its operation before allowing anyone on it
  • ensures that the person on the platform is secured as prescribed
  • keeps the upright in a vertical position
  • remains at the controls at all times while a person is on the platform
  • does not travel with personnel on the platform
  • ensures the safety of pedestrians in the area
Loading Trucks and Railway Cars Before driving into any truck, trailer or railway boxcar, with or without a load, a competent operator:
  • ensures that the vehicle being loaded is adequately restrained to prevent movement
  • inspects floors for stability and integrity
  • ensures adequate lighting
  • ensures that the dock/bridge plate is one designed to support the mass of the loaded lift truck
  • ensures that the dock/bridge plate is firmly in position
  • ensures the trailer is properly supported by a jackstand where appropriate (e.g., when not connected to the tractor)
Transporting Loads in Elevators A competent operator:
  • ensures the elevator is capable of supporting the loaded lift truck
  • before entering, makes sure the elevator floor is level with the building floor
  • if applicable, waits for the signal from the elevator operator before entering
  • ensures that no other person remains on the elevator with a truck and load on board
  • sets the brakes "on", lowers the load to the floor, places controls in neutral, shuts off the power and gets off the truck
Loading and Unloading Unloading A competent operator:
  • verifies that the structure where the load has to be placed is able to carry the weight of the load
  • when stacking loads, does not block access to fire extinguishers, exits or stairways
  • ensures the load at the bottom is secure and levelled
  • tilts load forward
  • exits with forks level
Operational Maintenance Refuelling and Recharging A competent operator who will perform routine maintenance and has been trained to do so safely:
  • follows the manufacturer's requirements and employer's procedures for safe refuelling and recharging of lift trucks including:
    • wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment, including eye protection
    • properly positioning and securing vehicle
    • observing workplace precautions with respect to fires