How often do you need to Renew / Re-Certify your Forklift Certification?
- worksafetraining
- Dec 4, 2019
- 2 min read
Is your Fork Lift Truck Certification about to expire?
Are you unsure if you need to get it renewed? The simple answer is Yes.
Why do I need to Renew my Forklift Certification?
After 3 or more years of operating a Fork Lift Truck, one can imagine that bad habits could be in play.
New equipment has been introduced.
An accident has occurred at your place of work.
Initial training was not effective or up to standards.
Forklift Training Requirements
Creating a safer environment to work in is essential in Ontario. Bad habits, poor training or lack of training have led to countless of avoidable accidents. The Ministry of Labour (MOL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) have all set forth regulations and standards to ensure the operator, co-worker and company’s facility are all safe and protected. Only trained and authorized personnel are permitted to operate fork lift truck equipment.
Whether you are in a warehouse, industrial environment, construction site, or outdoor setting where powered lift equipment are being utilized, forklift training and certification are required for the safe operation, personnel safety and avoidance of fines.
Keep in mind that the Ministry of Labour requires that anyone operating a Lift Truck is a competent operator, and can request to see your training documents at anytime.
How Long is Forklift Certification Valid For?
Retraining of Lift Truck Operators must be completed every 3 Years!
CSA Standard indicates that forklift certificates are valid for 3 years and that re-training shall occur within that time frame. Re-training / Renewal or Re-Certification must consist of re-testing and must include:
Retraining should consist of:
Knowledge Verification (Theory)
Practical Skills (Driving) Assessment
Recommended to keep records on file with your company.
Each different type or class of Lift Truck requires both evaluations listed above.
Who Pays for Forklift Renewals / Re-Certification or Re-Training?
If you are employed with a company, ask your manager / supervisor if re-training is covered by them. Many companies will foot the costs of your Forklift Re-Certification. If you are not employed with a company, you may complete the Forklift Renewal / Re-Certification before you begin working as a Forklift Operator..
Standards for Forklift Training & Certification
MOL
CSA Standard – Standard B335-15 – Clause 6 now reference CSA Z1001
OHSA – Occupational Health and Safety Act
Regulation for Industrial Establishments, Regulation 851
Honestly, the timing of this article is spot on. I’ve been stressing about my forklift recertification because my HR department is super strict about the 3-year window, and I almost let mine slide. It’s one of those things you don't think about until you're actually on the floor.
The bit about safety protocols actually reminded me of a mess we had last week. We were moving some high-end office furniture and bulky electronics—total nightmare. Even with a certified driver, if the load isn't prepped right, the lift doesn't matter. One of the guys suggested we check out the page () for those heavy 7lb polyester-cotton blankets. We ended up using them to wrap the sharper corners of the pallets so nothing…