Code of Practice Cover 12/20/06 10:12 AM Page 3

MANITOBA LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION

WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH

Code of Practice

For the Safe

Operation of
Powered Lift Trucks
 Code of Practice

For the Safe

Operation
of
Powered Lift Trucks

November, 2006
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction .............................................................................................3
Section A – Key Elements of a Safety Program
1.0 General .............................................................................4
2.0 Hazard Identification .......................................................5
3.0 People: Training, Instruction, Supervision...................5
4.0 Equipment ........................................................................6
5.0 Safe Operating Procedures ............................................8
6.0 The Environment .............................................................9
Section B – Competence to Operate Powered Lift Trucks
1.0 Introduction....................................................................10
2.0 Knowledge and Skills Required ...................................11
Employer to Ensure Competency ..............................18
Sample Certificates .....................................................19
Industrial Truck Classifications .................................20

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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
INTRODUCTION

The Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Powered Lift Trucks has been
developed to help employers implement and maintain safe systems of work in
workplaces where powered lift trucks are operated.

Definition:

For purposes of this code, powered lift trucks include self-propelled vehicles of Class 1
to 7 as defined by the Industrial Truck Association as follows:

• Class 1 electric motor rider trucks

• Class 2 electric motor narrow aisle trucks
• Class 3 electric motor driven hand trucks
• Class 4&5 internal combustion engine lift trucks, cushion or pneumatic tires
• Class 6 electric and internal combustion engine tractors
• Class 7 rough terrain lift trucks

Injury data analysis shows powered lift trucks pose significant risks to workers who
operate or work around them. A review of accident scenarios involving lift trucks shows
a variety of causes for these incidents. Most incidents were the result of a breakdown in
the overall system of work organization – people, equipment, tasks and the workplace
environment. Another significant observation was that many accidents could have been
prevented if existing regulatory requirements had been obeyed.

This code provides practical guidance on how employers may fulfill their obligations to
protect the safety and health of workers who operate or work around powered lift trucks.

Section A of the code presents the key elements to be included in an effective safety
program for lift trucks. One such element is competence of the lift truck operator.

Section B defines qualifications required to be a competent powered lift truck operator.

Acknowledgement:

The Workplace Safety and Health Division wishes to acknowledge the Ontario Ministry of
Labour for permission to adapt their Guideline for Safe Operation of Powered Lift Trucks (ISBM
0-7778-6030-9)

Manitoba Labour and Immigration

Workplace Safety and Health Division
Room 200-401 York Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3M 3K9 Printed 2006

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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
SECTION A:
Key Elements of an Effective Safety Program for
Powered Lift Trucks

1.0 GENERAL

The Workplace Safety and Health Division recommend that employers, whose work
requires the use of powered lift trucks, implement a lift truck safety program including
these key elements:

• Hazard Identification – identify how workers may be harmed by lift trucks

• Training and Information – provide training and information for lift truck
operators and those who work near lift trucks about the hazards associated with
the work and how to protect themselves and others

• Effective Supervision – appoint competent supervisors

• Internal Responsibility – involve workplace parties in managing the safety of lift

truck operators

• Rules for Equipment Maintenance, Repair, Modification – prepare rules and

procedures for proper testing maintenance, repair and modification of lift trucks,
including rules governing the qualifications of persons authorized to carry out
these activities

• Lift Truck Selection Criteria – select lift truck based on the type of job to be
done and the environment in which the job will be done

• Safe Operating Procedures – establish safe work practices and management

systems

• Facility Design – design and maintain the work environment to reduce the
likelihood of accidents involving powered lift trucks.

In order to develop and implement a successful powered lift truck safety program,
employers must ensure hazardous situations are identified and corrected immediately.
The lift truck safety program must be kept up-to-date to reflect the current workplace
environment.

Please refer also to CSA Standard B335-04, Safety Standard for Lift Trucks, for more
guidance on setting up a comprehensive lift truck safety program.

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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
2.0 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
The Workplace Safety and Health Act requires an employer to provide and maintain a
workplace, necessary equipment, system and tools that are safe and without risks. To
satisfy this requirement, an employer must first identify hazards. The Workplace Safety
and Health Division recommends that employers:

2.1 Identify how workers who operate or work around powered lift trucks may be
harmed, taking into consideration the equipment that will be used, the jobs to
be done and the workplace environment.

2.2 Prepare a written report specifying the potential sources of harm identified. The
written report will be useful in providing complete and consistent information to
workers about the hazards associated with their work.

2.3 Reassess the sources of harm if any element of the work, such as equipment,
workers, loads or work environment, changes in a significant way, and make
appropriate changes to the written report on hazards, as necessary.

NOTE: Techniques used to identify hazards may include: seeking advice from safety
associations or other specialists, talking with supervisors and workers,
reviewing information from manufacturers and reviewing work processes. It is
particularly important to analyze incidents, accidents and injury data.

3.0 PEOPLE: Training, Instruction, Supervision

The Workplace Safety and Health Act and associated regulations obligate employers to
train workers. Under the Act, employers must:
• acquaint workers with the handling of any equipment they must use
• inform workers and supervisors about any hazards the work involves
• instruct, inform and supervise workers to protect their health and safety
• appoint competent persons as supervisors.

An employer must ensure that a person assigned to operate a powered lift truck is
competent and qualified to do so. To fulfill these obligations an employer should:

3.1 Establish the competence of workers who will operate lift trucks:

3.1.1 Before assigning a worker to operate a powered lift truck without direct
supervision, ensure that the worker has achieved the appropriate standards
specified as outcomes in the definition for competence to operate powered lift
trucks in section B. The introduction to section B includes recommendations on
how an employer may ensure that a worker has achieved the required
standards.

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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
 3.2 Inform and instruct pedestrians and others in the workplace:

3.2.1 For each hazard/potential source of harm identified, prepare written rules
and procedures for preventing accidents and injuries.

3.2.2 Inform and instruct supervisors and all workers who will work around lift
trucks about the hazards, the rules and procedures they must follow to
avoid harm and the location of the written rules and procedures.

3.2.3 Ensure supervisors and workers are informed of any changes to the rules
and procedures because of changes in the work.

3.3 Provide effective supervision:

3.3.1 Appoint as supervisors of lift truck operations, only people who have
training and experience. These people must know the hazards associated
with the type of lift truck being used, the loads being handled and the
environment in which the truck will be operated. They must also be able to
identify unsafe conditions and apply corrective measures.

3.3.2 Encourage supervisors to be vigilant for unsafe conditions and correct

them immediately when they are detected.

3.4 Promote internal responsibility:

3.4.1 Involve the safety and health committee, safety and health representative,
supervisors and workers in identifying workplace hazards, developing
rules and procedures to prevent injuries, identifying causes of incidents, or
“near misses” and monitoring lift truck safety improvements.

4.0 EQUIPMENT: Design, Maintenance, Repair, Modification,

Selection, Safety
The Workplace Safety and Health Act requires employers to maintain in good condition
any equipment provided to workers. A competent person must carry out maintenance,
and any repairs or modifications to any equipment or part of equipment must not reduce
the safety factor. The Workplace Safety and Health Division recommends that
employers:

4.1 Ensure that low lift and high lift power lift trucks are designed and constructed in
accordance with the ANSI/ASME B56.1 Safety Standard for High Lift and Low
Lift Trucks or ANSI/ASME B56.6 Safety Standard for Rough Terrain Lift Trucks.

4.2 Ensure any modifications, repairs and additions that affect capacity or safe
operation of the lift truck are performed with the written approval of the
manufacturer or a professional engineer qualified in that field of work. Where
such modifications or additions are performed, capacity, operation and
maintenance instruction plates, tags or decals must be changed accordingly.
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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
 4.3 Prepare and enforce rules for inspection, testing maintenance

4.3.1 Prepare written instructions on the nature and frequency of inspections,

testing and maintenance, taking into account the work to be done and the
environmental conditions to which the trucks will be exposed. These
instructions should be at least equivalent to the minimum requirements
established by the manufacturer and any applicable regulations. They
should require verification of the lifting capabilities of the truck before it is
used for the first time. They should also contain a schedule for monitoring
the machine’s lifting capabilities, its mechanical fitness and its vehicle
emissions.

4.3.2 Allow inspection, testing or maintenance to be performed only by persons

whose training and experience provide them with expert knowledge on
such activities and ensure that they comply with the written instructions.

4.3.3 Allow only qualified, trained and experienced people such as the
manufacturer’s representative or a qualified mechanic or engineer to
perform any repair, modification or replacement of any part of a powered
lift truck.

4.3.4 Ensure a record is kept at the workplace of any inspection, testing,

maintenance, repair or modification to the lift truck and the name and
qualifications of the person who did the work.

NOTE: Where a supplier is responsible for maintenance of the lift truck, an employer
may want to ask the supplier for a written testing and maintenance schedule so
compliance with the schedule can be monitored.

4.4 Establish lift truck selection criteria

4.4.1 Ensure that the fire hazard designation, carrying capacity, reach
capabilities and the features of the lift truck selected to do a job are
suitable for the types of loads to be handled, the terrain over which loads
will be carried, the atmospheric conditions in the workplace and the design
of the workplace. For example: gas, propane or diesel operated left trucks
are not recommended for use in locations where explosive concentrations
of flammable gases or vapours may be present and also should not be
operated in areas where exhaust gases may accumulate, creating a
hazard of carbon monoxide poisoning.

4.5 Provide safe lift trucks:

4.5.1 Ensure operators are protected against falling or intruding materials by

means of suitable screens, guards, grills or structures.
4.5.2 Ensure every lift truck clearly displays a load chart showing the maximum
rated load and the variation of the rated safe load capacity with the reach
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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
 of the equipment if the lift truck has been modified, the chart must reflect
any changes to load ratings.

4.5.3 Ensure lift trucks are equipped with warning devices and lights that are
appropriate for the work environment.

4.5.4 Where a seat belt or other restraining device is likely to contribute to the
safety of the operator, equip the lift truck with such a restraining device, if
it is feasible to do so.

5.0 SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES: Work Practices, Traffic

Management
Injury data indicate that issues related to work practices and traffic management have
been contributing factors in a number of fatalities and critical injuries involving powered
lift trucks.

5.1 Therefore, as a minimum, employers should ensure compliance with the

following requirements:

• no part of a load must pass over any worker

• a lift truck left unattended must be immobilized and secured against
accidental movement and forks, buckets or other attachments must be in the
lowered position or be firmly supported
• no load may exceed the maximum rated load
• all loads must be handled in accordance with the height and weight
restrictions on the load chart
• when a load is in the raised position, the controls must be attended by an
operator
• if an operator does not have a clear view of the path, assistance from a
signaller who has been instructed in a code of signals for managing traffic in
the workplace must be employed
• loads must be carried as close to the ground or floor as the situation permits
• loads that may tip or fall and endanger a worker must be secured
• where a lift truck is required to enter or exit a vehicle to load or unload, the
vehicle must be immobilized and secured against accidental movement
• a lift truck must not be used to support, raise or lower a worker unless the
work is carried out in a lift truck-mounted work platform, which complies with
Part 22 of Manitoba Regulation 217/2006, and personnel on the work platform
comply with the requirements for Fall Protection under Part 14 of the
Regulations (M.R. 217/2006)
• barriers, warning signs, designated walkways or other safeguards must be
provided where pedestrians are exposed to the risk of collision

5.2 In addition to the safe operating procedures above, each workplace must
develop and implement a set of rules and safe operating procedures to
address the specific hazards in the workplace.
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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
6.0 THE ENVIRONMENT: Facility Design
Poorly designed workplaces contribute to accidents and injuries. Therefore, employers
should:

6.1 Ensure that in aisles, at loading docks, through doorways and in rooms,
overhead and side clearances are adequate to permit safe operation of the
lift truck.

6.2 Ensure floors, aisles and passageways are kept clear and free of hazards.

6.3 Ensure the workplace is ventilated properly to prevent accumulation of

vapours from operating and refuelling lift trucks.

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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
SECTION B:
Competence to Operate Powered Lift Trucks

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Workplace Safety and Health Act requires employers to ensure that a worker who
is assigned to operate a powered lift truck is competent or qualified to do so. This
section sets out the knowledge and skills a competent/qualified operator must
demonstrate.

A competent/qualified operator knows how to operate the particular class of powered lift
truck assigned, understands the hazards associated with the work involved, and is
capable to operate the lift truck in a manner that protects his or her own safety and the
safety of others in the specific workplace.

Establishing the competence of operators

To establish a worker’s competence to operate a powered lift truck, an employer should

ensure that the worker:

a. has been informed of the hazards associated with operating a powered lift truck
in the particular workplace, including the hazards associated with the load, the
design of the workplace and the environmental conditions

b. knows how to protect him/herself and others from the hazards

c. has demonstrated to a designated skilled and experienced operator that the skills
and knowledge identified as final outcomes for operator competence have been
learned

Employers may consult a safety association or the lift truck manufacturer for information
on institutions, agencies or persons with expert knowledge of lift trucks.

Employers should maintain in the workplace a record of workers competent to operate

powered lift trucks. For each worker, the record should indicate the skills and knowledge
demonstrated the class or classes of truck on which the operator was assessed, the
name and affiliation of the assessor and the date the assessment took place. Employers
are to provide operators with certificates of competency.

If a medical condition affects a worker’s ability to operate a powered lift truck safely
around other workers, the worker should not be assigned to operate this equipment.

Certified operators of the lift trucks shall receive retraining at intervals not exceeding
three years. Retraining shall be consistent with the employer lift truck safety program
and applicable legislation.
Code of Practice For the Safe 10
Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
2.0 KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED TO BE COMPETENT
2.1 Knowledge

A competent operator understands:

• the sections of the Workplace Safety and Health Act and regulations
applicable to the work
• the hazards associated with the work
• the principles of operation and features of the lift truck
• the workplace conditions and environment
• which workplace activities pose actual or potential danger to health and
safety
• the manufacturer’s specifications related to the operation and safe load
handling for the classes or types of trucks operated
• the procedures and practices for ensuring worker safety that are specific to
the workplace

2.2 Skills

A competent operator must be able to perform the following procedures in a

manner consistent with the competence standards using the assigned vehicle
under typical workplace conditions:

• pre-operational check
• start-up and shut-down
• general operation – stopping, starting, turning, driving forward and in
reverse with or without a load, parking, operating around personnel
• load handling – selection and security of loads, pick-up and placement,
personnel lifting, stacking and unstacking, handling specific to docks, trucks
or rail cars
• loading and unloading – transport vehicles, structures, elevators
• operational maintenance – refuelling or recharging as appropriate

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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
2.3 Knowledge to be acquired

INSTRUCTIONAL FINAL OUTCOMES FOR OPERATOR

OBJECTIVES COMPETENCE

Applicable • applicable sections of The A competent operator knows/understands:

Legislation Workplace Safety and Health • a worker’s duties
Act • a worker’s right to refuse work
where health or safety is in danger
• an employer’s duties to protect
workers

• applicable sections of A competent operator knows/understands:

regulations made under The • how to ensure the safety of other
Workplace Safety and Health workers in the area
Act • requirements for lifting devices,
materials handling, motor vehicles,
traffic control
• requirements related to the handling
of loads
• requirements for protective
equipment
Features of the • principles of operation and A competent operator knows/understands:
lift truck features • lift truck classifications and
designations
• lift truck stability triangle and
trapezoid
• what is meant by load centres
• centre of gravity of load
• longitudinal and lateral stability
• centre of gravity of lift truck
• the effects of speed, acceleration,
sharp cornering, height, attachment,
grades/ramps and load security
• operator blind spots associated with
the design of the lift truck, its
components, permanent equipment
and attachments
• the main components of the lift truck
with emphasis on the lifting/handling
systems and their basic functions
• the factors affecting stability,
reach/retract, counterbalance
principles, tilt
• the location of the capacity plate and
the information outlined on the plate
• model/serial number
• capacity rating at a given load centre
at a given height
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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
 • maximum lifting height of
forks/attachment
• truck weight and minimum battery
weight

• manufacturer’s specifications A competent operator knows/understands:

• where to access the operator manual
• the operating information outlined in
the manual
• the pre-operational and maintenance
tasks described in the operator
manual

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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
Hazards in the • dangerous activities A competent operator must understand the dangers of:
Workplace • operating with restricted visibility (blind spots,
corners, inspections)
• parking a vehicle on an incline
• not stopping before entering an incline
• travelling over railway tracks
• allowing riders unless there is an approved
passenger seat
• permitting anyone to stand or walk under loads
• permitting anyone to ride on loads
• not keeping all parts of the body inside the
operator’s compartment at all times
• travelling with the load lifted more than 10
centimetres above the floor
• dragging the forks when inserting or
withdrawing them from a load
• increasing the capacity of the truck or
overloading the truck
• stunt driving and horseplay
• allowing anyone to stand on the fork or climb
on the upright assembly
• moving a load with someone steadying it
• jumping from the lift truck in the event of a tip-
over
• uneven surfaces
• mast not tilted back enough to stabilize the load
• explosive atmospheres
• operating on a slippery surface (floors, ramps,
dock plate)
• the accumulation of exhaust emissions (carbon
monoxide) in restricted spaces such as railway
cars, trucks
• operating with restrictions such as overhead
equipment or other obstructing stationary
building structures
• pedestrian traffic along the path of the travel
route
• workplace noise
• inadequate lighting
• other vehicular traffic

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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
Workplace • emergency A competent operator knows/understands:
specific procedures • the emergency procedures defined by the
procedures employer
and practices • how to operate the particular type or class of
fire extinguisher in the workplace
• workplace specific A competent operator knows/understands:
rules and procedures • the procedures and rules that have been
established by the employer to ensure safe
operation of powered lift trucks in the
workplace including, rules for when pedestrians
have the right-of-way, code of signals used to
manage traffic (if any), rules for maintenance,
testing and repair of the lift truck.

2.4 Skills to be acquired

PROCEDURE TASKS FINAL OUTCOME FOR OPERATOR

To be Assessed COMPETENCE
General • pre-operational Before operating a lift truck, a competent operator:
Operation check (circle • carries out a visual inspection of the truck and its
check) 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 procedures
• 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, A competent operator:
stopping and • starts and stops safely with and without a load
turning • 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 and A competent operator:
parking • 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

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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
 • forward and A competent operator:
reverse driving • keeps all parts of the body inside the operator’s
on level ground 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 10cm 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 attachments appropriately to
maintain stability
• observes weight restrictions for floors and
elevators
• takes appropriate action when meeting restrictions
such as overhead equipment and other obstructing
stationary structures

• forward and A competent operator:

reverse driving • when not carrying a load, travels forward down an
on inclines, incline and travels in reverse up an incline
ramps or • when carrying a load, travels in reverse down an
uneven terrain 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 and or uneven terrain
• does not turn the truck around 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 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 A competent operator:
around • always faces in the direction of travel
personnel • when turning, ensures no personnel within the lift
truck’s danger zone
• observes employer’s policy for ensuring the safety
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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
 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 Before picking up a load, a competent operator:
loads • 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 A competent operator:
and placement • checks overhead clearance
• ensures truck safe distance from any live power
lines
• engages at least two-thirds 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 fork when inserting or
withdrawing them from a load
• does not raise or lower loads while truck is in
motion
• load security A competent operator:
and integrity • observes the limits for freestanding stack height
• makes sure load is secure and balanced before
lifting
• personnel A competent operator:
lifting, • ensures lift truck meets prescribed requirements
lowering and • uses only a platform specifically designed for the
supporting 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 and • loading trucks Before driving into any truck, trailer or railway boxcar,
Unloading and railway with or without a load, a competent operator:
cars • ensures that the vehicle being loaded is adequately
restrained to prevent movement
• inspect floors for stability and integrity
• ensures that the dock/bridge plate is one designed
Code of Practice For the Safe 17
Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
 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 jack
stand where appropriate (e.g. when not connected
to the tractor)
• transporting A competent operator:
loads in • ensures the elevator is capable of supporting the
elevators loaded lift truck
• before entering, make 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
• 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 • refuelling and Competent operators trained to perform routine
Maintenance recharging maintenance safely and given the responsibility to do so:
• follow the manufacturer’s requirements and
employer’s procedures for safe refuelling and
recharging of lift truck including:
• wearing the appropriate personal protective
equipment, including eye protection
• properly positioning and securing vehicle
• observing workplace precautions with
respect to fires

Employer to Ensure Competency of Powered Lift Truck Operators

Even though training can be acquired from outside agencies, employers must ensure
employees are competent in their work environment with the equipment they must use
and issue a certificate indicating this. (See sample included here).

Once certificates are issued, the employer must develop an evaluation system to
ensure ongoing competency of operators. This shall include, but not be limited to,
testing on operation of the powered lift truck, knowledge and skill level regarding the lift

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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
truck and company policy and procedure relating to its operation. This evaluation will
assess the need for further training, updates or refresher courses.

Some examples of when a refresher course shall be given to operators are:

a) operator has been observed operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner
b) operator has been involved in an accident or near miss incident
c) operator receives an evaluation that indicates he or she has operated the vehicle
unsafely
d) operator is assigned to operate a different type or class of powered lift truck
e) conditions in the workplace change that may affect the safe operation of the
powered lift truck

This training shall be documented and be made available to a safety and health officer
of the Workplace Safety and Health Division whenever requested. All operator training
and evaluation shall be conducted by persons who have the knowledge, training and
experience to train powered industrial truck operators and evaluate their competence.
Information to be included on the certificate:
1) company name (and name of training agency, if applicable)
2) employee name
3) date of issue
4) type of equipment certified to use
5) signature of employer and instructor

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Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
Sample Certificates:

Training Agency
ABC Company Recognizes
Certifies that John Doe
John Doe As having successfully completed Class IV
Is a trained and competent Class IV powered Powered Lift Truck Safety for:
lift truck operator. ABC Company
Date of Issue: Date of Issue:

Signature of instructor Signature of employer Signature of instructor Signature of employee

Industrial Truck Classifications

Class I - Electric Motor Rider Trucks Class II - Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks

Lift Code 1 – Counterbal- Lift Code 1 - Lift Code 2 -

ance Rider Type, Stand-Up High Lift Straddle Order Picker

Lift Code 6 -
Lift Code 4 - Three Wheel Low Lift Pallet
Electric Trucks, Sit Down

Lift Code 5 – Counterbal-

ance Rider, Cushion Tire,
Sit Down. Lift Code 4 –
Sideloaders High Lift Lift Code 6
Pallet Turret

Class III - Electric Motor Hand Trucks

Lift Code 1 - Low Lift Platform Lift Code 4 – Low Lift Lift Code 6 -
or Walkie/Center High Lift
Lift Code 2 - Low Lift Lift Code 3 – Tractor Control Straddle
Walkie Pallet

Class IV - Internal Combustion Engine

Lift Code 7 - High

Lift Counterbalance Lift Code 8 - Low Lift Lift Code 3 – Fork,
Walkie/Rider Pallet and Counterbalance,
End Control Cushion Tire

Code of Practice For the Safe 20

Operation of Powered Lift Trucks
Class V - Internal Combustion Engine Class VI – Electric and Internal Class VII – Rough Terrain Fork
Trucks - Pneumatic Tires Only Combustion Engine Tractors Lift Truck

Lift Code 4 – Fork Lift Code 1 – Sit Lift Code 1 - All

Counterbalance, Down Rider Rough Terrain
Pneumatic Tire Fork Lift Trucks

Code of Practice For the Safe 21

Operation of Powered Lift Trucks