Canada requires telescopic handler training for forklift operators–on that, there is no question. Where confusion exists is how often operators need telehandler refresher training or recertification. Outside of the initial safety training class, Canada requires forklift operators to be re-evaluated every three years to determine if they are still competent enough to operate.

However, this every-three-year forklift evaluation is the maximum time that is allowed to pass before an operator receives telehandler recertification. According to Canada, there are several instances that will require additional telehandler training and observation before the three year period is up:

• Telehandler operator is observed in an accident or a near miss.
• Telehandler operator received a poor evaluation or is observed driving in a dangerous manner.
• The telehandler operator is assigned to drive a different type of forklift or the workplace has changed significantly enough to require additional forklift training (such as being transferred from a warehouse to a dock or a construction site).

Not necessarily. Canada requires forklift operators to receive Forklift Training for each type of forklift. On this term, “type,” there is much confusion. Generally speaking, by “type” Canada means sit down forklift vs. stand up forklift vs. telescopic handler vs. truck mounted forklift, etc. For example, say you have always operated a telehandler on a construction site but have suddenly been asked to operate a sit-down forklift in a warehouse or on a dock. In this case, you would need additional forklift training specific to sit down counterbalanced forklifts.

If you have received telehandler training on a construction site and have always operated a Gradall telehandler, but then are asked to operate a JCB telehandler, you should be just fine to operate under the same telehandler certification received previously. Keep in mind though, controls can differ greatly from brand to brand, so in some cases, you may need additional instruction or a quick refresher training to make sure you are clear on what each control does.

This, above all, causes a lot of confusion. Bottom line, Canada states that employers are responsible to train their employees. Generally speaking, there are three ways they can do this:

• Train employees in-house with their own program.
• Hire a 3^rd party to train the employees.

In terms of using a 3^rd part of an employee safety training companies materials (like our telehandler training PowerPoint kits or our telehandler training classes online) Canada does not recognize one company over another. They simply state that ‘training needs to occur’ and ‘here are the things an aerial lift operator should be trained on.’

When we do live training or offer aerial lift training online, people often assume we are the ones certifying the trainees. This is not true for any training company. We are simply assisting the employer by providing live aerial lift training or the training materials needed to help them aerial lift certify their employees.

Yes, but there is a lot of confusion. Much of it arises from 1926.602 (c)(1)(viii)(B), which states: “Means shall be provided whereby personnel on the platform can shut off power to the truck.” Many interpret this to mean that man-baskets cannot be used because most lack controls that can be used to raise, lower, and shut off the machine. However, to understand (B), we need to look back to the parent regulation under which (B) falls.

In this case, 1926.602 (c)(1)(viii) states that “whenever a truck is equipped with vertical only, or vertical and horizontal controls elevatable with the lifting carriage or forks for lifting personnel, the following additional precautions shall be taken for the protection of personnel being…” As a result, (B) only applies to telehandlers with baskets that have controls built in.

The bottom line is this: the particular work platform you are using must be approved by the manufacturer of the forklift you are using. Not all telehandler manufacturers allow them. And when they do, there are very strict standards you must follow.

• Operators must have read the operator’s manual for the basket.
• They must have received telehandler training specific to working in work platforms.
• The platform must have all warning labels and capacity plates, and the must be in legible condition.
• The operator must remain in the cab and not drive the telehandler with personnel in the basket.
• Appropriate PPE and fall arrest gear must be inspected and worn.
• And telehandlers are to be used to list personnel unless there is no other practical option.