FORKLIFT AND SCISSOR LIFT

OPERATOR TRAINING

info@martinsforklift.com

regulations

Regulations can be confusing but the bottom line is that operators must be trained, and trained to a specific standard.  It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that employees receive this training, and to provide supervision and control in the workplace to ensure operators meet the standards on an ongoing basis.

Forklifts in BC are governed by WorkSafe BC, OHS Section 16: Mobile Equipment.

Below are the most relevant extracts:

Section 16.4 Competency of Operators

(1) A person must not operate mobile equipment unless the person

(a) has received adequate instruction in the safe use of the equipment

Section 16.7 Standards

(j) Lift Truck Operator training: CSA Standard B335-94, Industrial Lift Truck Operator Training

CSA Standard 7.1.1 Frequency of Courses

Refresher courses shall be held

(a) at intervals not exceeding 2 years; or

(b) in case of accident or incidents attributable to operator error.

Training is a legal requirement

For more detailed regulations regarding specific forklift topics such as rear-view mirrors, seat belt use, forklift mounted work platforms and more, check the full Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines on WorkSafe BC's website.  

Scissor lifts in BC are governed by by Worksafe BC OHS section 13 and by CSA Standard B354.2.

Notwithstanding all the above, it is important to note the General Duty clause in BC's standards, which reminds us all of our due diligence obligation:

Worksafe BC OHS Section 2.2 General duty

Despite the absence of a specific requirement, all work must be carried out without undue risk of injury or occupational disease to any person.

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