Top 5 Essentials of Forklift Job Requirements

Top 5 Essentials of Forklift Job Requirements

With increase in the global trade, business requirements have seen several changes. And amongst all, one industry that has undergone major transition is logistics. This transition calls for qualified and skilled professionals to shift the cargo from one place to another. These kinds of jobs require precision and the detailed know how of the various machines like forklift. So, going for forklift certification in Mississauga is the best decision if you want to enter the field of logistics and warehousing and want to earn handsome package.

While applying for forklift operator job, there are some qualities and standards that you need to match. So, in this post we have brought forward the top five perquisites to land up with a job as forklift operator with the best logistic companies.

#1 Driver’s license:

Forklifts are nothing but modified vehicles. So, to operate a forklift you should have a valid driver’s license. In case, your driving license is expired or there is some other issue with the authentication, you won’t be permitted to handle the machine by any company.

#2 No past goof ups in driving:

In case you had a faulted driving history, then chances are there you won’t be selected for the job. Forklift is a heavy machine that calls for professional driving skills. Most of the logistic companies give importance to those candidates who have a clear driving history. If you have ever been in accident where you were at fault, or have received ticket for DUI or fast driving, you should consider some other profession.

#3 Proper practice of handling forklift

Obviously, no forklift company would want to waste its time and money to teach the operators how to operate the machine. They will simply ask you to verify your capabilities as a forklift operator during a practical test. For this, your skills including shifting, arranging and moving with cargo should be top notch. 

#4 Experience of at least one year

Though not all, but the giants of industry do ask for experience of at least one year or more. This can be neglected if you really have a set of remarkable skills.

So, before anything else, you need to get yourself enrolled with a training centre that provides forklift certification in Mississauga. One such training centre is CN Forklift Training Centre that provides beginners as well refresher courses.

Basic fall protection training by CN Forklift Training Centre, Toronto

Fall protection training is most essential component of any safety program and it is important for workers to learn the basic principles of fall protection and fall arrest before considering a job in construction or warehouse industry. Also, it is mandated by law according to OHSA for workers to receive basic fall protection training for their own safety and safety of coworkers.

Before we talk about how and where to get training, we must discuss who all are at risk of falling from height at workplace. Any worker who is working at height, whether on a construction site, using an aerial platform, working at oil rigs, setting up grand entertainment platforms or anything of that sort, is at the risk of falling and injuring itself. Therefore, this course is for everyone who might work or is working at height at present and has not received a formal training in this respect yet.

CN Forklift Training Centre provides comprehensive basic fall protection training in accordance with the guidelines of OHSA and covers all diverse topics related to this subject. This course underlines various causes of fall and where and when to be cautious while working at heights. Also, proper selection and use of safety and fall arrest equipments is taught in detail.

Basic fall protection course consists of theory and practical sessions to give participants complete training and insight on different aspects of topic. We here at Canadian Forklift Training Centre, through our safety courses, vouch for a safer industry for workers.

How to Operate a Counterbalance Forklift- A brief overview

Counterbalance forklift training consist of all elements of how to safely and securely operate a forklift keeping in mind the proper operational procedures and pedestrian safety. We hereby discuss the main principles of operating a counterbalance forklift. It is not a complete guide and does not substitute formal training in any way. It is rather a brief overview of checklist that one should keep in mind before operating a counterbalance forklift.

·         Put on your Seatbelt.

Safety comes first and this first step, though small, is vital. Don't forget your seat belt and you should strap it on first thing.

·         Check the forklift systems.

Before getting started, you must check all systems of your forklift such as lights, horns and hydraulic systems. Proper inspection of different components of forklift beforehand is important and should be repeated each time you are about to operate a forklift without fail. Any laxity in pre-operational inspection can lead to hazardous consequences.

·         Release Emergency Brakes.

Don't forget to release emergency brake before you start operating. You should always engage the emergency brake at the end of your shift or when you are leaving your vehicle alone to grab a bite as well.

·         Turning the counterbalance forklift.

Always remember the thumb rule of driving the counterbalance. The front wheels are the pivotal wheels which anchors the vehicle while turning. Rear wheels are the turning wheels. So when you are turning, you have to make sure that swinging rear end doesn't hit anything.

·         Loading

Line up with the load and keeping appropriate distance for fork adjustment, lift the forks. Keeping the forks straight, drive in slowly to position forks into pallets.

Keep going till backrest touches the load.

Lift again to lift load off the rack and reverse the forklift slowly. Honk horn before reversing and look both sides over your shoulder. Make sure alarm beeps continuously while you are backing up.

After reaching a safe distance from rack, put forklift in neutral and lower the load.

·         Off-loading

Reach the rack where you have to put the load and line up again. Lift the load a few inches above the subsequent shelf where it is to be placed. Lower the load slowly till it touches the shelf. Back your forklift to take forks out of pallet and then lower the forks.

Get ready to load again.

This is just a brief introduction on how to operate a counterbalance forklift. For comprehensive theoretical and practical forklift training, visit CN Forklift Training Centre, Toronto, which offers complete certification and re-certification courses in forklift operation.