Course Information

Course Content:

Herc Rentals can deliver Equipment Safe Operation Training to our customers using our qualified instructors for the following equipment we rent:

• Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklifts) as required by OSHA 1910.178 and 1926.602, and CSA(B)355/Canadian Provincial Requirements:

  • Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (solid/cushion tires) (Class IV)
  • Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (pneumatic tires) (Class V)
  • Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks (straight/vertical mast and variable/extended reach (telescopic)(Class VII)
  • Electric Motor Rider Trucks (Class I)
  • Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks (Class II)
  • Electric Motor Hand Trucks or Hand/Rider Trucks (Class III)

• Aerial Work Platforms covered by ANSI/SIA/CSA Standards:

  • A92.3 Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial Platforms
  • A92.5 Boom-Supported Elevating Work Platforms
  • A92.6 Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms
  • B354.4 Boom-Type Elevating Work Platforms
  • B354.2/3 Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms
  • B354.1 Elevating Rolling Work Platforms

Our training courses include:

• Formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, written material, and manufacturer's videos)

• Practical training (demonstrations and exercises performed by the trainee), and Evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace (in collaboration with customer).

And in our courses we review:

• Equipment Related Topics:

  • Operating instructions, warnings and precautions
  • Differences from automobile (forklift)
  • Controls and instrumentation
  • Engine or motor operation
  • Steering and maneuvering
  • Visibility
  • Fork and attachment adaptation, operation, use (forklifts)
  • Equipment capacity and stability
  • Load charts (variable/extended reach forklifts)
  • Equipment inspection (pre-operation inspection) and maintenance that the operator will be required to perform
  • Refueling/charging/recharging batteries
  • Operating limitations
  • Other instructions, etc.

• Workplace-Related Topics:

  • Surface conditions
  • Composition and stability of loads
  • Load manipulation, stacking, unshackling (forklifts)
  • Pedestrian traffic
  • Narrow aisles and restricted areas
  • Overhead obstructions and high voltage conductors
  • Operating in hazardous (classified) locations
  • Operating on ramps and sloped surfaces
  • Potentially hazardous environmental conditions
  • Operating in closed environments or other areas where poor ventilation or maintenance could cause carbon monoxide or diesel exhaust buildup
  • Fall protection

• Requirements of the relevant Standards (OSHA/Provincial/ANSI/CSA). Upon customer request, we will review in our class the customer's:

• Personal Protective Equipment requirements

• Plant/Site Specific Rules

Course Objectives

After completing the Forklift Safe Operation Training Program, the participant will be able to:

• Identify hazards associated with the use of a forklift.

• Identify key points from OSHA's Forklift standard 1910.178/1926.602, other state-specific standards, and site-specific rules and procedures for operating a forklift safely.

• Identify key characteristics of the forklift (Counterbalance, Narrow Aisle, Motorized Hand Truck, or Rough Terrain) used for the work task.

• Define three key concepts related to the stability of a forklift:

  • Center of Gravity
  • Load Center
  • Stability Triangle

• Identify forklift related items that must be checked in a pre-operational forklift safety inspection (Walk-Around/Observation, Operational, and Work Site) and complete a pre-operation inspection checklist in a hands-on training exercise.

• Identify safe practices and complete a hands-on training exercise for the following forklift operations:

  • Loading/Unloading
  • Traveling
  • Parking
  • Additional situations/considerations

• Identify safe practices for refueling of internal combustion (propane, gasoline, and diesel) equipment.

• Identify safe practices for battery care and recharging for electric trucks.

• Complete an assessment of safe forklift operation knowledge with a score of 80% or above.

• State the procedure for becoming qualified to safely operate another forklift with different controls, fuel systems, and attachments.