EQUIPMENT OPERATOR TRAINING

Work equipment can cause serious work-related injuries and even death. To protect both operators and everyone working near this equipment, regulations made under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act require workers who operate this equipment to be trained and competent. To help meet this essential need and to build competence and confidence, the Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) has developed a comprehensive suite of equipment training programs for worker operators. Participants completing this training will benefit from: engaging and relevant classroom sessions created with the adult learner in mind; pocket-sized manuals for easy reference on the work site; and wallet-sized records of training. Just as important, each participant must demonstrate through hands-on practicums, the principles they have learned to safely operate the applicable equipment.

Chainsaw Operator

Duration 4.00 hours + Practicum
Chainsaw Operator is a six-hour WHSC training program designed to equip participants with an understanding of chainsaw features, applicable legislation, safe procedures, hazards, and control measures associated with operating a chainsaw. The program is divided between four hours of in-class instruction plus a practicum during which participants will go through a chainsaw inspection checklist and demonstrate proper start-up and handling techniques. The WHSC will issue a record of training (ROT) to participants who successfully complete the training program.

Construction and Industrial Forklift Operator*

Duration 6.00 hours + Practicum
This program is designed for operators of rough terrain and industrial forklifts used in the construction sector. The in-class session explores the basics of safe operation such as selection, pre-start inspection, stability, lift capacity, principle of counterbalance theory and restricted view awareness. The program offers a review of the hazards operators might experience and reviews legislation, guidelines and standards governing the use of forklifts. The hands-on practicum affords each participant an opportunity to operate various forklifts. Participants will receive documentation from the instructor for every forklift on which they prove competency. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Record of Training.

Forklift Operator*

Duration 6.00 hours + Practicum
This program is for workers who will operate powered lift trucks (Classes 1 to 5). In the classroom, participants will first explore the basics of powered lift truck operation including selection criteria, stability, lift capacity and principles of counterbalance theory. Participants also gain an understanding of legislation, guidelines and standards governing the use of powered lift trucks. Also covered are the many hazards specific to powered lift truck use in the work environment, components of an effective powered lift truck pre-start inspection checklist and safe operating rules and practices.

Mini Excavator Operator

Duration 6.00 hours + Practicum
Program participants will first learn about how components of mini excavators work. They will also discuss legislation applicable to mini excavators including sections of the Regulations for Construction Projects, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The program addresses health and safety hazards associated with the operation of mini excavators and their control measures, including hazards associated with rollovers, power lines, noise and vibration and other conditions that if left unchecked can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.

Mobile Elevting Work Platform Operator

Duration 6.00 hours + Practicum
Prerequisite: Working at Heights
Participants will learn about different types of mobile elevating work platforms and discuss their functions, safety features, characteristics, components and stability. Participants will also discuss applicable legislation and relevant Canadian Safety Association (CSA) requirements, such as owner responsibilities, record keeping, operator training and retraining. Participants will learn about associated health and safety hazards and their control measures through classroom discussions and completing a job safety analysis (JSA) as part of their practicum activities. Each participant will demonstrate a proper daily inspection and will operate the lift(s) to complete a series of tasks. Furthermore, Section 6 of the Regulation for Propane Storage and Handling requires obtaining a certificate or record of training (ROT) for handling propane for an intended purpose. To help comply with this requirement, this program includes a section on propane safety and propane cylinder exchange. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a record of training (ROT) certificate.

Note: Canadian Safety Association (CSA) recommends retraining every five years

Mobile Elevating Work Platform Operator – Refresher

Duration 4.00 hours
Prerequisite: Working at Heights and previous MEWP or PEWP training
This refresher program is for previously trained mobile elevating work platform operators. The program reviews different types of lifts, related hazards and legal obligations when operating a lift. Along with classroom-based activities and discussions reviewing key concepts, participants will operate a lift and demonstrate their skill and knowledge during the practicum session. Each participant will demonstrate a proper daily inspection, job safety analysis (JSA) and operate the lift(s) to complete a series of tasks. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a record of training (ROT) certificate.

Note: Canadian Safety Association (CSA) recommends retraining every five years.

Propane for CH-02 ROT

Duration 6.00 hours + Practicums
To work with propane and use propane fuelled equipment workers must hold a CH-02 (Construction Heater Operator 2) certificate from an accredited training facility. This one day, WHSC Propane CH02 ROT program meets and surpasses the regulatory requirements of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and its regulations. The training program consists of two sessions. First, an in-class session provides participants with critical education on propane characteristics, proper handling, storage and use, plus applicable legislation. Participants will also be required to complete written evaluation worksheets. A second hands-on session allows participants to learn and then demonstrate skills such as inspections and transfers, as well as how to manifold three cylinders together, connect construction heaters and torches to cylinders, and safely start up and shut down all equipment. Upon successful conclusion, participants will receive a record of training (ROT) certificate, valid for three years.

Rough Terrain Forklift Operator*

Duration 6.00 hours + Practicum
This program is for workers required to operate rough terrain forklift trucks (RTFT) on outdoor job sites with “unimproved” natural terrain or disturbed terrain. Participants explore the proper selection, design and safe operation of these vehicles with special attention paid to capacity and stability. Specific safety measures including pre-start inspections, overhead guards, ergonomic design considerations, hydraulic safety, restricted view awareness and personal protective equipment are discussed. Legislation, regulations and standards related to the operation and maintenance of RTFTs are also discussed. Through a practicum session, participants must demonstrate a proper pre-use inspection and proficiency in operating the forklift. Upon successful conclusion, participants will receive a record of training (ROT) certificate.

Rough Terrain Forklift Operator – Mid-Term Evaluation

Duration 1.00 hour
CSA standard B335-04 recommends that all lift truck operators, including operators of rough terrain fork lifts, undergo a “mid-term practical evaluation” 18 months after completing general training (or re-training, which is recommended every three years). The standard sets out a list of tasks to be demonstrated by the participant and observed by the instructor in a mid-term practical evaluation. These tasks are included in the three forms (Equipment Inspection Evaluation, Lift Truck – Operator Evaluation and Hand Signals/Safety Procedure Evaluation) which are central to this course. Upon successful completion, one copy of each evaluation form is given to the participant and the training sponsor.

Skid Steer Operator

Duration 6.00 hours + Practicum
This training program will provide participants with an understanding of skid steer features along with associated hazards and control measures. Hazards include pinning and crushing hazards, rollovers, noise, vibration, heat and cold stress, overhead and underground electrical hazards, poor visibility, vehicle emissions, confined space, and mount and dismount hazards. Participants will learn about various types of skid steer attachments, their application and potential hazards. As well, they will learn about factors affecting stability such as load capacity, rough terrain, speed and turning. Finally, this session covers the centre of gravity and load centre theories plus the combined centre of gravity concept.

Skid Steer & Mini Excavator Operator     

Duration 6.00 hours + Practicum
This program combines two of WHSC’s most popular programs to meet the needs of construction workers who require both skid steer and mini excavator operator training. Delivered over two days, this program is designed for veteran and novice operators alike. Six hours of in-class theory introduces participants to the types of skid steers and mini excavators, reviews equipment specification tables and their role in calculating the rated capacity to avoid stability hazards, and examines centre of gravity and its relationship to stability. Other essential content explains various types of workplace hazards as well as the legal responsibilities of operators as it relates to operation of the equipment. The program incorporates up to three hours of practicum per participant to demonstrate inspection and safe operation of both machines. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Record of Training.

Skid Steer and Mini Excavator Operator Refresher

Duration 6.00 hours
This refresher program updates operators on laws, health and safety hazards, safe operating principles and includes a hands-on demonstration of operator skills on a skid steer and a mini excavator. This is a full day program with classroom theory in the morning followed by an afternoon session of practicum demonstrations and evaluations. During the practicum, participants demonstrate inspection and safe operation of both machines and will be evaluated by a qualified instructor. Upon successful completion, the operator and training sponsor will receive copies of each evaluation form.

Suspended Access Equipment Installer and Operator

Duration Two Days
This comprehensive program, completed over two days, includes theory and a practicum and meets mandatory competency training requirements for construction workers who may be required to install or inspect suspended access equipment. Employers must provide training to users of this equipment and designate and provide additional training to ‘a competent worker’ who will install and inspect suspended access equipment before it is used. This program meets the training requirement for ‘competent workers’. Theory will cover terminology, legislation, safety hazards, safe installation and operation. Participants will complete activities and worksheets and through a comprehensive practicum, they will demonstrate how to inspect, install and operate suspended access equipment. The practicum requires the use of parts and components of a suspension system and platform. That equipment must be provided by the client. Installers and operators must be retrained as often as necessary, but at least every three years. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Record of Training.

Suspended Access Equipment Operator     

Duration 6.00 hours + Practicum
This program, completed over two days, includes theory and a practicum and is intended to meet legislative requirements to train construction workers who use suspended access equipment, but who are not designated competent workers. Theory will cover terminology, legislation, safety hazards, safe installation and operation. In class, participants will complete activities and worksheets and through a practicum they will demonstrate how to inspect, install and operate suspended access equipment. The practicum will require parts and components of the suspension system and platform which must be provided by the client. Installers and operators must be retrained as often as necessary but at least every three years. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Record of Training.This program is for workers who will operate powered lift trucks (Classes 1 to 5). In the classroom, participants will first explore the basics of powered lift truck operation including selection criteria, stability, lift capacity and principles of counterbalance theory. Participants also gain an understanding of legislation, guidelines and standards governing the use of powered lift trucks. Also covered are the many hazards specific to powered lift truck use in the work environment, components of an effective powered lift truck pre-start inspection checklist and safe operating rules and practices.

 

*Note The Forklift Operator, Rough Terrain Forklift Operator, and Construction and Industrial Forklift Operator programs were developed to meet standards outlined in the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Guideline for the Safe Operation and Maintenance of Powered Lift Trucks and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Safety Standard for Lift Trucks.

 

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Product Sheet: EQUIPMENT OPERATOR TRAINING