REACH TRUCK OPERATOR Training

CLASS 5: Stand Up Counterbalance ​
​CSA standard B335-15
O.REG. 213/91: CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS REGULATION
O.REG. 851: INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS
Training Locations: On site across Eastern Ontario
​Format: In Person - Classroom + Practical
Duration: 4-8 hours 
Private Group (New trainees): $1400.00 - $1,800.00/Session  (+HST)
Private Group (Experienced): ​$1000.00 - $1,250.00/Session  (+HST)

THE Details

Reach trucks are built for precision work in narrow aisles, high racking systems, and fast-paced warehouse environments — but they also come with unique stability risks and visibility challenges that require specialized training.

Our Reach-Truck Operator Training gives workers the knowledge and hands-on practice they need to operate safely and confidently. Training follows Ontario’s OHSA, Reg. 851 – Industrial Establishments, and CSA B335-15: Safety Standard for Lift Trucks, ensuring full compliance.

Through a combination of classroom instruction and practical evaluation, participants learn how to inspect their equipment, manage loads, navigate tight aisles, and prevent tip-overs, collisions, and other common warehouse hazards.

​Hands-On Learning That Builds Competency - Operators start with 3.5 hours of theory to understand how reach trucks work, how to identify hazards, and how to operate with control and awareness. From there, we move into practical skills where students learn how to:
  • complete a proper pre-operational inspection
  • identify defects
  • use the controls smoothly
  • steer and brake with precision
  • lift, carry, and place loads safely
REQUIREMENTS
  • Students must wear their PPE - CSA approved steel toed-boots, work pants, hard hat (if required)
  • Owners/employers must supply equipment and a training location that are safe and appropriate for training.
​Our instructors work one-on-one with each participant to make sure they can demonstrate the full range of safe operating skills – not just pass a written test. 

​This combination of strong theory and hands-on practice helps workers become competent, confident operators, and helps employers meet Ontario’s training and due diligence requirements.

​Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:
  • Workers new to the use of Reach Truckers
  • Experienced forklift operators transitioning to reach trucks
  • Supervisors who oversee powered lift-truck operations
  • Temporary workers or job seekers preparing for warehouse roles
  • Any worker required to operate a reach truck under Ontario’s OHSA
New operators, experienced operators, and workers requiring recertification all benefit from this course. Anyone who uses a reach truck to move, lift, stack, or transport materials in Ontario must be trained and evaluated to meet OHSA requirements.

what you learn

  • Legal responsibilities under the OHSA and Reg. 851
  • Requirements from CSA B335-15 
  • Pre-operational inspection procedures
  • Understanding  controls and stability characteristics
  • Narrow-aisle travel, turning, and maneuvering
  • Safe lifting, stacking, and unstacking techniques
  • Load charts, weight distribution, and centre-of-gravity awareness
  • Pedestrian safety and communication
  • Avoiding tip-overs, collisions, and racking damage
  • Safe battery charging procedures (if electric)
  • Workplace-specific policies and best practices
  • Hands-on operator evaluation with documented results

Refresher Training Guidelines

Refresher Training is required when:
  • unsafe behaviour is observed
  • an incident or near miss occurs
  • equipment changes
  • workplace hazards change
  • operator has been absent from operating for a long period

​Recommended:
  • Every 3 years (industry standard)
  • Every 2 years for high-risk facilities
Also Available

Employer's Responsibilities: 
Workplace Specific Training

Initial forklift training gives workers the foundation, but true competency only develops through guided practice. New operators need time, coaching, and repetition before they can work independently with confidence and control.
  • We strongly recommend implementing a company policy that requires new operators to complete a set number of supervised hours under a competent operator or supervisor. This supervised period helps workers build muscle memory, refine techniques, and learn how to navigate real-world conditions safely.
  • ​The number of hours will vary depending on the operator’s experience, coordination, and ability to follow direction. To support your decision-making, our instructors can provide a post-training report with individualized recommendations for each worker. This helps you set expectations, meet your due diligence obligations, and ensure every operator is truly ready before working alone.

Instructors

PAUL
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Training that protects what matters most.
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