Common forklift misconceptions

Operating a truck type you are not certified on

✗ Myth: They can operate — both are forklifts

✓ Reality: They cannot operate — certification is class- and model-specific; they must be trained and evaluated on the telehandler first

Manitoba law Does not meet the s. 22.29 certificate + familiarity duty. The employer-issued certificate is tied to the truck type the worker was trained, tested and found familiar with (s. 22.29(2)(b)). A different type needs its own training and evaluation.

Assuming rated capacity is a single fixed number

✗ Myth: Use the bare-truck rating

✓ Reality: Stop — an attachment de-rates capacity; the truck needs a combined truck-plus-attachment capacity plate before it is used

Manufacturer requirement Technically unsafe / contrary to manufacturer. Safe capacity de-rates with load centre, lift height and attachments. Consult the load-rating chart / data plate (s. 22.30 + manufacturer).

Operating a truck with a hazardous defect

✗ Myth: Yes — it saves time on quick jobs

✓ Reality: No — defeating a safety system makes the truck out of service; the seat switch prevents travel/hydraulic movement when the operator is not in the seat

Manitoba law Prohibited under s. 22.3(2). A truck with a hazardous defect must not be operated until it is repaired/corrected (s. 22.3(2)); the operator’s pre-use visual check must confirm it is safe (s. 22.15).

Trying to jump clear in a tip-over

✗ Myth: Raise the load higher to see under it

✓ Reality: Travel in reverse, looking in the direction of travel (and use a spotter in tight/busy areas)

Recommended practice Technically unsafe (manufacturer/OEM guidance). Manufacturer guidance for a sit-down counterbalance tip-over is to stay in the seat, hold on, brace and lean away — jumping risks being caught by the overhead guard. Follow your truck’s operator manual.

Driving on when someone is in the path of travel

✗ Myth: A louder horn

✓ Reality: Physical separation — marked routes, protected walkways, barriers, and separate doors so people and trucks are not in the same space

Manitoba law Against the immediate-path duty. No person may be in the truck’s immediate path of travel or under a load (s. 22.16(3)); the operator must not endanger anyone (s. 22.15).

Ignoring refuelling / charging hazards

✗ Myth: To keep the area tidy

✓ Reality: Charging releases explosive hydrogen gas and the electrolyte is corrosive acid — ventilation, no ignition sources, PPE, and an eyewash are required

Recommended practice Technically unsafe / follow site procedure. Refuelling and charging create fire, asphyxiation and chemical hazards — follow the manufacturer and your site’s safe-work procedure.

Treating a fitted seat belt as optional

✗ Myth: Jump clear of the machine

✓ Reality: Stay in the seat, hold the wheel, brace, and lean away from the fall

Manitoba law Prohibited where the truck is so equipped. If the truck is or was fitted with a seat belt/restraint, it must not be removed and must be used (s. 22.8).