Order Picker Certification in Canada: What You Need to Know

An order picker is an electric lift truck built for warehouses and distribution centres. Unlike a regular forklift, the operator stands on a platform that rises with the forks. That lets the operator pick single items or cases straight from high rack shelves.

Order pickers are Class 2 narrow aisle trucks. They are designed to work in tight aisles between tall racks, often with guide rails or wire guidance in the floor.

Because the operator works at height, the risks are different from a sit-down forklift. Operators must be trained, and must show they can run the machine safely, before they use one at work.

In Canada, getting qualified to run an order picker is a three-step process. The online course covers the first step.

The online course alone does not qualify you to operate an order picker. You also need a hands-on practical evaluation on the machine, usually done by your employer or a qualified evaluator. Gama Safety Canada also offers hands-on training at our Burnaby, BC training centre or on site at your workplace.

• Falls from height. The operator is raised with the platform. A harness or other fall protection, attached as the manufacturer and employer direct, is used when elevated.
• Tip-overs. Raised loads, travelling with the platform up, sharp turns and uneven floors can make the truck unstable.
• Rack strikes. Hitting racks can damage them and bring stock down on people below.
• Pedestrians. Narrow aisles and blind corners make it easy to hit someone on foot.
• Falling objects. Items can fall from shelves or the platform while picking.
• Getting stuck at height. A machine failure can leave the operator stranded, so there must be a plan to bring them down safely.

Safe habits that prevent most incidents:

• Do a pre-use inspection every shift. Check the brakes, horn, lights, controls, platform gates, harness and lanyard, and report any defect before use.
• Know the rated capacity and never overload the platform or forks.
• Travel with the platform lowered when you can, and slow down at aisle ends and corners.
• Keep your whole body inside the operator area, and never climb onto racks or loads.
• Watch for people on foot, and use the horn at blind spots.
• Park safely at the end of the shift: platform fully lowered, power off, and the key removed.

Lift truck operation is covered by provincial OHS regulations. In plain words, employers must make sure operators are trained and competent before they use a lift truck, that the truck is inspected and kept in safe condition, and that operators follow safe procedures.

Many employers also use CSA B335, the Canadian safety standard for lift trucks, which covers operator training and evaluation. It is one reason training is split into theory and a hands-on practical evaluation.

The course is for new operators getting ready for a practical evaluation, experienced operators who need a refresher, and warehouse supervisors and team leads.

Already certified on a forklift? Training is specific to the type of truck. A sit-down counterbalance forklift and an order picker handle differently, and the order picker adds work at height. Operators moving to an order picker need training and a practical evaluation on that type of truck before they use it.

Gama Safety’s Order Picker course has nine modules:

1. Introduction to Order Picking. What an order picker is and how it differs from other lift trucks.
2. Safety Protocols and PPE. Key safety rules and PPE, including the harness used when elevated.
3. Understanding Order Picking Equipment. Controls, platform, mast, safety features and inspection.
4. Basic Operating Techniques. Driving, steering, raising and lowering safely in narrow aisles.
5. Advanced Operating Techniques. Picking at height, heavier loads, and working around racks and pedestrians.
6. Order Picking Processes and Systems. Picking orders, routes and warehouse systems.
7. Inventory Management and Stock Control. How good picking habits keep inventory accurate.
8. Emergency Procedures and First Aid. Machine failures, a worker stuck at height, and injuries.
9. Practical Hands-On Training. What the practical evaluation involves and how to prepare for it.

There is no single national expiry date. It depends on your province and employer. In BC, lift truck operators must get upgrade training at least every 3 years. Many employers ask for a refresher every 1 to 3 years. You should also be re-evaluated after an incident or near miss, if you are seen operating unsafely, or when you move to a different type of truck or work area. Keep a copy of your certificate and your practical evaluation record, since a new employer will often ask for both.

1. Enrol in the online Order Picker course and start right away on any device.
2. Learn at your own pace. The course takes about 4.5 hours, and your progress saves automatically.
3. Pass the final exam with 80% or better. Retakes are unlimited and free. Download your certificate right away, and get a wallet card mailed free.
4. Complete your hands-on practical evaluation on the machine with your employer, a qualified evaluator, or Gama Safety in Burnaby or at your site.

The course is available in English, French, Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi, Mandarin and more. Training a team? Volume pricing starts at 2 seats. Call 1-866-661-9803 to ask about hands-on training.