Frequently Asked Questions
According to the guidelines outlined by the OSHA, it takes special training and experience to operate forklifts, also known as material handling equipment, and land industrial floor cleaning equipment in Toronto. The safety risks associated with the incorrect usage of these types of industrial equipment are far too big to be taken lightly.
Our informative FAQ offers the answers to some of the most pressing questions you may have about industrial equipment operation, licensing, and training.
How do I know which forklift I need?
Choosing the right type of forklift for each material handling task is extremely important to guarantee that the job is done correctly and safely. If you’re not sure what type of forklift is suitable for the type of work you need to do, then you can ask the expert technicians at NovaLift Equipment Inc. in Toronto and the GTA.
From cherry pickers and dockstockers to walkie pallet trucks, and more, we have a wide selection of state-of-the-art material handling equipment that we can recommend for all kinds of warehousing, industrial, and shipping and receiving applications. Choosing the right type of forklift for each material handling task is extremely important.
How often should I have my material handling equipment serviced?
For optimal usage and equipment longevity, it’s important to have your industrial floor cleaning and material handling equipment serviced at least once every six months or as needed. Older machines might require more frequent inspections, repairs, and part replacements. But as long as you use your equipment with care and administer regularly scheduled maintenance services, there’s no reason why your equipment won’t last for a number of years.
At NovaLift Equipment Inc., our extremely qualified technicians perform regular maintenance and performance inspections on all of our new, used, and rented material handling and flood cleaning equipment.
How long does a forklift last?
The lifespan of a forklift or material handling equipment depends largely on how well you take care of it and how often you do maintenance and performance inspections. The types of tasks for which they’re used and how often they’re used can also impact the lifespan of most forklifts. It’s important to note that the relative age of a forklift is best determined by the amount of hours of operation it puts in rather than what year it was built. With regular maintenance and cleanings, a forklift can last for many decades in the right hands.
When should I get certified to use material handling equipment?
Immediately. Before you or your employees attempt to use any type of material handling equipment, you should make sure that the proper safety and equipment usage training is administered. This is to reduce the risk of employer liability as well as serious or potentially fatal on-the-job injuries.
NovaLift Equipment Inc. offers in-depth OSHA-certified material handling equipment training courses and certificate programs to anyone who needs them. Keep in mind that the Canadian Safety Association legally requires you to renew or update your forklift safety and operations training every three years as safety standards are subject to change. This means you’ll have to take regular refresher courses to renew your forklift licence.
Does it make a difference if I use generic replacement parts for branded forklifts?
To some degree, yes, the brand and the number of replacement parts you put on your forklift will eventually negatively impact its performance. That’s why new forklifts typically come with a minimum manufacturer’s warranty and sometimes minor replacement parts to supplement unexpected product failures. If you need help locating the right parts to keep your forklifts running smoothly for a longer period of time, NovaLift Equipment Inc. might be able to help.
We don’t just buy, sell, and rent out forklifts; we also specialize in repairing them and have a number of name brands in our inventory. We’re also happy to offer competitive repair and replacement part and service pricing and answer all of your questions.
Do used forklifts have warranties?
Since used forklifts are typically older models, their warranty periods may have already expired. But you can rest assured that any forklift you rent or purchase from us undergoes ongoing routine inspections to uphold the highest possible safety and performance standards. If, for whatever reason, you have any issues operating one of our machines, we’ll be more than happy to have one of our technicians inspect it and try to resolve the issue.
Do I need a license to operate a forklift in Ontario?
Yes, for safety reasons, you need a license to operate a forklift in Ontario. Forklift licensing guidelines and procedures are overseen by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) of Ontario.
NovaLift Equipment Inc. offers extensive forklift operation certification and licensing training programs for beginners and experts who need to renew their licenses.
How long is a forklift certificate valid for? How long do forklift certificates last?
In Ontario, forklift certificates and licenses are valid for three years, at which point you’ll need to take a refresher course to renew your license.
What is included in your onsite forklift certificate program?
NovaLift Equipment Inc. offers a wide variety of training sessions that teach you and your employees the safety knowledge and handling skills you need for the following types of industrial equipment:
- Counterbalance forklifts
- Electric reach and order pickers
- Electric ride-on and walk-behind pallet trucks
- Scissor lifts
Our comprehensive training programs include:
- 8-hour onsite forklift training courses that can typically be completed in one day, offered by Safety 1stForklift Training Inc.
- In-class training
- Practical training
- Courses taught by professional, skilled, and accredited trainers
The cost of the forklift training program depends on the class size, location, and type of material handling equipment that’s being used.
To learn more about NovaLift Equipment Inc.’s comprehensive forklift and floor cleaning equipment services in Toronto and Vaughan, please feel free to contact us today!
