This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a forklift in compliance with the relevant state/territory authority licence requirements and regulations, in a variety of operational contexts.

It includes checking forklift condition, driving forklift to fulfil operational requirements, and monitoring and maintaining forklift performance and site conditions.

Assessment of this unit will usually be undertaken within a licensing examination conducted by, or under the authority of, the relevant state/territory work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) authority.

Operation of a forklift is performed under some supervision, generally within a team environment.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Check forklift condition 

1.1

Condition of forklift is checked for compliance with WHS/OHS and workplace requirements for warning devices, manufacturer specifications and nature of load shifting task

1.2

Attachments are checked to ensure appropriate adjustment and operation

1.3

Mirrors and seats are adjusted for safe operation by driver

1.4

Logbooks are checked and appropriate workplace documentation is completed in accordance with workplace requirements

2 

Drive forklift 

2.1

Forklift is started, steered, manoeuvred, positioned and stopped in accordance with regulations and manufacturer instructions

2.2

Engine power is managed to ensure efficiency and performance and to minimise engine and gear damage

2.3

Operational hazards are identified and/or anticipated and avoided or controlled through defensive driving and appropriate hazard control techniques

2.4

Forklift is driven in reverse, maintaining visibility and achieving accurate positioning

2.5

Forklift is parked, shut down and secured in accordance with manufacturer specifications, regulations and workplace procedures

3 

Operate forklift to handle loads 

3.1

Lifting task to be undertaken is appropriately planned, and correct lifting truck and attachments are selected

3.2

Load is lifted, carried, lowered and set down in accordance with WHS/OHS legislation, manufacturer specifications and company procedures

4 

Monitor site conditions 

4.1

Hazards and traffic flow are identified when selecting the most efficient route and appropriate adjustments are made

4.2

Site conditions are assessed to enable safe operations and to ensure no injury to people or damage to property, equipment, loads or facilities occurs

5 

Monitor and maintain forklift performance 

5.1

Performance and efficiency of vehicle operation is monitored during use

5.2

Defective/irregular performance and malfunctions are reported to relevant personnel

5.3

Forklift records are maintained/updated in accordance with workplace procedures and legislative requirements

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

• applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• checking and replenishing fluids, and carrying out lubrication processes
• communicating and working effectively with others
• completing relevant documentation
• ensuring forklift and its equipment are maintained in terms of service schedule and standard operating procedures
• identifying points of balance and safe lifting positions on a range of loads when operating a forklift (including accessories)
• modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments
• monitoring performance of forklift and its equipment, and taking appropriate action as required
• monitoring and prioritising work activities in terms of planned schedule
• operating and adapting to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures
• operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol
• reading, interpreting and following relevant instructions, procedures, information and signs
• reporting and/or rectifying identified problems, faults or malfunctions promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures
• selecting and using required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and WHS/OHS standards
• working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• efficient driving techniques
• engine power management and safe operating strategies
• forklift controls, instruments and indicators, and their use
• forklift handling procedures
• high risk work licence requirements
• operating hazards and related defensive driving and hazard control techniques
• operational emergency procedures
• pre-operational checks carried out on forklift and related action
• principles of stress management when driving a forklift
• relevant duty of care requirements for operating a forklift
• relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations
• site layout and obstacles
• workplace operating procedures.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.