This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a forklift with specialised attachments or all-terrain equipment, in accordance with relevant state/territory high risk work licence requirements and regulations, in a variety of operational contexts.

It includes checking attachments and worksite for suitability, selecting type of forklift and accessories for required workplace task, shifting load and completing work in accordance with operational requirements.

Specialised operation of a forklift is performed under some supervision, generally within a team environment. It involves the application of equipment operation principles and procedures to maintain the safety and specialised operation of a forklift

A person who operates a forklift must hold a high risk work licence.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1 

Check attachments and worksite for suitability 

1.1

Suitable work area is selected for operations

1.2

Job hazards are identified and required action is taken to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards

1.3

Work area is checked for overhead obstructions and proximity to service delivery lines

1.4

Barriers or warning signs are erected in areas subject to passing traffic

1.5

Attachments and platforms are securely fixed to carriage or tines

1.6

Personnel support platforms are inspected to ensure accordance with relevant Australian Standard/s

2 

Select type of forklift and accessories for required workplace task 

2.1

Special equipment, accessories or attachments are identified to match load characteristics and work requirements

2.2

Appropriate specialised equipment is selected

2.3

Existing attachments are removed and stored in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4

Specialised equipment is fitted in accordance with manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures

2.5

Designated staff are notified about specialist operations

3 

Shift load and complete work 

3.1

Equipment is operated within safe working limits and to maximise efficiency of operations

3.2

Load is lifted, carried and set down in accordance with workplace and manufacturer procedures, and regulatory requirements

3.3

Documentation is completed damage or faults to goods or equipment are reported to appropriate personnel

3.4

Specialist equipment and forklift are returned to appropriate storage/parking area

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
• checking and replenishing fluids and carrying out lubrication processes during work activities
• checking forklift compliance plate for safe weight limits
• communicating effectively with others
• completing relevant documentation
• identifying points of balance and safe lifting positions on a range of loads when operating a forklift (including accessories)
• implementing contingency plans
• interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work
• modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments
• monitoring equipment performance
• monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule
• operating and adapting to differences in equipment in accordance with operating procedures
• reading and interpreting 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 work health safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) standards
• servicing equipment in terms of maintenance schedule and operating procedures
• working collaboratively with others
• 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
• handling procedures for forklifts involved in specialised operations
• high risk work licence workplace requirements
• operating hazards, and related defensive driving and hazard control techniques
• pre-operational checks carried out on forklift and accessories, and related action
• procedures to be followed in an operational emergency
• relevant duty of care requirements for specialised operation of a forklift
• relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations
• safe weight limits
• site layout and obstacles
• types of forklift accessories and ancillary equipment, their purposes and procedures for their use
• 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
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
• relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.