Unit of competency details

Elements and Performance Criteria 

Element 

Performance Criteria 

1

Plan work

1.1

Potential workplace hazards  are identified

1.2

Hazard control measures  are identified consistent with appropriate standards  to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment

1.3

Appropriate forklift truck is selected according to the load and workplace conditions 

1.4

Working area is inspected to determine appropriate path of movement for loads and forklift truck 

1.5

Communication methods  are identified according to procedures 

2

Conduct routine checks

2.1

Forklift is visually checked for any damage or defects

2.2

All signage and labels  are visible and legible according to the appropriate standard 

2.3

All controls are located and identified

2.4

Pre-start operational checks  are carried out according to procedures 

2.5

Forklift  is started according to procedures  and checked for any abnormal noise

2.6

Post-start operational checks  are carried out according to procedures 

2.7

All forklift functions and safety devices are tested to their maximum according to procedures 

2.8

Defects and damage are reported and recorded according to procedures, and appropriate action is taken 

3

Shift load

3.1

The weight of load is assessed to ensure compliance with forklift  truck data plate specifications

3.2

Appropriate hazard prevention/control measures  are implemented and communicated with personnel in the work area

3.3

Forklift  is operated at a safe speed and according to procedures 

3.4

Loads are moved and placed to ensure stability of material and avoidance of hazards 

3.5

Load movement is monitored constantly ensuring safety to personnel and load, and structural stability 

3.6

Unplanned and/or unsafe situations  are responded to in line with procedures  

4

Shut down and secure forklift truck

4.1

Forklift  truck is parked to avoid hazards

4.2

Forklift is shut down  according to procedures 

4.3

Routine post-operational forklift checks are carried out according to procedures 

4.4

Forklift is secured to prevent unauthorised access/use 

4.5

All defects and damage are reported and recorded according to procedures, and appropriate action is taken 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit .

Required skills :

Accurately interpret information relating to conducting forklift truck operations (e.g. procedures)

Safely conduct forklift truck operations including all functions to the maximum height and load capacity

Identify hazards associated with the operation of the forklift truck, assess risks and put into place effective hazard prevention/control measures for those hazards identified

Use communication skills at a level sufficient to communicate with other site personnel (e.g. receive and interpret work instructions, safety information, emergency procedures)

Drive forklift with load in forward and reverse, maintaining visibility

Verify problems and equipment faults and demonstrate appropriate response procedures

Required knowledge :

Methodology of determining the weight of a load

Commonwealth, state or territory OH&S legislation, standards relevant to the safe operation for the forklift trucks

Understanding of forklift characteristics and capabilities (including use of load data plates)

Understanding of the hierarchy of hazard identification and control

Organisational and workplace standards, requirements, policies and procedures for conducting operations for the crane class

Procedures for the recording, reporting and maintenance of workplace records and information

Forklift truck operations and safe operating techniques

Typical routine problems encountered in the operation of the crane and equipment and adjustments required for correction

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria , required skills and knowledge , the range statement and the assessment guidelines for the Training Package .

Overview of assessment 

Successful assessment of this unit meets the competency requirement of the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work.

State/territory OH&S regulators have mandated the use of Assessment Instruments and Instructions for Assessment for this unit which have been endorsed by the national body responsible for OH&S matters.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Compliance with OH&S licensing legislation.

Communicate and work safely with others in the work area.

Identify hazards associated with the operation of the forklift truck and put in place effective hazard controls for those hazards identified.

Conduct pre-start-up, operational, moving loads and shut down and secure checks of the forklift truck according to procedures.

Operate the forklift truck and move loads safely, including driving and manoeuvring, picking up and placing of loads at various stack heights.

Drive forklift truck with load in forward and reverse, maintaining visibility.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment of the safe application of knowledge and skills to workplace tasks (performance) must be undertaken using the endorsed Assessment Instrument.

Assessment of performance must be undertaken either in the workplace or in a realistically simulated workplace setting.

Assessment must occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Applicants must have access to:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the purpose of the Performance Assessment

associated equipment appropriate to forklift truck operations

suitable loads as described by the endorsed Assessment Instrument

manufacturers specifications

appropriate forklift truck in a safe condition.

Method of assessment 

Assessment must be conducted using the endorsed Assessment Instrument. These Instruments provide instruction on their application.

The use of 'simulators'  in the assessment of this unit of competency is not acceptable .

Assessment may be in conjunction with the assessment of other units of competency.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance together with application of underpinning knowledge.

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

Guidance information for assessment 

Further information about endorsed Assessment Instruments may be obtained from state/territory OH&S regulators.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole . It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance . Bold italicised wording , if used in the performance criteria , is detailed below .

Hazards 

May include but not limited to:

ground conditions (e.g. condition of pavement, slopes)

overhead hazards (e.g. powerlines, service pipes)

insufficient lighting

traffic (e.g. pedestrians, vehicles, other plant)

weather (e.g. wind, lightning, rain)

forklift instability (e.g. overloading, poor load placement, irregular loads)

other hazards (e.g. dangerous materials)

Hazard control measures 

Refers to the systematic process of eliminating or reducing the risk to personnel and property through the application of controls

It includes the application of the hierarchy of control, the six-step preference of control measures to manage and control risk:

1 elimination
2 substitution
3 isolation
4 engineering control measures
5 using safe work practices
6 personal protective equipment

Appropriate standards 

May include but not limited to:

legislation

Australian standards

manufacturer's specifications

industry standards (where applicable)

Forklift truck 

May include but not be limited to:

counterbalanced

reach trucks

rough terrain

internal combustion petrol, diesel, gas

electric

Communications methods 

May include but not limited to:

verbal and non-verbal language

written instructions

signage

hand signals

listening

questioning to confirm understanding

appropriate worksite protocol

Procedures 

May include but not limited to:

manufacturer's guidelines (instructions, specifications or checklists)

industry operating procedures

workplace procedures (work instructions, operating procedures, checklists)

Pre -start operational checks 

May include but not limited to:

safety devices fitted where appropriate

forklift data plate fitted and interpreted

logbook, handbook or operating manuals available

external visual check including, evidence of damage, leaks, visual evidence of structural weaknesses (including paint separation or stressed welds) is carried out

forklift attachment is checked for security

approved modifications and/or attachments fitted to manufacturer's specifications (e.g. as per forklift or attachment data plate) are identified

checks for adaptations or modifications outside manufacturer's specifications (e.g. not listed on the forklift or attachment data plate) are carried out

maintenance logbook/records checked

Post -start operational checks 

May include checks of the forklift truck and equipment after start-up to ensure:

hazard warning systems (for example lights and horns), are functional

attachment movements and control functions are smooth and comply with operating requirements

steering, transmission and brake functions comply with operating requirements

Hazard prevention /control measures 

May include but not limited to:

barricades and traffic control

safety tags on electrical switches/isolators

insulated powerlines

safety observer used inside exclusion zone

disconnected power

pedestrian control (barricades, signs, etc.)

excavation safeguards

movement of obstructions

personal protective equipment

adequate illumination

Unplanned and /or unsafe situations 

May include but not limited:

failure/loss of control (e.g. brakes and steering)

failure of equipment (e.g. hydraulic system)

environmental condition

Shut down 

May include, but is not limited to:

parking in a suitable location away from dangerous areas

fork arms are correctly positioned (tips down, tilted forward, lowered to ground)

appropriate transmission/gear is selected for parking (relevant to transmission type)

hand/parking brake is applied

engine power is turned off

ignition key is removed (if applicable)

LPG gas cylinder valve is shut off (where fitted)

securing equipment against unauthorised operation

securing the site

ensuring access ways are clear

identifying and segregating defective equipment and reporting to authorised personnel

batteries are connected to the charger (if applicable)