Frequently Asked Questions
Index
Forklift Trucks FAQ's
FORKLIFT LICENCE HOW TO GET ONE
Forklift Licenses-NOTE Forklift Ticket and Certificate of Competency are terms no longer used with the introduction of the National System.The Forklift Licence is one of several now termed High Risk
You must be over 18,pass a practical and theoretical assessment of your competency, carried out by a Registered Forklift Assessor authorized in the Forklift classification you have trained for.This broad principle applies to all applicants for a "Worksafe" issued license.
An apllicant under 18 y.o.a. may apply to the State Minister responsible for Worksafe, to be exempted from the age restriction but circumstances will need to be exceptional.
All States of Australia are undergoing change to the manner in which a license is obtained. It is eventually hoped that all States will settle into a "National System" which broadly speaking will require Training of applicants to be carried out in conjunction with a Registered Trainig Organisation (RTO). Set training modules will require to be completed either in a training facility, on the job supervised to the RTO's requirements or combinations of both according to circumstances. On completion of training the applicant will be assessed by an authorised assessor following the instruments of assessment, a pass will lead to a Worksafe license recognised nationally in all States who have agreed recognise the particular plant/equipment. Failure will require retraining in the relevant areas in which competence has not yet been attained, re-assessment may then follow.
To date Queensland is the only State which is trialing a yet to be approved National Training System in conjunction with VET (Vocational Education and Training). All other States are expected to adopt a similar system over the next 2 years or so.
FORKLIFT LICENCE-CAN I OPERATE A FORKLIFT WITHOUT A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY?
Yes, provided you are supervised by the nominated holder of a Forklift Licence and the training you are receiving is for the sole purpose of gaining your own Forklift Licence. You may be required to record the training undertaken in your training log book, duely signed by your supervisor.
Supervision means within sight and sound at all times whilst the ''Learner" is operating the equipment.
FORKLIFT LEARNERS PERMIT DO I NEED ONE?
No, Learners Permits were discontinued in 1995.
FORKLIFT LICENCE-CAN I GET THE THEORY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS FROM WORKCOVER?
No, you will need to consult with a Forklift Assessor.
Once the National Training and Assessment System is adopted all applicants will be required to be processed through an RTO (Registered Training Organisation), their training will result in sufficient competencey to enable an applicant to then pass the assessment conducted by an assessor
FORKLIFT-WHAT ATTACHMENTS CAN I USED?
There are numerous purpose built approved attachments for use with Forklifts, e.g. drum grabs, rotators, jibs, carpet spikes etc.
Any attachment you use must be securely attached to the forklift, appropriate to the movement of the load. The weight of the attachment should be treated as part of the load and deducted from the Safe Working Load of the forklift.
Your Employer must provide you with information on any risks or hazards associated with the use of any attachment and provide you with specific training on the use of the attachment and how such attachment will affect the stability of the forklift.
FORKLIFT - WHAT SIZE CAN I OPERATE WITH A FORKLIFT LICENCE?
Forklift Licence allows you to operate any size and type of Forklift, so long as your Employer has provided you with the necessary training and instructions to operate the forklift on your work site.
FORKLIFT- I HAVE AN OLD LICENCE
The older type of Forklift Licenses are being phased out by all States, check with your local Worksafe branch to verify if your license is valid or can still be changed over.See list of dates for Victoria and NSW here listed in the News Section
Once a State has changed over to the "New" training through RTO's (Registered Training Organisations) all types of license will be required to be changed to one which bears a photograph of the holder, this license will require renewal every 5 years.
FORKLIFT CAPACITY PLATE - WHAT INFORMATION?
The Forklift Capacity Plate must be specific to the machine on which it is attached, legible and easily viewed by the Operator. The plate should display at least the following metric information.
Load capacity in Kilogram’s or Tonnes
Lift height
Load center distance
Down rating of lift capacity if mast tilt is fitted.
Down rating for specific attachments identified on the Capacity Plate.
Brand and Model number
FORKLIFT-USE OF WORK PLATFORMS
Forklift Truck Work Platforms should be limited to situations where it is necessary to raise persons to perform specific short duration tasks and where it was not practical to use scaffolding, an elevated work platform or similar designed devise. Forklift Work Platforms should not be used for order picking or day to day work activity.
When using a Forklift Work Platform the following safe practices must be observed:-The Forklift must be parked on a hard level surface, with hand brake on.
The Work Platform must be securely attached to the Forklift.
Barriers and signs must be used in areas subject to passing traffic.
The travel controls must be in neutral position.
Forklift mast must be vertical with tines set horizontal.
All controls, other than lift and lower, must be immobilized.
The Forklift Operator must remain at the controls at all times, keeping hands and feet clear of controls at all times, other than lift/lower when required.
Operator must keep all parts of the Forklift clear of overhead obstructions, especially electrical conductors.
Before lifting a person in a Work Platform, Operator must raise the Work Platform to the required work height.
Pre-operational checks, as specified in clause 3.2 Australian Standards 2359.2, must be completed prior to lifting any person in a Work Platform.
(For more information refer to AS 2359.2 and/or an Assessor/Trainer).
The Operator and Work Platform occupier must also observe specific work site rules and be aware of other events in the area of operation, which may impact on the safety of the Operator or Work Platform occupant.
CAN FORKLIFTS BE USED ON A ROAD?
Yes, provided it is registered (under the Road Traffic Act), the controller/owner gives permission, and you hold a valid truck or car license to cover the size of the Forklift.
HOW DO I CONTACT A FORKLIFT ASSESSOR?
You can obtain a list of authorized assessors from the NRAA or Workcover Web site or Worksafe Licensing Branch.
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL CARD?
The National Certificate of Competency (commonly called a ticket or license) is accepted in all Australian States and some overseas work sites, indicating that the holder has a basic core of competencies to operate the particular class of plant specified.
I HAVE LOST OR MISPLACE MY FORKLIFT LICENSE, CAN I GET IT REPLACED?
Yes, provided it is still within 5 years of it's issue date, complete the Worksafe form C3 (obtainable from the Workcover Web Site) and return it to Worksafe Licensing Branch together with the fee of $23.50.
I HAVE AN INTERSTATE FORKLIFT LICLENSE; CAN I USE IT IN VICTORIA?
Yes. Any Forklift Certificate of Competency issued by an interstate authority is acceptable in Victoria.
Licence Issues General FAQ's
CAN I BE AN ASSESSOR
CAN I BECOME AN ASSESSOR AND WHAT IS INVOLVED:-
TO BECOME AN ASSESSOR YOU WILL NEED TO SHOW AND HAVE WRITTEN PROOF THAT YOU HAVE HELD AND USED AN INDUSTRIAL CODED LICENSE (AS DETAILED WITHIN THIS PAGE), FOR SEVERAL YEARS. MOST STATES ALSO REQUIRE THE MOST UP TO DATE CERTIFICATE IN WORKPLACE TRAINING.
APPLICATION IS MADE TO THE RELEVANT WORKCOVER DEPARTMENT IN YOUR STATE OF RESIDENCE.(SEE LINKS FOR YOUR STATE WITHIN OUR PAGE)
WORKCOVER WILL VERIFY YOUR CLAIM AND IF SUCCESFUL YOU WILL UNDERGO AN EXAMINATION ON YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE EQUIPEMENT YOU APPLY TO ASSESS IN AND THE SYSTEM USED IN CONDUCTING ASSESSMENTS. FEES ARE PAYABLE TO WORKCOVER EITHER WITH YOUR INITIAL APPLICATION OR AT SUCH TIME AS INDICATED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE WHOLE PROCESS WILL TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS.
IF YOU DO BECOME AN ASSESSOR YOU WILL BE AUDITED BY YOUR STATE AT FREQUENT INTEVALS TO ENSURE YOU ARE COMPLYING WITH ALL GUIDELINES PROVIDED BY WORKCOVER AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES.
NRAA WILL BE PLEASED TO RECEIVE AN APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP AS SOON AS YOU ARE APPOINTED AN ASSESSOR.
Training & Supervisors FAQ's FAQ's
Who can supervise a learner operator
You can be supervised on the job, by the holder of a Certificate of Competency (License), such supervisor is specifically nominated to supervise you durring the periods you use the particular equipment you are being trained on
Am I competent to operate a forklift in all situations?
No. Holding a Certificate of competency indicates you have a basic knowledge of the competencies required. It does not mean all Forklifts, regardless of type, size or situations e.g. Cold Stores. Your Employer has a legal obligation to provide you with suitable training and instruction to operate the Forklift you may be required to use relevant to that work site.
What forklift related incidents should be reported to WORKSAFE Victoria?
Under the Occupational Health & Safety Regulations the Employer must notify Workcover Authority immediately after becoming aware of an incident within a workplace which results in:-
- The death of any person; or
- A person requiring medical treatments within 48 hours of exposure to a substance; or
- A person requiring immediate treatment as an in-patient at a hospital; or
- A person requiring immediate medical treatment for:-
- the amputation of any part of his or her body; or
- a serious head injury; or
- a serious eye injury; or
- the separation of his or her skin from underlying tissue (e.g. degloving, scalping etc)
- electric shock; or
- a spinal injury; or
- the loss of bodily function; or
- serious lacerations.
- the amputation of any part of his or her body; or
- the collapse or partial collapse of any part of a building or structure; or
- the fall or release from a height of any plant, substance or object.
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Please click to contact the National Registered Assessors Association
Please click to contact the National Registered Assessors Association
National Registered Assessors Association
Phone: 0417 36 46 26
Fax: 9379 5994