No matter the environment, operating a forklift requires you to be alert at all times, as well as remaining fully aware of your surroundings and safety.

In Australia, only someone who has a high-risk work forklift license is allowed to operate the vehicle, even if it’s only to be used for a short distance across the warehouse. This means it’s crucial you have staff on board who are qualified to operate the machinery, as well as a carrier of a valid licence.

For those that jump onto operating one without adhering to these regulations, you run the risk of causing damage to stock, the actual vehicle and those in its vicinity. And that’s one incident you don’t want to have to deal with.

Be it damaged products, serious injury, or – at its worst – fatalities – failing to follow the rules is risky business. So, at what point are you required to undergo training?

Commencing training and guidance

Each and every driver intending on using a forklift must undergo training and apply for a licence before they’re legally permitted to operate the vehicle at all. In Australia, this is mandatory.

Training to get a high-risk work forklift license requires completing a course at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).  During training stages, however, you are permitted to operate a forklift, as part of development and experience. In these cases, there are several guidelines you must follow, including:

• Being enrolled in a forklift operator training course with an RTO; and;
• Must be directly supervised while operating the vehicle, at all times. The supervisor must be someone has suitable workplace experience and the correct licence to perform high-risk work.

What to consider before getting started

Before you jump into finding an RTO, commencing training and applying for a licence, there are a few essentials worth considering, including:

• Why do you need a forklift licence?
• Will you be a full-time forklift driver? Or will you be helping out with operating a forklift occasionally?
• What type of vehicle will you be required to operate?
• Are you willing to undergo intensive training? Are you willing to study the provided material to pass your licence exam?

The various licences

So you’ve identified that you need to undergo forklift training, the next step is to consider the type of licence you’ll be required to carry. Typically, there are two primary classifications, which are dependent on what type of equipment you’ll be operating regularly: LF and LO. An RTO can help guide you through which one is the most suitable for you.

Why is training required?

Forklift training is essential to ensure that you’re fully capable and equipped to operate the machinery safely and confidently. It’s also important for guiding you towards complying with legislative requirements at all times.

After you have passed all the necessary training and have acquired your licence, you’ll be legally able to operate the vehicle for five years. You can renew your licence after this time, without any further testing or training.

Snatching up a licence in Australia means you’re required to undertake formal forklift operation and safety training at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Under Australian law, when applying for an LO and LF licence, you must meet all the relevant requirements first.

Due to the nature of the high-risk operations involved, only licensed and qualified operators are legally allowed to operate a forklift in Australia. So how do you get started?

The different types of forklift classes

In Australia, there are two different kinds of classes for these vehicles, each of which come with different requirements. They are:

• Order-Picking Machine (TLILIC2002A LO Licence); and
• Forklift Truck (TLILIC2001A LF Licence).

RTOs offer training for both LF and LO forklift licences, but if you’re unsure which one is best for you, these providers will also guide you toward understanding your best plan of action.

The requirements

To be eligible for a forklift licence in Australia, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be of at least 18 years of age;
• Have basic knowledge of English for both written and verbal skills;

This is critical, as you must be able to understand English to undertake the training course.

• You must be a resident of Australia

Alternatively, you must provide a letter of contract from your employer if you are a non-resident.

• Have a Unique Student Identifier (USI)

A USI is a unique reference number for all trainees in Australia, who are undertaking vocational education training, such as a forklift driving course. To apply for a USI, or to find additional information, visit this link.

• Proof of identity

Before being accepted into an RTO course and applying for a forklift licence, you must be able to present 100 points of evidence towards your identity.

Applying for a course

After meeting all the requirements, you’ll next need to enrol in certified training at a provider that suits you best.

To find an RTO closest to you the MySkills website offers a handy tool to locate an appropriate option, as well as advise you on the average duration and course fee.

After you’ve completed your training and the theory component is done and dusted, you will need to undertake a written and practical examination. Both exams must be witnessed by your trainer, as well as an assessor/representative.

What happens after you complete the training?

If you successfully pass all required training, the RTO will provide you with a:

• Statement of Attainment;
• Notice of Assessment;
• AS1 Application Form.

In order to successfully lodge an application to WorkSafe, you’ll need all of these in your arsenal. Once you’ve filled these out and gathered all of your documentation, head to your local Australia Post to lodge them.

Note:  Be sure to bring these three documents with you, as well as 100 points of evidence towards your identity. You will also need to pay the application fee and have your photo taken for the licence, on the spot. Australia Post will then send your application to WorkCover, where it will take around three weeks to complete the process.

While you’re waiting, you can use your Notice of Assessment as an interim licence while doing any forklift work, or for applying for jobs. Once you’re ready to go, make sure you understand all of the safety guidelines and rules around operation the vehicle.

No matter the context, forklift safety should always be taken seriously. Like operating all vehicles, focus and remaining alert remain a top priority, especially as the leading cause of forklift-related accidents occur from straying away from following simple guidelines.

So what exactly do you need to know to keep out of harm’s way?

The nitty-gritty behind forklift safety

According to WorkSafe, there has been an average of:

• 430 worker compensation claims for injuries involving forklifts each a year since 2012;
• 45% were serious injuries which required more than five days off work;
• There have also been 137 incidents of pedestrians being struck by a forklift, or run over and trapped;
• 88 incidents resulted in a serious injury which required hospitalisation;
• 2 incidents resulted in a death.

Keeping yourself, and those around you, in the safest possible space around forklift operation, comes with understanding the essentials of hazards and surroundings. While there are plenty of regulations that allow, here are 7 rules you should aim t keep on top of at all times:

1. Only operate a forklift if you are qualified

To ensure full safety, only operators who have an LO or LF licence should operate a forklift. Never let anyone unlicensed drive one, even if it’s just for a short distance.

2. Inspect the machinery before use

Before your shift, thoroughly inspect the forklift – including tyres, lights, brakes, horns, and fluid levels – for any signs of defects. While it may be tempting to just assume everything is in tip-top shape, if a problem does happen to pop up, it needs to be fixed immediately to prevent danger.

3. Wear a seatbelt

It goes without saying, but a seatbelt is a must at all times, no matter how frequently you get on and off the vehicle during your shift. The leading cause of related accidents and fatalities usually involves a driver who is thrown out of the forklift, due to not wearing a seatbelt – so it pays to be cautious.

4. Be aware of pedestrians

Most people who work around these vehicles in a warehouse environment assume that a driver can see them at all times. This is not the case; if you’re operating a forklift, take extra care to look around – if someone is in your blind spot, don’t assume they’ll step out of the way.

5. Don’t let pedestrians walk close to the vehicle

While in operation, all pedestrians should keep a safe distance at all times. Even at low speeds, if you need to swerve, go over an uneven surface or hit a bump, your run the risk of crashing into those nearby If the impact is significant enough, it’s likely you’ll injure them severely, or even cause death.

6. Always pay attention – focus is everything

Most important of all, always pay attention and maintain focus when operating a forklift. Don’t become distracted by your phone, earbuds or those nearby. All it takes is a split-second distraction to have fatal consequences. If you are failing to keep focused, stop the forklift immediately.

7. Understand load basics

Check the load stability before you pick it up with the forks. Step in front of the load, and separate the forks as far as possible before you put them to work.

Additionally, make sure the load is stable, flat and centred. Never overload the forklift, even if it means making multiple trips.

Operating a forklift comes with hefty responsibility, which should never be taken lightly. Following these rules can help reduce running the risk of serious injuries or fatal outcomes, especially in environments that aren’t used to having forklifts around. When in doubt, communicate the expectations and responsibilities of your staff and visitors, so the boundaries and rules are understood by your entire team.

For further questions about forklift safety in your workplace, contact the friendly team at Damoli on 1300 326 654.

When you’re gearing up to make the big-ticket purchase of a new forklift, knowing what to consider is a critical step in the process. This machinery can be expensive and vary from different makes, models and capacities. Understanding your business requirements and the environments you’ll be working in will help you grasp what to invest in.

To get you on the right track, here’s our brief guide on what to consider…

Do the research before buying

Before getting started, always remember that it’s important to keep in mind what you’ll be doing in the future. If you’re planning on expanding your service offering or switching up stock requirements, it’s likely you’ll need a forklift that can cater to all of it. This is crucial when you’re doing your initial research.. Above all, consider all of your business’s existing needs. Will you be in the same location? What kind of load sizes will you need to work with?

Make use of experts

Forklift experts – like Damoli – are equipped with extensive knowledge in the field. Discussing your specific requirements and business demands with a trained expert can help you consider all the options. Choosing a supplier near you will also help you to gain a personalised insight into how a certain forklift can suit your individual location.

Talk to those you know

If you’ve heard of other businesses who operate similarly to you, and who have successfully incorporated certain equipment into their facility, consider doing the same. Use any connections you have in your industry that may understand the usage you’ll need from a new forklift, and how they can provide you with their personal experiences with certain types. Sometimes word-of-mouth is a great way to get off on the right track.

Understand ownership costs

Forklifts have an upfront cost – yes – but there’s also the necessary essentials and upkeep that comes after the initial purchase. From drive comfort through to servicing and accessories – consider if you can afford a brand-new model in your business.

Ask about the accessibility of parts

There’s no point investing in a make that’s impossible to get parts for. As servicing is a natural part of owning any kind of machinery or equipment, you’ll need to have an easily accessible supplier of parts around in your area (or online). But beyond that, they need to be quality products that are well-stocked at all times.

Understand the support available

What if your forklift breaks down? Who can you ask for help? Buying a forklift that doesn’t come with the resources to keep it operating is money wasted. Ensure that the brand you’re going with provides localised support if you happen to need it.

Above all, remember safety

Investing in forklifts that are equipped with the latest safety technology will provide you with a smarter investment choice. Outdated machinery is money down the drain, and putting your staff at risk is something to avoid. When speaking to a supplier, ask them about the features specific models are equipped with and understand how they will contribute to the overall experience for the driver.

Got questions on what forklift is right for you? Contact the team at Damoli on 1300 326 654.

You’re chugging along with your daily tasks, but there’s one that’s been looming over you for far too long. You know you need to make the jump; take the plunge and invest in a new forklift that’s long been a priority. But with so many options available on the market and technological advances that have changed up the game, what exactly should you even look out for?

Here’s our top 10 things to look for when you’re looking to make the investment…

1. Assess the price carefully

While we can understand that budget is a key deciding factor in any big-ticket investment, opting for a ‘cheap’ forklift could result in a less practical one. Don’t fall into temptation to buy machinery that doesn’t fit your bare minimum requirements. Price is only one aspect you need to consider, with many others outweighing it.

2. Try before you buy

You wouldn’t buy a new car before taking it out for a test drive, and same goes for your forklift. Once a model catches your eye, consider renting it out to fully understand if it will fit your needs. This is especially important if you’re sitting on the fence, or you’re not quite sure about the feel of it. If you have other operators in your business who will use the forklift, make sure they have input, too.

3. Know your measurements

Check that the measurements of the forklift itself will fit the types of products you’ll need it for. Moreover, make sure it will suit your actual facility. The rule of thumb here is to never assume you know the measurements off by heart. Check, then double check.

4. Consider the surroundings

Do you plan on using the forklift indoors or outdoors? What kind of weather will it be working in? These details will affect what kind of tyres you will require, as some are better on concrete than others. Likewise, others are more suitable grittier surfaces like asphalt, gravel or dirt.

5. Envision the height and weight

There’s no point buying a new forklift if it can’t get to all those high-up places. Make sure the model you decide on can handle both the height and the weight of the load at the same time. It’s critical it can juggle both.

6. Know if you need an electric model

If you handle food in your facility, and directly with the forklift, you may need to invest in an electric one that cuts out emissions where possible. Consider how you will be moving around these products otherwise, and what kind of risk you may be running.

7. Understand the long-term costs

Just like any other vehicle, forklifts require servicing and upkeep. Keep in mind that the upfront costs aren’t the only ones you’ll be investing in, so make sure you can afford it for its lifetime.

8. Keep it simple

Accessories can make it all a little more exciting and flashy, but it’s crucial you keep in mind what you need your forklift to actually do. Don’t overcomplicate its role in your facility.

9. Consider how you will be unloading

For facilities that require the machinery to unload from trailers, those that are designed to work in tighter spaces are more suitable. Keep close eye on the height of the lowered mast as well.

10. Know it’s demand

Will you be running your forklift at all hours of the day or just a few? If you’ll be relying on yours heavily, consider investing in a newer model that can support this demand.

Not sure where to start? Get in touch with a Damoli team member on 1300 326 654.