Are there any forklifts which do not require a licence?- Top
Although a Certificate of Competency is not required for pedestrian operated forklifts, employers have a general duty of care to their employees under Section 8 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000.
An employer must provide such information, instruction, training and supervision as may be necessary to ensure the employees' health and safety at work. Under this general duty an employer must also ensure that there are safe systems of work in place.
Yes.
However, WorkCover no longer issues authorisation for forklift truck platforms.
Designers, manufacturers and suppliers of forklifts (including their components or accessories), have a general duty of care under Section 11 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000.
Their general duty includes ensuring that the plant is safe and without risks to health when properly used. They must also provide (or arrange for the provision) of adequate information about the plant to the persons to whom it is supplied in order to ensure its safe use.
In order to satisfy the general duty of care, the Australian Standard AS2359, "Powered Industrial Trucks," or an equivalent method or practice may be followed. This Standard prescribes design, manufacturing and work practices for a range of powered industrial trucks, including forklifts. Refer to Standards Australia.
The Standard states that anyone needing to be raised in a work platform to perform "special tasks of short duration" may do so, provided a properly designed platform is fitted to the forklift truck for that purpose.
"Special tasks of short duration" means work that requires the platform to remain in one location for a limited time.
In the case of repeated operation at frequent intervals, the use of other suitable equipment is advised.
The Standard also prohibits the use of a forklift platform for order picking, production or stores activities. Forklifts are designed to raise, lower and travel with a load. They are not to be used as a general mode of transport in any area.
The OHS Regulation 2001, Clause 142 (3) (d) (i) to (vi) inclusive identifies control measures for plant designed to lift or move. Refer to OHS Regulation 2001.
- The person in charge of the appliance is responsible for regular inspections of the general safe condition and lift chains on the appliance.
- Under the Australian Standard AS 2359 "Powered Industrial Trucks" Part 1 General Requirements Section 12.3.1 and 12.3.2, it is recommended that the total load on the work platform, including personnel and materials, is not to exceed 250 kg.
- The forklift truck operator must hold the appropriate Certificate of Competency, pursuant to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001.
- The forklift truck is to be operated on a hard level surface during use of the work platform.
Can I lift a person on a pallet which is on the tines (forks)?- Top
No.
This is an extremely unsafe practice. This practice may be a breach of an employer's (including a self employed person's) general duty of care under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 and could attract an on the spot fine of $1000 for the employer. Higher penalties might apply if the matter is prosecuted before the Courts.
An employee could also be issued with an on the spot fine of $200 for failing to take reasonable care for the health and safety of others at the employers place of work (Section 20).
Do seat belts have to be used if they are fitted in the forklift?- Top
Yes.
When seat belts are supplied as part of the safety equipment of a forklift they must be worn. Using the seat belt may reduce the risk of injury.
Does a forklift require a reversing beeper or lights?- Top
No.
However if these warning devices are fitted to the forklift, the employer must maintain them. If a risk assessment at the workplace identifies that reversing forklifts are a potential risk, the appropriate control measure may be to fit lights and reversing beepers. It is, however, the operator's responsibility to look in the direction of travel at all times.
How high in the air can the tines (forks) be when I am travelling?- Top
The tines must be as close to the ground as possible when the forklift truck is moving or parked. Tines should only be raised when loading or unloading.
How long does my Certificate of Competency last?- Top
A Certificate of Competency remains in force for an unlimited period of time from the date of issue.
What is a forklift truck?- Top
A forklift truck is a powered industrial truck equipped with a mast and an elevating load carriage. A pair of fork arms or another load-holding device is attached to the carriage.
What is forklift operator certification (Certificate of Competency)?- Top
For a general guide to operator certification, visit Operator Certification
What is the maximum speed a forklift can travel?- Top
There is no set speed of travel.
The acceptable speed is defined as a slow, safe speed taking into consideration such things as ground conditions, the environment, traffic, employees and general public who may enter the work area.