Operating a forklift is a high-risk job that requires in-depth knowledge and training. That’s why it’s a requirement in Australia to have a forklift ticket before being able to operate one on a worksite. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking to upskill, training for and gaining a forklift is a great career move. This is because you’ll likely be more favoured amongst potential employers because of your skills, and you’ll have the right training needed to operate one of the most dangerous yet popular machines on a worksite.
The KI Group operates in Perth and the Belmont area in Western Australia. We are proud to offer short training courses and high-risk certifications for workers in the construction and mining industries. This blog will be all about everything you need to know about getting a forklift ticket in 2022.
What is a Forklift?
A forklift is an industrial vehicle that lifts and moves materials on a job site. It does this with a power-operated platform that is attached to the front of the vehicle, which is the main piece used to transport the material. Forklifts are one of the most commonly used pieces of machinery on a worksite and are used in many different types of industries. However, they are high-risk because of their complexity to use, and the safety standards of worksites across Australia.
What Industries Use a Forklift?
There are many industries that use a forklift in their daily operations. These industries include shipping, construction, mining, and more. They have many common uses within these industries, for example:
- Shifting materials indoors, such as unpacking and packing vehicles that have heavy loads.
- Moving materials across construction sights and transporting goods from a truck to the main job site.
- In warehouses, they can be used to unpack goods and load up new areas. It’s time and cost-efficient to use a forklift over a person or another type of machinery in these circumstances.
- In shipyards, they are used to unload and load material. There are heavy-duty forklifts that can be used to load containers and move yard material.
What Forklift Course Should I Take?
The main forklift ticket course available is the ‘Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck’. This is the course that the KI Group offers. Participants and graduates of the course will have a Forklift Ticket that is compliant with Worksafe Western Australia.
What is the Purpose of A Forklift Training Course?
A Forklift Training Course will give participants the skills required to plan prepare and complete forklift work based on the National High-Risk Licence Unit of Competence. This means that graduates will be able to safely operate a forklift and have the necessary license to do so.
The Forklift Course at the KI Group is a two-day course that is both practical and theoretical. It can be completed at the specially designed training centre in Perth, Western Australia. There are many benefits to completing a training course with the KI Group, particularly if you want your forklift ticket. These include various job roles, like:
- Forklift Driver/Operator
- Storeman
- Transport Yard Forklift Operator
- Freight Handler
What Does a Forklift Course Cover?
Every forklift course has to cover the necessary skills and learning in order to be compliant with the Worksafe legislation of the states and territories in Australia. At the KI Group, we make sure that all graduates understand the necessary elements needed to operate a forklift safely. These elements include:
- High-risk work licencing rules,
- Work Health and Safety legislation. This is also called occupational health and safety,
- Hazard identification,
- Hazard controls,
- Risk-reduction planning,
- Communications best practices,
- Load-assessments, including rated capacity and load centre distances,
- Pre-start and start-up checks,
- General forklift operation and controls,
- Shut-down procedures,
- Calculations.
What Can I Expect to Learn When Participating in a Forklift Ticket Course?
You will learn and practice plenty of items while participating in a forklift course. Graduates will have comprehensive knowledge of all areas surrounding forklift operation, so you can expect theoretical and practical lessons. An exam follows that participants must pass to gain a forklift ticket.
- Australian standards and codes of practice to safely operate a forklift
- Industry standards and codes of practice to safely operate a forklift
- Communication procedures
- Forklift truck characteristics
- Manufacturer requirements
- Attachment instructions
- What to do in case of failure or loss of control in the following areas:
- Brakes and steering
- Equipment
- Instability of truck
- How to operate on uneven surfaces
- How to operate in restricted spaces
- How to use a forklift truck data place and the appropriate methodology
- Safe use
- Suitability and lifting capability
- Traffic management plans and procedures
- Workplace procedures
- High-risk work licencing rules,
- Work Health and Safety legislation.
What Will I Be Able To Do Once I Have Completed the Course?
Overall, participants who complete the course will be able to safely operate a forklift in accordance with both state and federal laws. However, we will look at this more in-depth so that you can determine if taking a forklift course in 2022 is the right career move for you. Once you have participated in the course, you should be able to:
- Apply safe operating procedures for a forklift truck
- Apply relevant forklift truck manufacturer requirements and data plate information
- Carry out pre-start checks, including visual inspection
- Conduct and apply risk and hazard assessment strategies
- Comply with Commonwealth, State and Territory Work Health and Safety
- Conduct operational checks
- Confirm and follow traffic management plan procedures
- Determine relevant lifting attachment to perform work/ta
- Determine lift requirements
- Ensure any risk control measures
- Interpret correct workplace procedures and document them safely
- Securely park forklift truck
- Securely shut down truck according to requirements.
As you can see, once you graduate and obtain a forklift ticket, you will safely know many procedures associated with driving and operating the truck and assessing the various safety requirements. All of your knowledge will be to both state, territory, and federal laws.
What Are The Prerequisites of Getting a Forklift Licence?
There are certain items that need to be obtained before you can successfully enrol in a forklift operational course in 2022. This is particularly true if you wish to learn with the KI Group in Perth. These are:
- Persons must be 18 years of age or older
- Photo ID must be presented i.e. current drivers licence or passport
- Basic numeracy skills
- Basic English language and literacy skills.
You can successfully enrol in a Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck course if you have these prerequisites.
What Certification Do I Get Upon Completion of the Course?
Graduates of the course will receive a Statement of Attainment and a Notice of Assessment. These documents are valid for 60 days. You’ll need to submit a copy of your Statement of Attainment, Worksafe application, and Worksafe fee to your relevant state or territory in order to gain your National High-Risk License successfully.
How Long Does a Forklift License Last?
A forklift license is valid for five years, and it can be renewed within 12 months from the expiry date. If you fail to renew your license, you will have to retake the forklift training course. However, the KI Group is proud to offer one-day training for those that have previously gained the qualification but didn’t renew their license in time.
Can I Do Anything to Prepare for my Forklift Licence Testing?
Yes. As well as participating in the two-day training, there are various ways that you can prepare for the skills assessment. The forklift ticket comes with different methods of assessment, including a theory assessment, a calculations exam, and finally a practical test. You can:
- Study forklift manuals
- Take practice exams
- Learn basic driver tips
These elements will all help you in the assessment part of your training course.
Gaining a forklift ticket this 2022 is a great career move for you. Whether you’re just starting out in your career, or looking to upskill this year, there are plenty of options to do so once you have gained a forklift ticket. With the KI Group, you can be assured that your certification will be compliant with both state and federal laws, so you’ll have the best start to your forklift career. This blog was a comprehensive guide to a forklift ticket in 2022. If you’re interested in taking a forklift training course, get in touch with the KI Group, today.