Everything you need to know before applying for a forklift licence
It takes a lot of training to operate a forklift, and you must be aware of the challenges involved. Therefore, hiring someone who has received training and certification is usually best. In Victoria, various facilities may offer training and preparation for forklift certification. So, if you are in the mood to start your job as a certified forklift operator and want to understand how to get a forklit licence in victoria, read along.
What is a forklift licence?
Operating a forklift safety truck requires a licence, and the training covers the required information and abilities. Because a forklift is a powered industrial truck that might be difficult to operate, qualified people are required for the job.
Basics of forklift instruction
Attending and completing the forklift training session is one of the critical requirements to get a forklift licence in Victoria. The forklift training course in Victoria can be between 2 and 4 days, depending on the centre you may choose. You should opt for a recognised training organisation (RTO) for your forklift training course. Additionally, the chosen RTO should have a permit from WorkSafe Victoria to provide the High-Risk Work Licence (HRW) to its applicants. In Victoria, the HRW licence is valid for five years.
Renewing your forklift licence
A forklift operator whose licence has expired is not someone anyone wants to hire. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to keep track of the date that your forklift operator licence is valid. If your forklift licence has expired within the past 12 months, you can apply to WorkSafe Victoria to get a forklift licence in Victoria. However, you must repeat the complete training procedure and submit a licence application if it is over a year.
What does the training structure look like?
Although each registered training centre may choose a different format, the following information will give you a good sense of what and how the forklift training course module will look like:
- Theory Education – An official theoretical presentation is provided by certified trainers, informing the applicants in great depth of all they need to know about operating a forklift.
- Practical Exercise – The instructors will show participants how to use a forklift in these workshops and properly supervise all pre-operational safety inspections. Trainees can also handle the forklift machine and independently test its functionality during this lesson. All of these are carried out under the trainer’s supervision.
- Knowledge Evaluation – The knowledge evaluation occurs the following day, and the candidates must pass the test. Everything covered by the instructor in the theory learning session is a part of the exam.
- Calculation Evaluation – The applicants will be asked questions about weight and load calculations in this evaluation.
- Practical Evaluation – The applicants must demonstrate their practical forklift knowledge during the experimental evaluation.
Post-training completion phase
Individuals will receive a few documents once they have completed the forklift training. These records will serve as evidence of completing training and are required to submit a licence application. The list of documents is as follows:
- The Assessment Notice (NOA)
- L2 application form for WorkSafe Victoria
- Statement of Attainment for Competency Unit TLILIC00003 – It is the permit to operate a forklift
The applicant must submit the NOA and the L2 application form at a participating Australia Post shop within 60 days of receiving the required paperwork for applying for their HRW licence.
Final words
Both the company and the employee should place a high priority on workplace safety. As a result, equipment like forklifts should be handled carefully and only operated by qualified and eligible people. Therefore, the employer must engage qualified personnel for this position.
