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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan work
   • Potential workplace hazards are identified
   • Risk control measures are identified consistent with regulatory requirements and the hierarchy of control
   • Appropriate forklift truck is selected in accordance with load and workplace conditions
   • Working area is inspected to determine appropriate paths for moving loads and forklift truck in accordance with workplace conditions
   • Methods for communicating are identified and confirmed in accordance with workplace procedures
2. Conduct routine checks
   • Prior to operation, forklift truck is visually checked for any damage or defects
   • All signage and labels are checked to ensure they are visible and legible, in accordance with the appropriate standard
   • All controls are located, identified and confirmed
   • Pre-start operational checks are carried out in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures
   • Forklift truck is started in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures, and is checked for any abnormal noise
   • Post-start operational checks are carried out in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures
   • All forklift truck functions and safety devices are tested to their maximum in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures
   • Issues, defects and damage identified during routine checks are reported and recorded in accordance with workplace procedures, and appropriate action is taken
3. Shift load
   • Appropriate hazard prevention/control measures are implemented and communicated to personnel in the work area
   • Forklift truck is operated at a safe speed in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures
   • Loads are moved and placed to ensure stability of material and avoidance of hazards
   • Load movement is monitored constantly to ensure safety of personnel and load, and structural stability
   • Unplanned and/or unsafe situations are responded to in accordance with workplace procedures and emergency plans
4. Shut down and secure forklift truck
   • Forklift truck is shut down in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures
   • Routine post-operational forklift truck checks are carried out in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures
   • Forklift truck is secured to prevent unauthorised access/use
   • All defects and damage are reported and recorded in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures, and appropriate action is taken

Range Statement

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions can be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

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Performance Evidence

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must provide evidence of safely operating a forklift truck and satisfy all of the unit elements, performance criteria and foundations skills requirements on at least one occasion including:

applying risk assessment and hazard control strategies, including hierarchy of control as applied to safely operating a forklift truck carrying out post-start operational checks, which must ensure: attachment movements and control functions are smooth and comply with operating requirements hazard warning systems (e.g. lights and horns) are functional safety devices are checked, including deadman’s switch emergency descent device (hydraulic) reversing beepers start-up is in accordance with procedures steering, transmission and brake functions comply with operating requirements carrying out pre-start operational checks, which must include: battery charge checks, as required ensuring availability of logbook, records, handbook and/or operating manuals fitting and interpreting forklift truck data plate fluid checks forklift truck attachment security checks identifying approved modifications and/or attachments fitted, to manufacturer specifications in accordance with forklift truck or attachment data plate locating, identifying and confirming all controls safety equipment checks signage and label visibility and legibility checks updating records as required communicating with other workplace personnel through using appropriate worksite protocols listening making and interpreting hand signals questioning to confirm understanding signage verbal and non-verbal language written instructions complying with Commonwealth, state and territory work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation and regulations conducting and monitoring safe forklift truck operations that include moving loads safely, driving and manoeuvring, picking up and placing loads at various stack heights and carrying out all functions to the maximum height and load capacity driving a forklift truck with load in forward and reverse, while maintaining visibility planning and preparing for forklift truck operations including: conducting a workplace risk assessment identifying hazards associated with operating a forklift truck, which must include forklift truck instability (e.g. due to overloading, poor load placement, irregular loads) ground conditions (e.g. condition of pavement, slopes) insufficient lighting overhead hazards (e.g. electric lines, service pipes) traffic (e.g. pedestrians, vehicles, other plant) and the risk of collision with people, moving plant and fixed structures weather conditions (e.g. wind, lightning, rain) selecting hazard prevention strategies in accordance with the hierarchy of control putting in place effective controls for identified hazards visually checking a forklift truck for any damage or defects prior to operation including evidence of damage leaks structural weaknesses (including paint separation or stressed welds) receiving and interpreting workplace instructions, safety information and emergency procedures shutting down a forklift truck in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures including parking in a suitable location away from dangerous areas correctly positioning fork arms (tips down, tilted forward, lowered to ground) selecting appropriate transmission/gear for parking (relevant to transmission type) applying hand/parking brake turning off engine power removing ignition key as required shutting off LPG gas cylinder valve as required securing equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and against unauthorised operation securing site ensuring access ways are clear identifying and segregating defective equipment and reporting to authorised personnel connecting batteries to charger as required verifying problems and equipment faults, and implementing appropriate response procedures to unplanned and/or unsafe situations including environmental conditions (e.g. wind, lightning, storms) failure/loss of control (e.g. brakes and steering) failure of equipment (e.g. hydraulic system) forklift truck instability (e.g. due to deterioration of ground condition, overloading, poor load placement, irregular loads).

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Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

Australian and industry standards relevant to operating a forklift truck Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and approved codes of practice in relation to one’s own responsibilities forklift truck characteristics and capabilities (including use of load data plates) forklift truck operations and safe operating techniques hierarchy of control: elimination substitution isolation engineering controls administrative controls personal protective equipment (PPE) methodology to determine weight of a load including the estimation or determination from labels, markings or load paperwork such as: control labels forklift data plates/labels forklift warning decals organisational and workplace standards, requirements, policies and procedures for operating a forklift truck procedures for recording, reporting and maintaining workplace records and information relevant Australian and industry standards, codes of practice and guidelines to safely operate a forklift truck risk control measures including: barricades and traffic control (e.g. traffic management plan) compliance with permit condition requirements from electrical supply authority, including adequate illumination disconnected power excavation safeguards insulated electric lines maintaining safety observer zone movement of obstructions observing limits of approach pedestrian control (barricades, signs, etc.) power disconnection or compliance with electrical supply authority requirements safety tags on electrical switches/isolators using safety observer inside exclusion zone using personal protective equipment selecting forklift truck to suit load and workplace conditions typical routine problems encountered operating a forklift truck and equipment, and adjustments required for correction.

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