Although a forklift may appear to be a simple piece of equipment to handle, there are several health and safety considerations in addition to learning how to use it for the task at hand. Obtaining a forklift LF and LO licence can help you understand these concepts and further advance your career.

Before you enroll, be aware of the following risks:

• Exceeding the safe speed, especially when turning
• Unbalanced load transport
• Carrying things that are heavier than the allowed weight limit
• Driving on an incline or slick terrain
• Heavy braking
• Fueling risks
• Driving with blind zones, especially while reversing
• Pedestrian movement
• Intentional misuse
• Obstacles in the air

Differences In Forklift Permits

The two forklift licence categories in Australia are based on vehicle class.

(LF): Licensing for Forklift Operation

You will be permitted to operate any forklift with this licence, excluding those that are designated as LO. They consist of side-loading forklift trucks, truck-mounted forklift trucks, all-terrain forklift trucks, reach forklift trucks, and counterbalanced forklift trucks. You are not limited by the size of the forklift that you can use.

(LO): Licensing for Order Picking

You can drive turret trucks (also known as “extremely narrow aisle trucks”) and order picking forklift trucks (also known as “stock pickers”) if you have a LO licence.

How to Choose the Correct Licence

Although you may know whether your current position requires an LF or a LO, if you are looking for a new position, having both licences may improve your employment prospects. Aim to at least earn an LF licence, which will enable you to operate the majority of forklift models.

Earning A Forklift Licence

You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Australia, or have a letter from your employer, have a basic understanding of English to follow the course, and be able to produce 100 pieces of identification in order to get a forklift licence in Australia.

Both programmes will teach you how to organise your work, conduct regular inspections, move loads, shut down and secure forklift trucks, and issue you a High-Risk Work licence.

Furthermore, the LO course only covers the skills and knowledge required to operate an order-picking forklift, in which the operator elevates while controlling the lifting mechanism.

For ten years, the staff at ACE Forklift Training and Assessing has been assisting Sydney citizens in achieving their professional goals. Our devoted team offers an integrated and personalised strategy to assist you in best reaching your targeted outcomes since we firmly believe that success comes from efficient training and education. To enrol in one of our forklift LF or LO licence programmes, contact us now.