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Forklifts

Important information for forklift operators in Western Australia

Changes have occurred to the requirements to operate forklifts in Western Australia.

The National Licensing Standard  requiresd operators of forklifts to hold a National Licence issued by WorkSafe.

Provision will be made for people currently operating forklifts in accordance with the conversion timetable for high risk work licences. This timetable identifies the dates when forklift operators are required to have converted their existing certificates or approved qualifications to a National Licence. 

Contents

  1. Types of forklifts covered by the National Licensing Standard
  2. Transition arrangements for previous certification/operational arrangements

1. Types of forklifts covered by the National Licensing Standard

The National Licensing Standard requires operators of the following types of forklifts to hold a National Licence:

Forklift truck - covers the operation of a powered industrial truck equipped with a mast and an elevating load carriage to which is attached a pair of forkarms or other attachment.  This type of forklift is generally referred to as a counter-balance forklift. 
Order picking forklift truck - covers the operation of a powered industrial truck of a type where the operator's control arrangement is incorporated with the load carriage/lifting, and elevates with it.

2. Transition arrangements for previous certification/operational arrangements

People operating forklifts were previously required to hold National Certificate of Competency for forklift operation issued by WorkSafe (currently issued on a non-compulsory basis), a Statement of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation, or an in-house company certificate endorsed with a reference to National Guidelines for Occupational Health and Safety Competency Standards for the Operation of Loadshifting Equipment and Other Types of Specified Equipment NOHSC: 7019.

Certain categories of people operating forklifts must convert to a National Licence.

  • Category 1 - Holders of National O.H.S. Certification Australia Cards endorsed with Certificate Class LF (Forklift truck) or LO (Order-picking forklift truck)
  • Category 2 - Holders of NOHSC: 7019 (1992) documentary evidence (i.e. private trainer's certificates) who were assessed by a WorkSafe Registered Assessor
  • Category 3 - Holders of Certificates of Competency (other than a National O.H.S Certification Australia Card) in forklift operation issued by a statutory authority in another State or Territory of Australia.

Those who fall within Category 1 - 3 will be able to convert to a National Licence without having to undergo further training and assessment, provided they apply to convert in accordance with the timetable prescribed for conversion to high risk work licences.

  • Category 4 - Holders of NOHSC: 7019 (1992) documentary evidence (i.e. private trainer's certificates) who were not assessed by a WorkSafe Registered Assessor

This category relates to people who were assessed in accordance with the NOHSC: 7019 (1992) Guidelines but not by a WorkSafe Registered Assessor.

People who fall under Category 4 will need to undergo assessment by a WorkSafe Registered Assessor for a National Licence, in accordance with the requirements of the National Licensing Standard.  Relevant prior learning and experience may be taken into consideration by the WorkSafe registered assessor when considering the applicant for a National Licence.

  • Category 5 - Holders of private trainer's certificates or qualifications in forklift operation who have not been assessed to the NOHSC: 7019 (1992) Guidelines

People in this last category are in breach of regulations. They should immediately cease operating forklifts, undergo assessment and obtain a high risk work licence.

Centre, on (08) 9327 8728, should you have any queries in relation to the above, or email your enquiry to wslicensing@commerce.wa.gov.au

The National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work can be accessed and downloaded from the Safe Work Australia  

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