TLID1107C
Conduct
specialised
forklift
operations
Contents
What this Learner’s Guide is about ........................................ 5
Planning your learning ........................................................... 6
How you will be assessed ...................................................... 9
Section 1........................................................................................... 11
Types of forklifts and attachments ....................................... 11
Section 2........................................................................................... 35
Forklift safety........................................................................ 35
Section 3........................................................................................... 43
Driving the forklift with attachments ..................................... 43
This
Learner’s
Guide
is
about
the
skills
and
knowledge
required
to
operate
a
forklift
with
specialised
attachments
or
all-‐terrain
equipment,
including
checking
attachments
and
worksite
for
suitability,
selecting
the
type
of
forklift
and
accessories
for
required
load
shifting
tasks,
and
shifting
load
and
completing
work
in
accordance
with
operational
requirements.
Assessment
of
this
unit
will
usually
be
undertaken
within
a
licensing
examination
conducted
by,
or
under
the
authority
of,
the
relevant
state/territory
OHS
Authority.
Persons
achieving
competence
in
this
unit
will
need
to
fulfil
all
of
the
relevant
state/territory
OHS
regulatory
requirements
concerning
the
safe
specialised
operation
of
forklifts.
It
is
important
to
plan
your
learning
before
you
start
because
you
may
already
have
some
of
the
knowledge
and
skills
that
are
covered
in
this
Learner’s
Guide.
This
might
be
because:
• you
have
been
working
in
the
industry
for
some
time,
and/or
• you
have
already
completed
training
in
this
area.
Together
with
your
supervisor
or
trainer
use
the
checklists
on
the
following
pages
to
help
you
plan
your
study
program.
Your
answers
to
the
questions
in
the
checklist
will
help
you
work
out
which
sections
of
this
Learner’s
Guide
you
need
to
complete.
This
Learner’s
Guide
is
written
with
the
idea
that
learning
is
made
more
relevant
when
you,
the
learner,
are
actually
working
in
the
industry.
This
means
that
you
will
have
people
within
the
enterprise
who
can
show
you
things,
discuss
how
things
are
done
and
answer
any
questions
you
have.
Also
you
can
practise
what
you
learn
and
see
how
what
you
learn
is
applied
in
the
enterprise.
If
you
are
working
through
this
Learner’s
Guide
and
have
not
yet
found
a
job
in
the
industry,
you
will
need
to
talk
to
your
trainer
about
doing
work
experience
or
working
and
learning
in
some
sort
of
simulated
workplace.
Section 1
Section outline
The
forklift
is
a
materials
handling
vehicle
that
is
widely
used
in
the
transport
industry.
It
is
invaluable
for
its
ability
to
move
a
large
amount
of
material
in
a
very
short
time
using
a
minimum
of
labour.
There
are
four
main
types
of
forklift
that
you
are
likely
to
see
in
the
industry.
They
are:
• counterbalanced
forklift
• straddle
forklift
or
reach
truck
-‐
also
known
as
non-‐
counterbalanced
• order
pickers
• side
loading
forklift.
Each
of
these
forklifts
are
used
for
different
purposes
in
the
workplace.
They
can
however
be
used
for
a
variety
of
tasks.
You can gain this information from a variety of sources such as:
• sales brochures from retail outlets
• materials handling magazines
• transport and warehouse magazines
• the Internet
• libraries
• books
• previous knowledge and experience.
Counterbalance forklift
What does a
counterbalanced forklift look
like? (draw or find a picture and
place in the space opposite)
Order pickers
Power
sources
or
modes
of
propulsion
for
forklifts
can
be
divided
into
two
main
types.
They
are:
• internal
combustion
(fuels)
• electric
(battery).
The
internal
combustion
motor
in
forklifts
are
similar
to
that
used
in
motor
vehicles
and
are
designed
to
operate
on
a
variety
of
fuels
such
as:
• petrol
• diesel
• LPG
(Liquid
Petroleum
Gas)
• natural
gas.
Electric
forklifts
are
battery
powered
forklifts.
A
bank
of
batteries
or
one
very
large
battery
is
used
to
power
the
forklift
instead
of
fuel
substances.
Electric
powered
forklifts
are
becoming
more
and
more
popular
within
industry
but
electric
powered
forklifts
also
have
some
disadvantages.
By
law,
every
forklift
is
required
to
have
a
manufacturer’s
data
plate
which
has
information
about
attachment
details
(if
one
can
be
fitted).
This
data
plate
also
includes
the
following
information:
• maximum
safe
working
load
• load
centre
distance
• maximum
lift
height
• make,
model
and
serial
number
• mast
tilt
(in
degrees)
• tyre
type
and
recommended
pressure
• gross
vehicle
weight
• attachment
details
(if
one
is
fitted).
It
is
critical
that
you
know
the
information
on
the
manufacturer’s
data
plate
so
that
you
choose
the
appropriate
forklift
and
attachments
needed
for
safe
operation,
and
the
forklift
is
driven
and
used
within
the
safe
operating
capacity.
Using the activity work sheet, complete the definition and then
select one of your workplace forklifts and give actual data plate
readings.
Maximum safe
working load
Forklift attachments
A
forklift
attachment
is
an
extra
piece
of
equipment
that
is
used
on
the
forklift
in
place
of
the
original
forks.
Sometimes
the
forks
are
removed
and
the
attachment
is
bolted
to
the
fork
carriage,
and
sometimes
the
attachment
is
fitted
to
the
forks.
There
are
many
types
of
forklift
attachments.
Some
are
standard
type
attachments
and
can
be
purchased
from
a
dealer,
e.g.
drum
clamps.
Others
are
specially
designed
and
made
to
do
a
specific
task.
When
deciding
what
attachment
to
use,
you
will
need
to
take
into
consideration:
The
type
of
load
that
you
want
to
move
e.g.
barrels,
bulk
materials
• weight
of
the
load
• size
of
the
load
• company
policy
• safety
considerations
e.g.
dangerous
goods.
Personnel lift or work platform What are personnel lifts used for?
There are also certain safety requirements and procedures that you
need to know before using jibs and slings on a forklift. For
instance: one of the main safety considerations for operators using
jibs is the moving centre of gravity, therefore, extreme care needs
to be taken when determining a safe working load for the forklift.
Section 2
Forklift safety
Section outline
What to do before you drive the forklift with attachments
The
most
important
aspect
of
forklift
driving
is
safety.
As
a
forklift
driver
you
are
aware
that
there
are
always
people
working
around
you
and
if
there
was
an
accident
they
may
be
injured.
When
using
attachments
it
is
important
to
make
sure
that
the
appropriate
equipment
is
selected
and
secured
to
ensure
safety
and
protection
They are:
• plan your work - inspect the work area
• select the correct forklift
• select appropriate attachments
• store removed attachments
• fit the appropriate attachments
• make your presence known.
Steps Questions
Select the correct What do you need to consider when selecting a forklift to do a job?
forklift
Fit the appropriate What do you need to consider when fitting attachments.
attachments
Make your presence When do you need to let people know that you are about to drive a
known forklift in the area?
How can you alert people to the fact that a forklift is operating in the
area?
Section 3
Section outline
With
fitting
attachments
to
a
forklift,
it
is
important
for
you
to
make
sure
that
the
attachments
are
fitted
according
to
manufacturer’s
guidelines.
Type of forklift:
Type of attachments:
Steps: Description:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
As
a
forklift
driver
you
can
already
lift,
stack,
de-‐stack
and
move
different
loads.
When
using
attachments
the
theory
behind
the
processes
you
are
currently
using
is
very
similar.
The following exercise lists the correct procedures that you already
use for lifting and carrying a load. Fill in the missing words.
2. Move forward slowly until the forks are entirely under the
load and the load is ____________ against the fork
backrest. Ensure that the load is ____________.
Before using any attachment with a forklift it is essential that you conduct
a pre-operation safety check on both the forklift, the attachment and the
worksite.
This
check
is
to
ensure
that
the
equipment
is
safe
to
use
and
the
actual
worksite
is
safe
to
work
in.
Forklift
Park brake
Horn
Attachment
Ease of movement
Forklift
Write down areas that have potential hazards and any hazards or
risks that you actually found. Then identify the actions that you
would take (or actually took) to eliminate the hazard.
Check out your answers with your trainer and then add any that
you may have missed for future reference.
Once
an
inspection
is
complete,
the
results
of
that
inspection
need
to
be
reported.
Many
workplaces
have
a
standard
checklist
and
procedure
for
the
reporting
of
forklift
pre-‐operational
checks.
This
standard
procedure
is
used
by
all
employees
who
use
the
forklift.
As
part
of
your
driving
skills
you
will
obviously
need
to
know
how
to
refuel
the
forklift.
Rules
1. Before
refuelling
shut
off
the
engine
and
the
lights
and
do
not
restart
engine
until
refuelling
has
finished.
2. Smoking
is
prohibited
in
any
area
where
the
truck
is
being
refuelled.
3. Refuelling
should
be
done
well
away
from
welding,
open
flames
and
sparks.
4. If
you
detect
a
fuel
leak,
don’t
start
the
forklift,
pull
it
outside
and
ask
for
help
(supervisor
or
maintenance).
With
LPG,
the
refuelling
process
involves
changing
over
a
gas
bottle,
not
simply
filling
up
the
tank
as
we
do
with
motor
vehicles.
The
following
procedure
should
be
followed
when
replacing
the
LPG
gas
cylinder
on
the
forklift.
Before
changeover
• no
smoking
• have
the
engine
running
• close
the
cylinder
shut
off
valve
•
let
the
engine
run
until
it
stops
• wear
gloves
and
eye
protection.
Conducting
changeover
• unscrew
the
bottle
fitting
-‐
use
gloves
• remove
the
cylinder
• store
empty
cylinder
upright
in
the
designated
area
(must
be
under
cover)
• connect
up
new
cylinder.
After
changeover
• start
forklift
and
continue
work
• if
a
leak
is
detected
in
the
fuel
system,
stop
immediately,
turn
off
isolator
valve,
put
an
appropriate
sign
on
forklift
and
report
leak
to
supervisor.
Battery charging
If
you
have
an
electric
forklift
you
will
obviously
have
to
recharge
the
battery
rather
than
refuel
the
forklift.
When
the
forklift
needs
its
battery
changed,
the
forklift
must
be
stationary
and
in
the
proper
parked
position.
Batteries
should
be
changed
in
a
designated
area
which
is
free
from
obstacles,
welding
equipment,
sparks
and
open
flames.
It
should
also
have
proper
ventilation
as
batteries,
during
charging,
give
off
hydrogen
gas
which
is
extremely
flammable.
The
area
should
also
be
a
non-‐smoking
-‐
a
cigarette
could
cause
an
explosion.
The
following
diagram
shows
a
forklift
driver
involved
in
many
unsafe
practices.
List
the
unsafe
practices
that
you
can
identify.
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
When
using
attachments
this
lifting
and
carrying
procedure
needs
to
be
modified
according
to
the
attachment
chosen.
For
example,
when
using
an
auto-‐lift
drum
attachment
you
need
to
take
into
consideration
the
operating
arms
which
are
used
to
pick
up
the
barrels.
Approach
the
load
slowly
making
sure
Approach
the
load
slowly
making
sure
that
the
forklift
is
square
to
the
load.
that
the
forklift
is
square
to
the
load.
The
forks
are
level
and
at
the
correct
The
arms
are
level
and
come
in
contact
height
for
sliding
under
the
load.
with
the
drums
just
below
the
first
rib.
Move
forward
slowly
until
the
forks
are
Lower
the
forks
while
slowly
moving
entirely
under
the
load
and
the
load
is
forward.
This
will
cause
the
arms
to
open
resting
against
the
fork
backrest.
and
then
close
around
the
drum.
Raise
the
load
until
all
obstacles
are
When
arms
are
completely
engaged,
raise
cleared.
Tilt
the
load
backwards
to
ensure
forks
until
arms
contact
upper
ribs
and
lift
safe
handling
of
the
load.
To
transport
drums
to
desired
height.
the
load,
the
mast
needs
to
be
tilted
slightly
backwards
to
ensure
that
the
load
is
stable.
Do
not
travel
with
the
load
raised
higher
Do
not
travel
with
the
load
raised
higher
than
necessary
for
adequate
clearance.
than
necessary
for
adequate
clearance.
This
is
generally
no
higher
than
150mm
This
is
generally
no
higher
than
150mm
(axle
height.)
(axle
height.)
To
unload,
first
the
load
needs
to
be
tilted
To
release
drums,
lower
forks
until
they
slightly
forward
then
lowered
to
the
contact
lower
ribs
and
start
to
open
then
ground.
It
may
then
be
necessary
to
tilt
back
away.
the
mast
further
forward
to
ensure
the
forks
are
smoothly
withdrawn
from
the
load.
Write down the procedure for lifting, carrying and setting down a
load. Use the example of the auto-lift drum attachment as a
guideline.
During this activity you will be required to practise using the forklift
within a variety of workplace situations, using a number of
attachments.
This activity only allows you to practise using the equipment. There
will be separate assessment exercises that you need to complete.
Your trainer will give you different workplace tasks to do. They
must include:
• using the forklift with attachments with a variety of loads
• lifting, carrying and setting-down loads with attachments.
Each time you use the equipment, fill in the log book contained in
the Assessment Tasks section of this Learner’s Guide.
Once you feel that you are competent in the use of this equipment
in all of the above tasks, approach your trainer and request an
assessment.
Additional
resources
Work area:____________________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________________________
Feedback on
activities
The responses provided in this section are suggested responses.
Because every workplace is different, your responses may vary
according to your specific workplace procedures, the equipment
available and the nature of the business.
There are four main types of forklifts that you are likely to see within
the road transport industry. These are discussed below:
Counterbalance forklift
What does a
counterbalance forklift look
like? (draw or find a picture and
place in the space opposite)
Why is it called a ‘counter Because the load being picked up is counter balanced by the
balance’ forklift? weight of the vehicle chassis, engine, counterweight and body
Where is the balance point A point on the ground vertically below the front axle
or fulcrum of a
counterbalance forklift
found?
How is the weight of the The weight of the load is distributed between the four wheels
load distributed on a of the forklift while moving. This dismisses the need for the
forklift to counter-balance any load
straddle forklift?
What is a straddle forklift The straddle forklift is primarily designed for use in the
primarily designed for? warehouse. They are designed to be manoeuvrable and to lift
pallet loads to great heights
What is the primary power Most straddle forklifts are electric powered
source for straddle forklifts?
Order pickers
What is an order picking An order picking forklift allows you to “pick out” specific goods
forklift primarily designed from higher storage areas.
for? These forklifts allow you to choose a portion of the goods
stored, eg. You can choose one unit from a pallet. This means
you do not have to unload a pallet and take out what you need
and then store it again.
Why is it called an ‘order It is called an order picker because that is its primary use. To
picker’? lift the operator to high levels where he/she can select stock
for picking a customers order
What is the difference The order picker and the straddle are quite similar in their
between an order picker looks but with an order picker the operator and the forklift
controls are actually lifted to the desired height.
and a straddle forklift?
With a straddle forklift. it is only the load which is lifted to the
desired height.
What is a side loading A side loading forklift allows you to lift goods which are long
forklift primarily designed and need to be manoeuvred into small short area. The types
of long loads, you can use this forklift for include, timber, metal
for? piping and prefabricated large posts.
Why is it called a ‘side Because unlike other forklifts the load is picked up from the
loading’ forklift? side of the forklift rather than the front. This allows the forklift
to be manoeuvrable with long awkward loads
What types of loads are Usually long loads such as timber, pipes, metal bars,
handled by the side loading containers
forklift?
No exhaust fumes emitted Batteries are bulky, very heavy and very
expensive.
Therefore suitable for enclosed spaces, cool
rooms, warehouses, etc The actual forklift is usually more expensive
than an internal combustion forklift.
Very little engine noise
Battery takes quite a few hours to recharge
Virtually no vibration therefore there is either the need for an extra
battery or a long wait between forklift use.
Ongoing maintenance costs seem to be less
than internal combustion Extra cost of battery recharging equipment.
Slings There are many different types of slings - wire rope, chain,
webbing, natural fibre & synthetic.
Check slings prior to using them every time -you use it - check
for excessive wear, broken fibres or wires, weathering, mould,
rot or sun damage, rust or cracks, cuts or gouges and stretching
or bending of links.
Ensure that the SWL (Safe working load) of the sling is never
exceeded.
All slings must have a label indicating either the SWL or the
WLL (working load limit) - if the label is missing do not use the
sling.
Ensure correct SWL - ensure that it is the same or less than the
sling.
Ensure correct SWL - ensure that it is the same or less than the
sling.
Ensure correct SWL - ensure that it is the same or less than the
sling.
Move forward slowly until the forks are entirely under the
load and the load is resting against the fork backrest.
Ensure that the load is centered.
Raise the load until all obstacles are cleared. Tilt the load
backwards to ensure safe handling of the load.
(axle height).
Slowly back away from the load ensuring that the forks do not
catch on the load.