If you’re someone who is looking to start a career in warehousing, logistics, or construction, getting yourself a forklift license is a good career move. But not all forklifts are the same, and there is more than one forklift license available in Australia. Therefore, it is easy to get confused about the type of forklift license you actually need. In this blog, the team at AWFTC, as a certified organization that provides forklift training in Melbourne, will be explaining the types of forklift licenses, their key differences, and how to decide what license best fits your chosen career path.
Is a licence necessary to operate forklifts in Australia?
Yes, if you want to operate forklifts as part of your work, the law requires you to have a special forklift licence. These licences serve as confirmation that you have passed the evaluations conducted by a registered training organisation and that you conform to the safety regulations set out by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
How do you apply to obtain your forklift licence?
The process that you need to undertake in order to obtain your forklift licence can be primarily categorised into two main parts—the training and the application.
The training must be conducted by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and can be completed within two days. Day 01 will have you learn theory and engage in practical training, such as learning how to calculate loads and getting some hands-on experience with the machine. Day 02 will see you complete three types of assessments—knowledge, calculations, and practical.
Once you’ve successfully completed your training, you will need to submit a completed application form via your myWorkSafe account. If you are unable to complete the online application, you can do so in person at Australia Post. Once your application has been processed, you will receive your high-risk work licence.
How long is your forklift licence valid?
Your high-risk work licence (forklift licence) is valid for a period of 5 years. When the licence expires, you have up to one year from the date of expiry to complete its renewal. If you fail to renew your licence within this period, you will have to retake the training course with an RTO and apply for a brand-new licence.
What are the types of forklift licences available in Australia?
To operate forklifts in Australia, you must obtain a high-risk work licence. Among the 30 classes of high-risk work licences, there are two main types of forklift licences. They are:
- LF, or “Licence to Perform High-Risk Work—Forklift Truck”; and
- LO, or “Licence to Perform High-Risk Work—Order-Picking Forklift Truck”
What are the differences between LF and LO licences?
The fundamental difference between LF and LO licences is in the type of forklifts each licence allows a person to operate. LF is the most common type of licence obtained by individuals and allows individuals to operate counterbalance forklifts, commonly used in warehouses for the lifting and moving of heavy loads. Counterbalance forklifts often come with masts, an attached fork, and elevated load carriage.
On the other hand, LO licences are ideal for individuals looking to operate order-picking forklifts and stock pickers. These types of forklifts are typically used to stock goods on warehouse shelves.
Therefore, before you commit to the training programme, make sure to have a thorough understanding of your job description and the types of forklifts you will be operating in the course of your work. If you are confused about the details, explain your situation to our trainers, and we will point you in the right direction.
Conclusion
Choosing between an LF and LO forklift licence in Melbourne will ultimately come down to your workplace and the equipment you will be operating. Nevertheless, if you are looking to complete your training for either your LF or LO licence, you will make the right decision when you choose AWFTC. We are an RTO that has been awarding nationally recognised training courses since 1999. If you’re ready to take the first step to getting your forklift licence, contact our team today.
