Counter balance – what else?
Under WA’s Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022, a forklift truck means a powered industrial truck equipped with lifting media made up of a mast and an elevation load carriage to which is attached a pair of forks or other arms that can be raised 900 mm or more above the ground. This is […]
What on earth is this?
As lithium-ion powered forklifts become more common across warehouses and industrial sites, understanding their unique safety features is essential. One critical yet often overlooked component is the earthing cable a small but vital part of the forklift’s electrical safety system. The issue Lithium-ion batteries operate at higher voltages than traditional lead-acid batteries and rely heavily […]
Safe Forklift Operation: Simple Habits for Safer Workplaces
Safe forklift operation Operating a forklift safely is not just about following basic rules—it’s about developing good habits that ensure efficiency and safety in the workplace. While many experienced forklift operators start strong, over time, they may fall into habits that could make them seem less efficient and, more importantly, pose serious safety risks. But […]
The Importance of Having the Correct Attachment on a Forklift
One critical aspect often overlooked is the use of the correct attachment for the specific task at hand. The right forklift attachment ensures optimal performance and safety, preventing workplace accidents and ensuring smooth operations. Forklifts are versatile machines that can be fitted with a range of attachments, including jibs, drum handlers, clamp attachments, carpet spikes, […]
Vertical load centre – The what?
Forklift load centre distances In forklift operation, understanding load centre distances is crucial for ensuring both safe and efficient handling of loads. These distances refer to specific measurements that affect the forklift’s stability and capacity to lift safely. Horizontal load centre distance This is the horizontal distance from the face of the forks (or from […]
Lead acid batteries – Boom!
Forklift and walkie stacker charging In my experience, there’s a surprising number of operators that are not aware of the danger when charging forklift or walkie stacker batteries. Forklift lead-acid batteries, are commonly used in industrial environments to power electric forklifts. During the charging process, these batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a byproduct. […]
Lithium battery fire! – which extinguisher?
Lithium batteries on forklift trucks For fires associated with forklift lithium batteries, the recommended fire extinguisher type is typically a Class D fire extinguisher, specifically designed for metal fires, including lithium. Additionally, some extinguishers with specialised agents, like Lith-X powder or certain clean agent systems, are designed to handle lithium-ion battery fires effectively. It is […]
Lithium ion batteries – Are your staff trained?
Li-Ion batteries (Li-Ion) for forklifts and walkie stackers We have all observed a large move towards Li-Ion batteries in mobile materials handling equipment across most industries over the past few years. Li-Ion batteries have advantages over nickel-cadmium or lead-acid which are still in use. Such advantages include shorter charge time, charge is held for longer […]
Don’t turn a blind eye – Lives may depend on it!
Unethical Assessments = Loss of Licences WorkSafe issued a warning to assessors, industry and the general public! A Perth assessor had his High Risk Work Licence accreditation cancelled for not properly assessing license applicants. In addition, he is disqualified from reapplying for accreditation for two years. As a result, a total of 24 High Risk […]
Pre-start safety check – 7 minutes tops.
I often conduct training and assessment of experienced forklift drivers to obtain either their LF class licence or a VOC. However, the feedback from these trainees is that the all-important pre-start checks are not a part of many workplace cultures. As a result, failing to do these quick and easy checks can easily lead to […]
Driver assessment resources – Free stuff.
Driver assessment resources – Free stuff. Onsite Forklift Licencing are committed to help ensure a safe work place when it comes to operating mobile plant such as forklifts and walkie stackers. To this end, in addition to our Nationally accredited forklift course, walkie stacker training and VOC offers, our website has access to free […]
Did you know? Use by and storage.
Did you know? Use by and storage. While completing a forklift verification of competence (VOC) or conducting a forklift licence course with experienced drivers, it’s too often the case that the trainees are un aware of the stamped date on the LPG bottle. Not only does this date go unnoticed but there are misconceptions about […]
The most important forklift lever?
The most important forklift lever? When placing loads or picking them up, a common practice is to attempt this simple function when the forklift forks are not flat. The tilt function lever is arguably the most important lever. Forklift lift trucks are designed to pick up loads and place them as opposed to pushing, pulling […]
Free driver assessment resources
Free driver assessment resources Most forklift operators maintain a professional approach to driving a forklift. Unfortunately, the pressures of getting the job done quickly can lead shortcuts being made. In other words, bad habits creep in. If not addressed, bad habits can spread throughout an organisation resulting in mediocre performance endangering lives. Start breaking down […]
Duty of care resources.
Duty of care resources. Regrettably, I often find that forklift drivers do not have the fundamental knowledge required to operate a forklift in a safe manner. Even the most basic concepts are unknown, such as lifting capacities (with or without attachments), load centre, confined space, and requirements for allowing a passenger to be on a […]
Is it re-rated?
Is it re-rated? There’s virtually an unlimited number of attachments that can be used with a forklift truck. Before fitting a non standard attachment to a forklift, the manufacturer’s input is essential to ensure compatibility. In addition, non standard attachments are often installed without considering the effect they have on the machines lifting capacity. By […]
Introducing FST© Modernising Forklift Training for the Digital Ag
Introducing FST© Modernising Forklift Training for the Digital Ag Revolutionise your forklift training with Onsite Forklift Licensing’s cutting-edge Fork Safe Tech © (FST)! As a leading forklift trainer and assessor in Western Australia, we’ve spearheaded the shift towards digital assessments, keeping pace with industry advancements and prioritising safety every step of the way. Our innovative […]
Difference between a forklift and a walkie stacker.
Difference between a forklift and a walkie stacker. A walkie stacker, also known as a pedestrian stacker or walk-behind stacker, is a powered industrial truck designed for lifting and stacking pallets and other heavy loads. A forklift could be described in a similar way however, while the operator of a forklift occupies the vehicle and […]
How often do you see this?
How often do you see this? It’s a common mistake for Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) bottles to be stored upside down after being removed from the forklift to indicate the bottle is ’empty’. This is a dangerous practice as LPG bottles are never completely empty. Placing them upside down submerges the safety relief valve which […]
Bad habits
Bad habits Most forklift operators are professional and maintain the high standard of driving skills they learnt when they first obtained their High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) to drive a LF class forklift. Unfortunately, some times the rush to get work done takes precedence and corners may be cut. In other words, bad habits creep […]
English as a 2nd language
English as a 2nd language Due to the increase in Australia’s immigration levels there has been a corresponding increase in the number of candidates attempting to obtain High Risk Work Licences (HRWL). This is understandable as such a licence greatly improves the potential to find employment or improve on a position currently held. Under the […]
LF license you say!
LF license you say! ValuEquip 16T 1200 LC from Total Forklift Services An LF class licence to operate a forklift truck allows the holder to operate forklifts regardless of lifting capacity. This counter balanced unit is rated at 16T. While it could be operated by any holder of a LF licence, an employer would first […]