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 not the same as an order-picking forklifts, which need an LO licence.
With your LF licence, you’re qualified to operate all sorts of machines, including:
✅ Counterbalance Forklifts – the classic forklift you see in most warehouses.
✅ High Reach Forklifts – perfect for lifting pallets to high racks in narrow aisles.
✅ Combilifts – great for moving long or awkward loads like timber or pipes in tight spaces.
✅ Bendi or Articulated Forklifts – super handy for working in ultra-narrow aisles while still reaching good heights.
Even if you hold an LF licence, it’s important to remember that you must receive proper training and instruction before operating any type of forklift you’re not familiar with. Different machines have unique controls, handling characteristics, and safety risks. Employers have a duty to ensure operators are competent and confident to use specific equipment safely.
At Onsite Forklift Licencing, we specialise in delivering LF forklift training and assessments for small groups right at your workplace. It’s a convenient way to get your team licensed without the downtime of sending staff offsite. Call now or go to our website to find out more.
You can review the Regulations via the link below.
https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/law_s53267.html