What is the ACOP?
Forklift FAQ’s
This is the Approved Code of Practice which all registered forklift trainers and operators must adhere to. You can read the ACOP here.
Do I need to hold a forklift operator certificate to operate a forklift?
Yes – unless an equivalent certification is provided that meets or exceeds the guidelines found in the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP). The Health and Safety in Employment Act 2002 Section 20 requires all operators of forklifts to be trained in their safe operation.
Section 36 (Primary Duty of Care) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 states: A person conducting business or undertaking (PCBUs) – the primary duty of care is a broad overarching duty. It includes, but is not limited to, so far as reasonably practical:
· Providing and maintaining safe plant and equipment
· Providing and maintaining safe systems at work
· Ensuring safe use, handling and storage of plant, structures and substances
· Proving any information, training, instruction, or supervision that is necessary to protect all persons from risks to their health and safety arising from work carried out as part of the conduct of the business or undertaking.
To ensure this is the case, there are two levels of training required to meet WorkSafe’s expectations in relation to the Health and Safety at Work Act.
1. General competency: Forklift operators must meet a standard of training outlined the ACOP, by either meeting the requirements of the ACOP or by other means that meet or exceed these general forklift competency requirements. Forklift operators can meet this requirement by passing a forklift training course led by a Competenz-registered forklift trainer, and a refresher course at least once every three years.
2. Site-specific training: The PCBU employing the forklift operator also has the responsibility to ensure the operator is trained to safely use the forklift in a manner that mitigates the risks associated with the specific work environment in which the forklift will be operated.
Both of these actions are required; the site-specific training is in addition to the general competency training not an alternative for it.
How often must I renew my forklift operator’s certificate?
How do I renew my Forklift Operator’s Certificate?
Does an F Endorsement on my driver licence qualify me to operate a forklift in a warehouse?
Do I need an ‘F’ endorsement on my driver’s licence?
What is the definition of a road?
Do I need a forklift operator certificate to operate a pedestrian operated forklift?
Is it compulsory to wear a seat belt on a forklift?
Is a Telehandler classed as a forklift?
What is the maximum size of forklift that can be operated?
Every three years. Your certificate is valid for 3 years from date of issue.
Attend one of our Forklift Operator Certificate Courses - check out our online calendar for Forklift Course dates
No. The F Endorsement authorises you to drive a forklift on a road.
You will need to apply for an F endorsement on your driver’s licence if you will be operating a forklift on a road.
There may be some instances where a warehouse environment is classed as a road, if the public can gain access. Please see below the definition of a road
Definition of a road (Land Transport Act 1998)
Road includes:
a) A street
b) A motorway
c) A beach
d) A place to which the public have access, whether as a right or not
e) All bridges, culverts, ferries and fords forming part of a road or street or motorway
f) All sites at which vehicles may be weighed for the purposes of the act or any other enactment.
Yes. The ACOP applies to all powered industrial lift truck
If a seat belt is fitted then yes, you need to wear it. A seat belt must be worn if the forklift is driven on the road.
Yes, If the Telehandler has forks attached.
There are no guidelines in terms of classification however Industry has adopted the following in terms of sizes a forklift operator may use.
• Forklift weighing 18000kg or less (with a load), Class 1 licence and F endorsement.
• Forklift weighing 18001kg or more (with a load), Class 2 licence and F endorsement.