This counterbalanced lift truck (forklift) course is designed for both novice and experienced operators. Learners who meet the specific outcomes and assessment criteria will be permitted to operate a forklift, up to a stipulated rated capacity:
Code F01: Up to a rated capacity of 3 Tons
Code F02: Up to a rated capacity of 7 Tons
Code F03: Up to a rated capacity of 15 Tons
Code F04: Over a rated capacity of 15 Tons
Entry requirements
Minimum of Gr10 (English and basic mathematical literacy) and 18 years of age is required to receive theoretical training.
For any queries regarding the requirements and conditions of counterbalanced lift truck training, contact our skills development advisor for more information.
Materials handling and lifting operations training
Counterbalanced lift truck operators training
Forklift operator training
Course content
Mechanical appreciation of a counterbalanced lift truck
We discuss operator maintenance areas, traction battery, electric power train, gauges, the fuse holder and fuses, braking system, hydraulic system, steering, wire guidance system, etc., and explain how they are all integral to functioning. We also go through diagnosing faults and driving the counterbalanced lift truck correctly.
Refuelling a counterbalanced lift truck
We take learners through safety procedures, battery pack, the traction battery, servicing a battery, replacing the battery pack, positioning the counterbalanced lift truck, preparation for removing the battery, lifting the battery, testing a recharged battery, placing a recharged battery and filling in fuel usage logs.
Pre-operating inspections for a counterbalanced lift truck
We look at pre-operating inspections, components, inspection areas and counterbalanced lift truck checklist.
Start-up checks and inspections
Start-up and in-cab checks and inspections, setting the driving position, pre-start check of the controls, starting the counterbalanced lift truck, checking lifting controls and functionality, check ancillary equipment and driving controls.
Safety and forklift operations
We discuss pre-operating, start-up, driving and shutdown safety precautions; relationship between load and stability of a counterbalanced lift truck, load chart rating, the principle of leverage, position of the load; hazardous cargo, container loading and refuelling safety; driving on public roads, emergency services, general housekeeping, safety legislation and use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
Operator controls and manoeuvring
We talk about manoeuvring/clearance, towing, using the horn, observation, manoeuvring through a practice course with and without a load, and hand signals.
Loading, off-loading and stacking
We outline storage areas, store layouts, stacking methods, pallets, handling interlocking cage and bin pallets, block-steel and sheet steel, bar steel, pipes, channel/angle iron and hazardous material stacking.
Handling cargo
We show learners best practice concerning handling cargo with pictorial markers, lifting and transporting, hazardous cargo, safety signs, drum attachments, clamping a paper roll and other attachments.
Assessment methods
We conduct a formative theoretical assessment at the beginning of the course to gauge the learner’s initial understanding (novices only). At the end of the training, a summative theoretical and practical application assessment is conducted, to find if the learner is competent; if not, additional developmental areas are identified and suggested.