Don't Drive a Forklift Without an OSH Certificate!

 Have you ever been tempted to drive a forklift without the necessary OSH Forklift Certification? We strongly advise against it. OSH Forklift Training is essential for anyone who wants to operate a forklift safely and legally. In this blog post, we will discuss why it is important to have an OSH Certificate before attempting to drive a forklift.

What Is a Forklift?

A forklift is a type of industrial vehicle used to move, lift and carry materials around the workplace. It’s usually equipped with two large forks, which can be used to lift and transport goods. Forklifts can come in various sizes and configurations, and are often powered by gasoline or diesel engines, electric motors, or batteries. They can range in size from small manual units that can fit through a doorway, to massive machines capable of lifting over 12,000 pounds. Forklifts have become essential in almost any warehouse or factory environment, as they make it possible to quickly and easily move and stack goods without needing manual labor.

Do I Need a License to Operate a Forklift?

Yes, you need a license to operate a forklift in New Zealand. The legal requirements vary depending on the type of forklift being operated, but the minimum requirement is an OSH Certificate from the Department of Labour. To be eligible for an OSH Certificate, the operator must have received the appropriate training and been assessed by a qualified assessor as competent to operate a forklift. The training must cover topics such as health and safety practices, pre-start checks, loading and unloading, maneuvering, and shut down procedures.

Once you have been trained and assessed as competent, you will then be issued an OSH Certificate and be authorized to operate a forklift. It is important to remember that a forklift license must be renewed every three years to ensure that the operator is up-to-date with their training and remains compliant with safety regulations.

What Type of License Do I Need?

If you’re planning to operate a forklift in New Zealand, then you need to obtain a Forklift Licence NZ. This license is issued by the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Authority and is valid for five years. It must be renewed after the five-year period has expired.

In order to obtain a Forklift Licence NZ, you must first pass the OSH Authority’s Forklift Operating Skills Test (FOS). This test is designed to assess your knowledge of safe operation and maintenance of forklifts. Once you have passed the FOS test, you will receive a certificate which is required to apply for the Forklift Licence NZ. The FOS test is made up of 20 questions that cover topics such as forklift control, loading and unloading, operating environment, and safety procedures. You will also be assessed on your ability to operate a forklift in a safe and competent manner. The FOS test can be taken at any local OSH training centre or online.

Once you have passed the FOS test and have been issued with your certificate, you can then apply for your Forklift Licence NZ. This application must be made through the OSH Authority’s website and requires payment of a fee. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your Forklift Licence NZ.

It is important to remember that the Forklift Licence NZ is only valid for five years and must be renewed after this period has expired. Failure to do so could lead to prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

How Do I Get Licensed?

If you want to operate a forklift in New Zealand, you must have a valid OSH Certificate, which is also known as a Forklift Licence NZ. To obtain this certificate, you must successfully complete a comprehensive and accredited training program.

The training typically consists of both classroom and practical instruction. In the classroom, you will learn about forklift safety, types of forklifts, loading and unloading procedures, and general maintenance. During the practical instruction, you will learn how to operate the forklift in a safe and effective manner. You must then pass a written exam and practical test to earn your OSH Certificate.

Once you have earned your OSH Certificate, it is important to keep it up-to-date. The OSH Certificate has an expiration date and must be renewed every two years to ensure that you have up-to-date knowledge and training on the latest safety standards and practices.

For more information on obtaining an OSH Certificate, you should contact your local WorkSafe office or visit the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Licensed?

Getting a Forklift Licence NZ is a relatively straightforward process. The cost of getting your forklift licence depends on a number of factors, such as the type of licence you need and where you plan to take the course. Most courses include the cost of the training, an examination fee and any additional materials needed.

The cost of the Forklift Licence NZ can vary depending on your chosen provider. Generally, the cost of the training ranges from $150 - $350. On top of this, there is usually a written exam fee of around $100. If you need additional materials such as books or DVDs, these will incur additional costs.

Once you have completed your course and successfully passed your written exam, you will be issued with your Forklift Licence NZ. This must be renewed every three years, with a renewal fee of approximately $50.  In conclusion, the total cost of getting your Forklift Licence NZ is likely to be between $250 - $500, depending on the provider you choose and any additional costs for materials.

How Often Do I Need to Renew My License?

The frequency at which a forklift license needs to be renewed depends on the type of license that is held. For a basic OSH Forklift Certificate, it is valid for five years. After that, you need to renew the license with an approved provider.

If you are a professional forklift operator with a more advanced qualification such as a F endorsed certificate, you must renew your license every three years.

It is important to remember that although your license is valid for up to five or three years, depending on the level of qualification, you may be required to undertake additional training to maintain or update your skillset throughout the license’s validity period. This can include refresher courses and other workplace-specific activities. Make sure to check with your employer for their specific requirements.

Overall, having a valid and up-to-date forklift license is essential for anyone wanting to safely operate a forklift in New Zealand. Make sure you stay on top of renewal dates and any other requirements your employer has so that you can continue working legally and safely.