Forklift operator course teaches operator how to safely and effectively pre/post-inspect, operate a counterbalance forklift during loading and unloading trucks.
Unit Standard No: 242974
Unit Standard Credits: 7
NQF Level: 3
Unit standard title : Operate a forklift
Compliance: TETA
Forklift Training cost: R1600
Forklift course duration: 5 days

Forklift Training Course Content
Theory Test 20%: A written exam to assess knowledge of the vehicle's functions, safety protocols, and operational procedures.Practical Test 80%: Hands-on training where drivers operate the forklift under supervision to demonstrate their competence in operating the equipment.
Assessment: Assessors and moderators assess forklift learners to whether they are competent or not Forklift codes
Machine
Capacity
Code
Counterbalanced lift truck
3 tones
F1
Counterbalanced lift truck
7 tones
F2
Counterbalanced lift truck
15 tones
F3
Counterbalanced lift truck
< 15 tones
F4
Machine Orientation
- What's forklift
- Functions of forklift
- Types of forklift(counterbalance, reach truck, pallet jack, etc)
- Components forklift and their functions
- Identify all safety features and warning and their purposes in accordance to manufactures specifications
- Explain all maximum operating capacity
- Explain all warnings from forklift indicators
Pre Operation Checks
- Tyre pressure, fluid levels, battery and overall machine condition.
- Inspecting Tyres and Brakes
- Hydraulic System Check
- Report all faults found during the inspection
- Daily inspection checklist
- Maintenance logs
- Identifying hazards before starting
- OSHA or local regulations overview
- Blind spots and visibility
Site Preparation and plan for work activities
- Sequence of operations is determined according to site operational requirements.
- Required equipment e.g Machine attachments, personal protective equipment and safety signs.
- Inspect and prepare site according to site operational requirements.
Safe operation procedures of container crane
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Site Safety
- Operating in Confined Spaces
- Safety signs and warnings
- Handling Emergencies
- Site hazards and risk assessment
- Operator responsibilities
- Safe load movement
Operating Procedures
- Controls overview (steering, lifting, tilting)
- Starting and Stopping the Truck
- Operating in different environments (indoors, outdoors, ramps)
- Rated capacity and load charts
- Lifting, stacking, and de-stacking
- Securing and transporting loads
- Driving with and without loads
- Proper loading and unloading techniques
- Working on slopes and uneven ground
- Speed limits and maneuvering
- Safe driving practices
- Pedestrian awareness and communication
Post-Operation Procedures
- Shutdown Procedures
- Cleaning and Shutdown
- Parking and securing equipment
- Refueling/recharging
Forklift Operator duty and responsible is the safety of the machine operation as soon as the load is moved. Because of this responsibility, whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that the operation might be dangerous or unsafe, the counterbalance forklift operator must refuse to operate until the concern has been reported to the supervisor, any hazards are rectified, and safety conditions are met.
Forklift operators can get jobs in these departments like ports, logistics yards, and container terminals..
Forklift refresher course is required every after 2 years of license expiry every 2 years or when an operator has spent more than 2 years without operating the machine.
Forklift certification
After a successful forklift training assessment, a competence certificate is awarded to the driver by the accredited training provider registered in accordance with OSHA and TETA.
Forklift licence
After successful forklift course assessment. A competency license is awarded adt driver
Forklift license renewal
Forklift licenses expire every 2 years, hence renewal or recertification to ensure that operators stay up to date with safety standards and best practices. Old copy of license is required
Forklift operator Course requirements
- A copy of id/passport
- 2 colour id photos
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Physically able
Key Benefits of forklift Operator Training at ZTC:
- Increased Safety
- Improved Productivity
- Compliance
- Cost Savings
Forklift Job Opportunities
After the course you submit you CV to cv@cranestraining.com. There are recruitment agencies and employers who contact ZTC for operators.
The competent forklift operator can submit CV to advertising sites like indeed, career junction, linkedin etc.
A comptent forklift license holder earns an average salary of R17263 per month or R104 per hour depending on the exprience of the operator and employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is forklift training in South Africa?
Forklift course price is R1600
How long is forklift couse?
Forklift training takes 5 days.
How much do forklift operators make in South Africa?
Forklift operator salary is at the average of R R17263 per month
What licence do you need to operator a forklift?
none
When do I renew my forklift certificate and license?
After 2 years
Where do I find forklift operator jobs in south Africa?
Try to identify construction, mining and quarrying companies/departments then contact then to you CV. Or Upload CVs site like career junction, indeed, pnet and Linkedin.
Do you help to get jobs?
Yes, forklift school assist in finding a job, cv writing. By encouraging employers contact us on +27738519937.
How to Operate forklift?
Manoeuvring a jointed cab and dump bed on uneven terrain, pre/post daily checks of the forklift, hauling, loading and dumping load, and safety requirements must be followed.
How to get a forklift License?
ZTC on +27738519937
Forklift training academy offers accommodation to students willing to travel from all these locations like Durban, Pinetown, Richardsbay, Empangeni, Port shepstone, Ladysmith, Newcastle, Kokstad, Pietermaritzburg, Ladysmith, Vryheid, Ulundi, Stanger, Eshowe, Amanzimtoti, Isipingo, Umkomaas in KwazuluNatal(KZN).
Different provinces of South Africa(sa) Mthatha/Umtata, Butterworth, East London and Port Elizabeth in Eastern cape, Bloemfontein in free state, Pretoria, vereeniging, kempton park, alberton, Germiston and Johannesburg(JHB) in Gauteng, Polokwane and Lephalale in Limpopo, Nelspruit, Witbank, Secunda in Mpumalanga, Kimberley in Nothern cape, Rustenburg and Mafikeng in North West, Cape town in Western Cape etc.
We train students from other southern African countries Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, Angola, Tanzania, Ghana, DR.Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Nigeria, Chadi, Mali, Sudan, Niger, Burkina faso, Guinea, Madagascar and Uganda etc. Since we free accommodation and job assistance.