Forklift trainers and operators FAQs

This is the Approved Code of Practice which all registered forklift trainers and operators must adhere to. View the Code of Practice here.

Yes — unless you hold an equivalent certification that meets or exceeds the guidelines outlined in the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP).All forklift operators must be trained in the safe operation of forklifts, in accordance with the requirements set out in the ACOP.Section 36 (Primary Duty of Care) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 states that a person conducting business or undertaking (PCBU) has a broad overarching duty of care.

This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable:
• The provision and maintenance of safe plant and equipment
• The provision and maintenance of safe systems of work
•The safe use, handling, and storage of plant, structures, and substances•the provision of any information, training, instruction, or supervision necessary to protect all persons from health and safety risks arising from work carried out as part of the business or undertaking.

Yes. To meet WorkSafe’s expectations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, two levels of training are required:
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1. Operator Certificate (Basic Operating Skills):Forklift operators must meet the training standards outlined in the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP). This can be achieved by completing a forklift training course delivered by a Competenz-registered forklift trainer, followed by a refresher at least every three years. Equivalent training may also be accepted if it meets or exceeds the ACOP requirements.
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2. Site-Specific Training:The PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) is responsible for ensuring the forklift operator is trained to use the forklift safely within the specific work environment. This includes addressing any site-specific risks.

Both types of training are required. Site-specifictraining is in addition to the Operator Certificate — it is not a substitute.

All forklift operator certificates should now reference WorkSafe, not OSH or the Department of Labour (DoL). Training programmes should also use the correct terminology:forklift operator training, not OSH training.

No. Trainers should not issue certificates stating that a trainee is allowed to operate under supervision.

Best practice: Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (Section 9, Part 1), employers have a duty to provide information, supervision, and training in the use of any plant, including forklifts.

• It is recommended that new operators complete 15 hours of supervised practical experience in the workplace before attending a forklift operator course. Alternatively, they may return to the trainer later for further training and a resit opportunity.

• It is the employer’s responsibility to document any internal training procedures and to authorise the trainee to operate a forklift — but only once they are satisfied the trainee is trained and competent.

Worksafe New Zealand has provided the following detail regarding thelegislation changes to the Health and Safety legislation (Health and Safety atWork Act 2015):
• The current Forklift Code of Practice still applies.
• Existing regulations and practices continue to apply.

Yes. Most forklift training courses include practical lessons designed toteach beginners how to operate a forklift safely and effectively.

A list of registered forklift trainers is available here.

 Yes, if the trainer is registered with an Industry Training Organisation (ITO) to assess unit standards or is an NZQA-accredited provider.

• New operator course: Up to two days
• Refresher course: Up to one day.

•  The practical test is separate from the training time.
•  Each trainee’s test should last a minimum of 10–15 minutes.
• Pre-operational checks and the debrief are not included inthis test duration.

 No. The F Endorsement authorises you to drive a forklift on public roads only and does not cover operating a forklift in a warehouse.

 You must renew your forklift operator’s certificate every three years.

Yes. The Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) applies to all powered industrial lift trucks, including pedestrian-operated forklifts. Operators musthold a valid forklift operator certificate.

Yes. Registering with Competenz ensures your course and performance a reaudited against nationally accepted industry standards and comply with the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP).

 Yes, you may apply in writing to request a review of the decision. Click here to email us.

 Your registration was granted based on working for the employer at the time your registration was approved, using course material specific to that organisation. If you change employers, you will need to reapply for registration.  Please contact us for further assistance.

 Youc an find an example in Appendix D of the Approved Code of Practice for forkliftt rainers and operators.View the Code of Practice here.

Under the Approved Code of Practice for Forklift Trainers and Operators (ACOP), certificates are valid for three years. After this period, instructors must complete refresher training and be re-examined to confirm they remain competent to stay registered. WorkSafe endorses this requirement. Always check the expiry date on your operator certificate and arrange your refresher training before it lapses.

 Competenz expects the refresher course to cover the same content as the initial Forklift Operator Certificate course, including both theory and a practical component. A new certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the refresher training.

Section 46 of the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016 states:Section 46: duty to ensure young persons do not work at or with machinery(
1) A PCBU with management or control of a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practical, that no worker aged under 15 years –
 a) Works at or with any machinery at the workplace or  
b) Assists with work at or with any machinery at the workplace
(2) In subclause
(1) machinery –    
a) Means an engine, motor or other appliance that provides mechanical energy derived from compressed air, the combustion of fuel, electricity, gas, gaseous products, steam, water, wind, or any other source  
b) Includes      
i) Any plant by or to which the motion of any machinery is transmitted and      
ii) A lifting machine, a lifting vehicle, a machine whose motive power is wholly or partly generated by the human body and a tractor

.NB: If you require an ‘F’ endorsement on your driver’s license, the minimum age for this is 18yrs.

You’ll need an F endorsement on your driver’s licence if you operate a forklift on a road.Some warehouse environments may be classed as roads if they are accessible to the public.

Please refer to the definition of a ‘road’ below. For questions about obtaining the F endorsement, contact MITO.

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.

 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. For more detailed information, you can refer to WorkSafe New Zealand's guidance on seatbelt use in the workplace.

There are no guidelines in terms of classification however Industry hasadopted 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 license and F endorsement.