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SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Operate counter-balanced lift truck 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
242974  Operate counter-balanced lift truck 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Transport and Logistics Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Reregistered  2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The person credited with this Unit Standard is able to operate a counter-balanced lift truck in a safe manner. They will also be able to conduct pre and post inspections to ensure the performance of the lift truck. The person will be able to handle the loading and storage of freight by using the equipment and its accessories in the required manner. They will also be able to access emergency system and services in the event of an incident or accident.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Applying the recognised methods for inspecting and recording the operational fitness of all components of the lift truck with reference to safety procedures in the workplace.
  • Identifying and classifying freight/loads taking into account documentation, packaging and labelling associated with the specific freight.
  • Handling, loading and storing freight in accordance with industry standards environmental requirements, and with due consideration to inter alia the commodities and their properties, storage area and placement of load.
  • Achieving maximum work performance of lifting equipment and attachments, by applying knowledge of equipment dimensions, controls, principles of operation and capacities, manufacturing specifications and circumstances in the working environment.
  • Operating equipment in accordance with laid down organisational and legislative standards and procedures as well as manufacturer's guidelines.
  • Accessing available emergency support system and services in case of incidents and accidents. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners accessing this unit standard will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2 or its equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The applied competence expressed in this standard may be demonstrated across a range of lift trucks (capacity, functionality) involved in familiar operational functions in any industry context, and in any environmental conditions.

    Lift Truck shall include:
  • F1: Counterbalanced lift truck up to rated capacity of 3000kg.
  • F2: Counterbalanced lift truck up to rated capacity of 7000kg.
  • F3: Counterbalanced lift truck up to rated capacity of 15000kg.
  • F4: Counterbalanced lift truck above a rated capacity of 15000kg.

    The Codes and Attachments correspond with the National Code of Practice.

    Attachments and special equipment shall include:
  • A: Side Shift.
  • B: Single pole.
  • C: Carton or paper roll clamp.
  • D: Crane Hook.
  • E: Push Pull/Slip sheet equipment.
  • F: Load Rotator.
  • H: Load Extender Pantograph.
  • J: Tilting Bucket.
  • K: Tandem Forks.
  • L: Container Vanning and Devanning.
  • M: Container Handling.
  • N: Forks.
  • O: Cradle (Safety Cage). 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply the recognised methods for inspecting and recording the operational fitness of all components of the lift truck with reference to safety procedure in the workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Methods for inspecting the operational fitness of all components on the lift truck are described with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Pre and post inspections are conducted using the operations check-sheet. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Basic faults and defects on the mechanical function of the lift truck are identified and recorded in the required format. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify and classify freight/loads taking into account documentation, packaging and labelling associated with the specific freight. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Freight/load types are identified and explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Freight/load documentation, packing and labelling requirements are described with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Common freight codes, from a handling perspective, are identified and explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Freight/loads are classified in accordance with organisational classification standards and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Handle, load and store freight in accordance with industry standards, environmental requirements, and with due consideration to inter alia the commodities and their properties, storage area and placement of load. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons for selecting specific handling methods and attachments for particular commodities/freight are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons for selecting a particular piece of lifting equipment for a particular type of freight are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The specific selection of storage facilities for different freight types is explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Different freight types includes but not limited to dangerous goods, perishables, foodstuffs, break-bulk, liquids.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Freight/load is handled, loaded and stored in accordance with organisational standards and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Achieve maximum work performance of lifting equipment and attachments, by applying knowledge of equipment dimensions, controls, principles of operation and capacities, manufacturing specifications and circumstances in the working environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The operating functions of the particular lift truck relevant for the job environment and environmental conditions and freight types are identified and explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Lifting equipment is evaluated and repair or replacement of parts is reported in required format and arranged in the required time frame. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of applying a basic mechanical appreciation of the lifting equipment, operating of the lifting equipment and its attachments is explained with examples of the consequences of not doing so. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Operate equipment in accordance with laid down organisational and legislative standards and procedures as well as manufacturer's guidelines. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Operating includes the actual lifting, stacking manoeuvring, shutting down and parking of the lift truck. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The operating functions of the lift truck relevant for the work environment, and different environmental conditions and freight types are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effect of the environment and equipment constraints on safe operating procedures and practices are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Operating equipment is used in accordance with operation instructions, loading guidelines and legislative standards and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Corrective actions required to prevent dangerous situations arising are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Dangerous situations could include but are not limited to: weather, lighting conditions, visibility, overloading.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Access available emergency support systems and services in case of incidents and accidents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Support systems and emergency services are sourced in cases of incidents and accidents according to organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The most appropriate course of action is explained in relation to safe working practices and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The most appropriate course of action to avoid a potential hazard is explained in relation to safe working practices in the working environment. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act; Driven Machinery regulations; environment; operating method; packaging, labelling, and personal protective equipment.
  • National Road Traffic Act where public roads are used.
  • The relevant attachments applicable to handling various categories of freight.
  • Basic mechanical appreciation.
  • Equipment dimensions/capacity and controls in relation to safety and maximum work performance.
  • Product handling and storage principles and specifications.
  • Available support systems and emergency care services.
  • The different makes (manufacturers) and codes of lift trucks in the market. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in the case of damaged packaging/labelling. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work efficiently with others and in teams by demonstrating initiative in selecting the most appropriate means of communication with work colleagues to facilitate efficient and safe freight handling. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Manage and organise oneself by continually evaluating whether maximum work performance of lifting equipment was achieved given the operating conditions, and based on this, gain improved work performance consistently. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
  • Demonstrate initiative in selecting the most appropriate gear and equipment dependent on lift truck codes, freight characteristics and environmental conditions.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by understanding the impact of safe working practices on people safety, the environment and cost effective business operations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Definitions:
  • "Lift truck" shall mean any counterbalanced lift truck.
  • "Cradle" shall mean a platform enclosed on all sides but open in top, designed for the purpose of raising and bringing down persons by means of a lifting machine.
  • "Freight" is any commodity, loose, bulk form or packaged, dealt with in any quantity; refers to cargo, materials, baggage, goods, stock, merchandise or inventory. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58718   National Certificate: Metals Processing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  48794   National Certificate in Quality Checking of Tyres and Tyre Components  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  71989   National Certificate: Automotive Components: Manufacturing and Assembly  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  58862   National Certificate: Electro-Mechanical Winding  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  58720   National Certificate: Engineering Fabrication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2021-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  64829   National Certificate: Lifting Machine Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  TETA 
    Elective  23255   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Fitting and Machining  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  91926   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining and Tooling  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  67609   National Certificate: Mechatronics  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  79666   National Certificate: Metal and Engineering Manufacturing Processes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  64190   National Certificate: Metals Production  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2021-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  49449   National Certificate: Plastics Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  36155   National Certificate: Polymer Composite Fabrication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  79407   National Certificate: Polymer Compound Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  21012   National Certificate: Power and Telecommunication Cable Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  24217   National Certificate: Thermoplastic Fabrication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  48798   National Certificate: Tyre and Tyre Component Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  48795   National Certificate: Tyre Assembly  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  57886   National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2021-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. AA Forklift Training Centre 
    2. AAH Skills and Development 
    3. Agisanang SA Training 
    4. AIR TRAINING CONSULTING & SERVICES 
    5. Andebe Training and Skills Development 
    6. Arcelor Mittal Steel Vanderbijlpark 
    7. Artisans in Motion Pty Ltd 
    8. Bell Equipment Co SA Pty Ltd - Manufacturing Division 
    9. BPL Academy 
    10. Culmen Consultants cc 
    11. Driving Sense 
    12. Fost Training Pty (Ltd) 
    13. Goldee Trading Academy 176 
    14. Metro Minds 
    15. Orion Industrial Training Services (Pty) Ltd 
    16. Pro - Con Skills Centre 
    17. Skills Priority 
    18. Tagane Trading and Training Services Pty Ltd. 
    19. THE SAJ COMPETENCY TRAINING INSTITUTE CC 
    20. Tholulwazi Advanced Training Center 
    21. Toyota Forklift t/a Saficon Industrial Equipment 
    22. Truck Crane Training Specialists 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.