Driving tests

Safety protocols for operating forklifts on ramps and slopes

Risks increase significantly when forklifts drive on ramps and slopes. Health and safety managers, warehouse managers, and forklift operators must be especially vigilant when considering these inclined surfaces. Understanding the risks Before diving into the safety protocols, it’s important to

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The role of a spotter in forklift operations

With great lifting power comes great responsibility—especially when visibility is limited. That’s where the spotter, also known as a points person or banksman, becomes indispensable. Whether you’re operating a small warehouse forklift, a medium-sized machine moving unusual loads, or a

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Operating forklifts safely in cold storage facilities

Cold storage environments pose unique challenges to safety, especially when it comes to operating forklifts. The combination of low temperatures, limited visibility due to condensation, and the risk of ice can lead to hazardous conditions. In this article, we’ll explore

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Should you buy a secondhand forklift?

When looking to enhance materials handling operations, it’s common to consider purchasing a brand-new forklift. Modern, state-of-the-art forklifts promise reliability and up-to-date safety features, but they come with a hefty price tag and (sometimes) long delivery times if you can’t

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A guide to inspecting wire winches on transporters, trailers and off-road vehicles

Winch wires and ropes are critical components for trucks, trailers and off-road vehicles fitted with winches, yet they are susceptible to damage if not properly handled and maintained. Understanding the common causes of damage and implementing comprehensive inspection routines can

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Understanding clutch failure in manual and automatic cars: technical and practical insights

Clutch failure is a significant concern for drivers, whether they are operating a manual or automatic vehicle. Clutch failure in manual cars Many older vehicles have manual gearboxes, along with some specialist and sports cars, and some cheaper models of

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Types of EWP: scissor lift vs boom lift vs cherry picker

In the world of aerial work platforms, scissor lifts, boom lifts (including telescopic and knuckle boom lifts), and cherry pickers are commonly used for various tasks requiring elevation. Each type of lift has unique features, advantages, and best-use scenarios. Each

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How manual handling creates risks for drivers and machine operators

The importance of manual handling safety is often discussed in the context of the farming, healthcare and construction sectors. However, it’s equally critical to address the risks faced by truck drivers and machine operators, such as forklift operators. These professions

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What are the Statement of Approval Conditions for driver trainers?

In New Zealand, driver trainers and instructors play a pivotal role in ensuring that new drivers are well-prepared, both in terms of skills and knowledge, to safely navigate the roads. To maintain high standards of driver education, the New Zealand

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Bridge strikes by trucks are still common in New Zealand. What can truck drivers do?

Truck strikes on bridges are a recurring problem in New Zealand, causing significant disruption, costly damages, and posing safety risks to other road users. These incidents often result from misjudgments regarding the height of vehicles or loads, inadequate route planning,

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Forklift personnel cage vs scissor lift: which is best?

A forklift personnel cage (also called a work platform or man cage) is an attachment that can be lifted by a forklift to provide a stable platform for working at height. A scissor lift is a self-propelled platform. Companies that

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Safe use of work platforms (personnel cages) on forklifts

A work platform, personnel cage or man cage is a forklift attachment that enables a person to be safely lifted. It can be used in place of a scissor lift, although it requires two people: one to be in the

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What is a driver licence stop order or DLSO?

Let’s say you’ve had some fines that are overdue or you have been ordered to pay reparation but haven’t. In this case, the Ministry of Justice might impose a driver licence stop order and suspend your driver licence. How long

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How do you do a U-turn?

A U-turn is a manoeuvre where you turn the car 180 degrees so that you’re facing in the other direction. Rules The Road Code states that traffic doing a U-turn gives way to all other traffic. You must not do

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Rats in your car engine: what to do

In the colder months, rats will look for a nice warm place to nest, and your engine bay is the perfect dark, enclosed shelter away from the wind and rain. Rats are also attracted to some of the materials in

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How would flying cars revolutionise New Zealand transport?

Permitting flying cars to New Zealand would generate some significant changes, both positive and negative. New Zealand is a relatively sparsely populated country that is mostly urbanised. It has some difficult terrain with a mountain range running from the bottom

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What should you do if your vehicle breaks down?

If your vehicle breaks down, the things to consider are: In all cases, if your vehicle is causing a danger to other road users, advise the police on *555. If you have a breakdown service, call them. If you are

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You received a fine for being overweight on one or more axles. Why, and what can you do?

Working out how much your truck can weigh on each axle is complex and, if you get it wrong, you can receive a fine if CVST weighs your truck. Most people who receive fines have either been given the wrong

Posted in Advice, Heavy Vehicle

How does wind speed affect sideloaders, forklifts, EWPs and truck loader cranes?

Four different vehicles, but one risk factor that needs to be considered before operating or lifting with them. The bigger the object being carried, the more wind resistance it creates, so the more force will be exerted on the machine.

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Why don’t we have to redo a driving test every few years?

When you look around, you’ll see plenty of examples of bad driving and you might be wondering why it’s not compulsory to do some form of ongoing driver training every few years, especially as migrants from 25 countries don’t need

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