Moving and/or handling goods in logistics operations — ProQual Awarding Body Occupational Qualification Warehousing & Logistics Revision
This subtopic focuses on the essential knowledge and practical skills required to safely and efficiently move and handle goods within logistics operations
Topic Synopsis
This subtopic focuses on the essential knowledge and practical skills required to safely and efficiently move and handle goods within logistics operations using forklift trucks. Learners must demonstrate understanding of correct manual and mechanical handling techniques, load stability, route planning, and adherence to health and safety regulations. Successful performance ensures minimal damage to goods, personal safety, and operational productivity in a real-world logistics environment.
Key Concepts & Core Principles
- Pre-use inspection: Daily checks of tyres, forks, hydraulics, brakes, and safety devices to identify defects before operation.
- Load stability: Understanding the centre of gravity, load capacity charts, and how to secure loads to prevent tipping.
- Safe manoeuvring: Techniques for steering, reversing, and turning in narrow aisles, including use of mirrors and horns.
- Lifting and lowering: Correct procedures for raising/lowering loads smoothly, avoiding sudden movements that could destabilise the truck.
- Site safety rules: Adherence to speed limits, pedestrian segregation, and designated traffic routes within the warehouse.
Exam Tips & Revision Strategies
- In practical assessments, verbalise your actions clearly, e.g., state ‘checking forks for wear’ during the pre-use check to demonstrate underpinning knowledge.
- Always reference the relevant health and safety legislation (e.g., LOLER, PUWER) in written or oral questioning to show regulatory awareness.
- Practice efficient route planning by explaining your chosen travel path and why it minimises risk, before moving the load.
- When completing documentation, double-check entries against physical counts or system data to ensure accuracy, as errors are a common fail point.
Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to assess load weight and centre of gravity before lifting, leading to instability or tip-overs.
- Neglecting to perform thorough pre-shift equipment checks, resulting in unreported faults that compromise safety.
- Misinterpreting aisle width or overhead clearance limitations, causing collisions with racking or goods.
- Relying on memory rather than following standard operating procedures for specific load types, increasing risk of damage.
Examiner Marking Points
- Award credit for demonstrating correct pre-use inspection checks of the forklift truck, identifying any defects and reporting them in line with organisational procedures.
- Provide evidence of selecting appropriate handling attachments or aids for the specific load type, ensuring compatibility and safety.
- Show consistent use of safe operating practices when manoeuvring loads, including controlled speed, spatial awareness, and correct stacking/destacking techniques.
- Document accurate completion of relevant paperwork or digital records related to goods movement, such as delivery notes, location logs, or stock transfers.