At TransQuip, we know that forklift safety is non-negotiable—whether you're operating in a warehouse, yard, or on public roads. Ensuring your equipment, operators, and environment meet New Zealand’s safety standards is critical to keeping worksites running smoothly and reducing risks.

Here’s an overview of what you need to know about New Zealand forklift safety regulations, including a key safety factor often overlooked - forklift lighting.

Please note that the source links throughout this blog are where you can find this information and more. 

1. Operator Training and Certification

To legally operate a forklift in a workplace, operators must hold a Forklift Operator’s Certificate, which needs renewing every three years. This training ensures operators understand safe handling, load limits, and manoeuvrability.

F Endorsement (Public Road Use):

If a forklift needs to be operated on a public road, the driver must have an F Endorsement on their NZ driver’s license. This covers public road-specific hazards and safety regulations. [i]

[i] NZTA Forklift Guidelines:

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/forklifts-construction-machines-and-cranes/forklifts/

2. Age and Licensing Requirements

Minimum Age: 15 years old for off-road operation, 18 years old for road use with an F endorsement.

License Requirement: A current NZ driver’s license is required to obtain an F endorsement. [i]

[i] CAB NZ Forklift Rules:

https://www.cab.org.nz/article/KB00001672

3. Forklift Equipment Standards & Maintenance

The forklift must meet NZ safety standards (e.g., ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2005)

Routine maintenance required under WorkSafe guidelines

All forklifts must be properly inspected before use, we suggest a daily safety check that is recorded to help with H&S log booking.[i]

4. Safe Operating Practices

Only certified operators should drive forklifts.

Loads must be stable & secure before lifting – note that the forks must be at the correct width depending on the size of the item you’re lifting.

Operators should always wear PPE &seat belts.

Clear visibility is a must—this is where forklift lights play a key role and the horn to warn people where you are.[ii]

5. The Role of Forklift Lighting in Safety

While training and maintenance is critical, forklift visibility is just as important. Proper lighting is required under New Zealand safety regulations, ensuring that both forklift operators and pedestrians are aware of moving equipment, especially in low-light environments.

Why Forklift Lights Matter:

Improves visibility in warehouses, yards, and dark areas.

Alert pedestrians and other machinery operators of the forklift's whereabouts.

Reduces collision risks, especially in high-traffic areas.

Meets compliance standards for workplace safety. [iii]

Types of Forklift Safety Lights:

🔴 Red Zone Safety Lights – Creates a visible exclusion zone around the forklift in a line, alerting pedestrians to maintain a safe distance.

Our recommendation: 4706-Red or4706-BlueLED Forklift Light is a durable, high-visibility solution designed to improve workplace safety. It shines an arc pattern that surrounds the back or front of the forklift, like so:

🔵 Blue Spot Lights – Projects a circle bright blue warning light ahead or behind the forklift, helping prevent blind-spot collisions.

Other lighting and accessories to keep your forklift safe:

💡 LED Work Lights – Work lights enhance visibility, allowing operators to navigate safely and handle loads with precision.

Our Recommendation:4730F flood beam work light is perfect for illuminating the whole space while moving and lifting in dark environments. We love to provide durable and efficient work lights suitable for various forklift models.

Beacons

Visual warning devices like beacons are vital for alerting pedestrians and other vehicles to the presence and movement of forklifts. These flashing lights serve as an immediate visual cue, enhancing workplace safety.

Our Recommendation: the 9733 pole mount beacon which is perfect for that extra visual warning, there are many similar depending on how you want to mount the light and what size or shape. 

Fire Extinguishers

Having a fire extinguisher mounted on a forklift is a proactive measure to address potential fire hazards promptly. Employers must maintain these extinguishers according to safety standards to ensure they are operational when needed.

A great option for a forklift is our 3505 non-pressurised fire Stryker, it is compact, lightweight and suitable for all types of fires, with an 8 year shelve life and no testing or tagging required. 

Or for a standard ABC fire extinguisher a 35121kg extinguisher is normally the best fit for a forklift. There are many other size fire extinguishers and mounting solutions designed for easy access and secure attachment to forklifts.

Investing in these safety attachments not only protects personnel and equipment but also contributes to a culture of safety within the workplace. 

6. Environmental & Workplace Safety Considerations

Fuel-powered forklifts must be used in ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Worksite pathways should be clearly marked for forklifts and pedestrians.

Traffic management plans must be in place where forklifts operate alongside workers. [i]

7. Legal & Regulatory Framework

Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) – Employers must provide a safe working environment, proper training, and maintained equipment.

Approved Code of Practice – Sets the standards for forklift training, maintenance, and operator certification. [ii]

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Forklift Safe & Compliant

Ensure all operators are certified & trained.

Maintain regular forklift safety checks.

Use high-visibility forklift lights for better workplace safety.

Follow WorkSafe NZ regulations to stay compliant.

Need forklift safety gear, lighting, or accessories? TransQuip has you covered!

🔗 Shop Forklift Safety Solutions Here: https://www.transquip.co.nz/search?keywords=forklifts

🔗 Read our case study from SG Equipment on our forklift lights here: https://www.transquip.co.nz/blog/transquip-sg-equipments-go-to-supplier-for-forklift-lights

🔗 Watch our video on forklift lights here: https://www.transquip.co.nz/blog/Safety-Forklift-Lights-Video

Find out more by checking out the sources of information referred to above:

[i]WorkSafe NZ – Vehicles and Mobile Plant:

https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/vehicles-and-mobile-plant/

[ii]WorkSafe Approved Code of Practice – Forklift Operator Training:

https://worksafe.govt.nz/dmsdocument/215-acop-training-operators-and-instructors-of-powered-industrial-lift-trucks

[i]WorkSafe NZ – Forklift Safety:

https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/vehicles-and-mobile-plant/forklifts/

[ii]Otago University – Forklift Hazards Guide:

https://www.otago.ac.nz/health-safety/hazards/working-with-forklifts

[iii]WorkSafe NZ – Vehicle and Pedestrian Safety:

https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/vehicles-and-mobile-plant/