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ESCO occupation

forklift operator

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Forklift operators are responsible for operating forklifts to move, locate, relocate, stack, and count merchandise. They are accountable for the safe and efficient operation of forklifts. Moreover, they perform the filling of orders and check the accuracy of other orders.

8344.1 ISCO 8344 ESCO source
Competences
41
Groups
3
Essential
32
Optional
9

Competences and skills

41 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 1 competence

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
types of packaging used in industrial shipments

The various types of packaging materials used for industrial shipments, according to the type of goods to be shipped.

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Cross-sector

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Essential skills and competences 31 competences

Occupation specific

4 competences
conduct forklift inspections

Conduct regular check-ups of the machine before using it to permit safe working conditions.

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estimate distances

Ability to correctly estimate distances in order to operate the machine without accidents.

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monitor goods movement

Ensure that all shipments are accurate and free of damage.

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transfer stock

Remove material from one storage location to another.

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Sector-specific

11 competences
apply techniques for stacking goods into containers

Apply techniques required to stack materials into containers. Use techniques to maximise the space in containers.

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follow procedures to control substances hazardous to health

Adhere to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) procedures for activities that involve hazardous substances, such as bacteria, allergens, waste oil, paint or brake fluids that result in illness or injury.

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follow signalling instructions

Follow signalling instructions throughout the journey. Comprehend the technical language used by signallers and adhere to instructions given by them.

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follow stock control instructions

Stack items according to the stock control instructions received.

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maintain warehouse database

Keep digital warehouse database up-to-date and multi-accessible.

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match goods with appropriate packaging according to security procedures

Relate goods to be packed with the required security equipment following appropriate security procedures.

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pick orders for dispatching

Pick orders in warehouses destined for dispatching, ensuring that correct numbers and types of goods are loaded and dispatched. Tag and mark product items as requested.

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stack empty pallets

Deposit empty pallets in the designed location.

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store warehouse goods

Transport goods in the warehouse and place them in the designated locations with precision in order maximise use of space. Operate forklifts or other instruments to facilitate this activity.

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weigh materials

Weigh materials and products, record weight and other relevant data on tags or labels.

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work in a logistics team

Ability to work confidently within a logistics team, with each member of the team fulfilling a role designed to increase the efficiency of the whole.

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Cross-sector

16 competences
apply company policies

Apply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.

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carry out stock rotation

Execute repositioning of packaged and perishable products with an earlier sell-by date to the front of a shelf.

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ensure compliance with environmental legislation

Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.

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execute working instructions

Understand, interpret and properly apply work instructions regarding different tasks in the workplace.

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follow verbal instructions

Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.

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follow work procedures

Adhere to procedures at work in a structured and systematic manner.

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lift heavy weights

Lift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.

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meet picking standards

Perform picking activities in a way that meets quality standards.

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operate forklift

Operate a forklift, a vehicle with a pronged device in front for lifting and carrying heavy loads.

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operate package processing equipment

Operate electric package processing equipment and control systems.

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operate radio equipment

Set up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones. Understand the basics of radio operator language and, when necessary, provide instruction in handling radio equipment correctly.

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operate warehouse materials

Be able to operate pallet jack and similar motorised warehouse equipment, for loading and storage purposes.

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prepare shipments in time

Prepare product for shipment as scheduled.

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stack goods

Stack goods and manufactured products into containers. This may include anticipating the need for and utilising additional protective materials in stacking the products.

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stay alert

Stay focused and alert at all times; react quickly in the case of unexpected events. Concentrate and do not get distracted performing a task over a long period of time.

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transport dangerous goods

Classify, pack, mark, label and document dangerous goods, such as explosive materials, gases and flammable liquids. Adhere to international and national regulations.

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Optional skills and competences 9 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
use telescopic handlers

Operate crane-like machinery to move loads to and from places unreachable by conventional forklifts.

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Sector-specific

3 competences
monitor vehicle repairs

Schedule and oversee activities of care and repair for vehicles.

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shunt inbound loads

Shunt inbound freight loads to and from railcars for inbound and outbound trains. If requested, ensure train stability after freight has been loaded onto the railcars.

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use barcode scanning equipment

Track the inventory by operating barcode scanning devices.

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Cross-sector

5 competences
act reliably

Proceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.

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execute vehicle maintenance

Execute vehicle maintenance based on supplier or manufacturer instructions. This might include cleaning vehicle engine, cleaning vehicle interior and exterior, maintaining mileage and fuel records, performing non-mechanical maintenance tasks. Service small engines including hydraulic equipment. Check the oil and fluid levels on all equipment. Check vehicles and equipment to insure that they are in smooth and safe working order.

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maintain equipment

Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.

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use a warehouse management system

Use software in order to store materials within a warehouse and perform operations such as shipping, receiving and picking.

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use different communication channels

Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.

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