LO Forklift Meaning: The Complete Guide to Order Picker Licences (2025)

Understanding LO forklifts and their licensing requirements is crucial for warehouse operators and logistics professionals across Australia. This definitive 2025 guide explains everything about order picker forklifts – from licence classifications and training requirements to operational best practices and safety considerations.

What Does LO Forklift Mean?

The LO classification refers to Order Picking Forklifts under Australia’s national licensing framework. These specialized machines feature:

• An elevating platform that raises the operator to stock locations
• Vertical masts with lifting heights typically 6-12 meters
• Integrated controls on the platform for precise positioning
• Lower lifting capacities (usually 500kg-1,500kg) compared to conventional forklifts

What Is a LO Forklift Licence?

The LO licence specifically covers machines used for order picking, also commonly known as order picker forklifts. Discover expert tips and operational guidelines in our order picking forklift guide.The LO licence, sometimes called a lo picker licence, grants legal authority to operate order picking machines. This qualification is vital for safety and compliance in busy warehouse environments.

LO vs LF Licences: Key Differences

2025 LO Licence Requirements in Australia

Training Components

• Minimum 24 hours training (varies by state)
• Theory assessment covering:
  
  
  
  • • Workplace Health & Safety regulations
  
  
  • • Pre-operational checks
  
  
  • • Height safety procedures
  
  
  • • Load capacity calculations
  
  
  • • Emergency shutdown protocols
  
  
  
  

• Practical evaluation demonstrating:
  
  
  
  • • Safe ascent/descent procedures
  
  
  • • Load handling at height
  
  
  • • Emergency protocols
  
  
  • • Emergency protocols
  
  
  • • Precision positioning in racking
  
  
  • • Obstacle avoidance techniques
  
  
  
  
  

  Eligibility Criteria

  
  
  • • Minimum age: 18 years nationwide
  
  
  
  
  • • Medical fitness: Must meet baseline physical requirements
  
  
  
  
  • • English proficiency: Enough to understand safety instructions
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Order Picker Safety: Critical Considerations

  
  
  
  
  
  

  Pre-Operation Checks

  
  
  
  
  • • Platform integrity: Check for cracks or damage
  
  
  
  
  • • Guardrails: Ensure proper locking mechanism
  
  
  
  
  • • Emergency controls: Test descent systems
  
  
  
  
  • • Obstruction scans: Verify clear path in racking
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Operational Best Practices

  
  
  
  
  • • Three-point contact: Maintain when entering/exiting platform
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • • Load positioning: Keep within platform boundaries
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • • Movement protocol: Never move with platform elevated
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • • Speed management: 5km/h maximum in aisles
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  LO Forklift Training Costs (2025 Update)

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  Training Type	Duration	Average Cost	Coverage
  New Licence Course	3-5 days	$600-$900	Full theory & practical
  Refresher Course	1 day	$250-$400	Skills update
  Workplace Assessment	2-4 hours	$150-$300	Site-specific competency

  
  
  
  
  
  

  Choosing an LO Training Provider

  
  
  
  
  
  
  • • Verify accreditation: Check for RTO (Registered Training Organization) status
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • • Equipment quality: Ensure modern, well-maintained order pickers
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • • Trainer ratios: Maximum 4 trainees per instructor
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • • Site-specific training: Option for on-premises courses
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Maintaining Your LO Licence

  
  
  
  
  • • No expiry date (but refreshers recommended every 3 years)
  
  
  
  
  • • Workplace assessments required when changing employers
  
  
  
  
  • • Licence verification through state regulators
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  
  
  
  

  
  

  Q1. Can I operate an order picker with an LF licence?

  
  

  No. LO and LF licences are separate. Operating an order picker requires specific LO certification.

  
  

  
  

  Q2. How high can LO forklifts typically reach?

  
  

  Standard models reach 6-12 meters, with specialist high-level order pickers extending to 18 meters in some configurations.

  
  

  
  

  Q3. What’s the penalty for operating without an LO licence?

  
  

  Fines up to $10,000 for individuals and $50,000 for businesses in most Australian states, plus potential WorkCover penalties.

  
  

  
  

  Q5. What physical requirements apply to LO operators?

  
  

  
  

  Operators must:

  
  
  

  • • Have adequate balance and coordination

  
  

  • • Not have conditions causing sudden incapacitation

  
  

  • • Demonstrate height tolerance

  
  
  
  
  

  Final Advice for LO Licence Applicants

  
  
  
  
  • • Compare multiple training providers – prices and course quality vary significantly
  
  
  • • Request sample materials – review the training curriculum beforehand
  
  
  • • Check equipment familiarity – ensure training uses similar models to your workplace
  
  
  • • Verify assessment methods – some providers offer more practical evaluation time
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Further Reading & Resources

  
  

  To deepen your understanding of LO forklifts and order picker operations, explore these authoritative resources:

  
  
  • • Government Regulations:
      
      Safe Work Australia – National licensing standards
      
      WorkSafe QLD – State-specific requirements (example)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • • Industry Standards:
      
      Australian Standards AS 2359 – Powered industrial trucks
      
      Australian Industrial Truck Association – Technical guidelines
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • • Related Articles:
      
      Forklift Licence Costs (2025 Update)
      
      Warehouse Safety Checklist
      
      High-Reach Forklift Operations Guide
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • • Training Materials:
      
      Training.gov.au – Official LO competency units
      
      WorkCover NSW – Order Picker Safety Handbook (PDF)