Basics to know for safe forklift operation
Below samcovina.com guides some simple tips and knowledge to ensure the safety of forklift operators. Although these are very simple and basic tips, they are good knowledge to support and guide on health and safety in the workplace.
- The operator (driver) must be qualifiedForklift trucks should only be driven/performed to operate by properly trained and licensed persons (driver’s license).
Appropriate clothing must be worn when operating a forklift
Forklift drivers need to wear protective and safety clothing such as a hard hat (with occupational safety standards), safety shoes and reflective vests to attract visibility from a distance.
Protective clothing should be worn. Avoid wearing baggy, unreasonable clothes that can get caught in any mechanical parts causing danger to the driver.
Do not operate or hold any joystick when your hands (driver, operator) have grease on them; it can cause the hand to slip out of the steering wheel, control gear and easily cause a crash.
Inspect forklifts before use
Operators must regularly inspect forklift parts (operating equipment) before driving them. Some points you should check for any faults are the brakes, steering, controls, warning devices, forks and tyres.
If there is any damage, damage or other problems affecting safety, a notice should be posted and must be communicated to all concerned. It is of primary importance that the forklift should not be operated if it needs to be repaired.
Always consider the “end point” of a load before lifting it. A convenient location of a load when lifted may not be convenient for multi-layer stacking.
Getting on the forklift
For safety purposes it is important for the vehicle operator (driver) to have a correct sitting position, correct sitting posture so that the hands can comfortably grip the steering wheel and the seat must be observed. precisely the outside environment from within the forklift.
Before starting to lift, it is important to make sure all forklift controls are within the driver’s controllable range. Seat position and rearview mirror are adjusted according to the needs of the driver.
Drivers should not begin operating forklifts until they are properly seated with the safety belts. Seat belts and all parts of the driver’s body should be securely fastened within the boundaries of the forklift cabin.
Observe and observe the surrounding environment
While operating a forklift you must pay attention and follow any building rules and instructions.
Operators/drivers drive only on designated roads.
Obeying all signs, special site signs are those that allow maximum floor loads and static heights.
Be aware of the load height, mast and overhead guard of the forklift when entering or exiting the construction site/port/warehouse.
Be careful when operating the forklift near the edge of a yard or ramp, the forklift can fall if it is too close to the edge – keep a safe distance from the edge.
Do not operate forklifts on a bridge deck, unless they can support the weight of the forklift and the extra lifting load.
- Operate/drive forklift at a safe speedNever proceed to drive the forklift past the speed limits.
Be careful at any corners, take turns and go slowly to reduce the risk of an accident breaking out.
Make any direction changes or any stops gradually and slowly.
Avoid dangers
Clear, sure handling of any bump or bumpy, uneven ground along with slippery conditions.
Avoid large ground objects that could cause the forklift or truck to lose control to move around.
Use the door closing horn on a corner of your vehicle or doors and bystanders to alert pedestrians or other forklift operators/drivers of your residence to avoid unnecessary collisions.
Keep a safe distance from other forklifts in case they move in an unpredictable manner.
Make sure you always have enough space and distance to stop safely.
Make sure your payload is stable and safe
Check loads before moving them for stability and to avoid damage.
It is important to ensure that the load tilts back with the forks sitting low during transport to increase truck stability.
Check for any aerial objects before lifting or stacking loads.
Do not lift or transfer loads without safety or stability.
Make sure the payload is correctly stacked and positioned on both objects.
Safely and accurately stack loads on pallets or sliders.
Use some security measures such as ropes to tie the goods, lifting objects if required.
Make sure you have a clear vision
Drive the forklift in reverse when it improves visibility or has a clear rear view; unless moving uphill.
It is important to make sure you can see the shelves clearly where you are locating your load.
If visibility is impaired, do not continue driving; In some cases, you may need a helper from behind to assist you.
Be clear about the fork
Do not allow anyone to stand or walk under the load or forklift equipment – The load may fall causing injury or death.
Keep the members’ hands and feet clear across the boom (mast) – serious injury can result if the masts are lowered while your hands are on them.
Driving on ramps
When driving uphill move in one direction forward and downhill backwards, especially when carrying.
Do not load or unload cargo or turn while on a stretch of road.
Make sure the forklift is not overloaded
Do not use the forks as a lever to lift heavy loads.
Do not push the load with the fork head.
Know the capacity of your forklift and any attachments used and never exceed this capacity.
One possible overload is that the rear tires are raised off the ground and can cause a rollover.
Make sure the load is evenly distributed
Do not lift or move a load unless both forks are completely under the specified load.
Do not lift a load with a fork. Use pallets and grips that can support the weight of the object to be loaded.
Do not lift if the object is damaged or deformed. If damaged, use pallets to hold the load.
Refueling forklifts
A forklift should only be refueled at specially designated locations.
Turn off the forklift.
For IC engine forklifts, no flames or sparks should be lit if off, and refueling should take place in a well-ventilated area.
End of operation
After use make sure the forklift is stored in a designated or authorized area.
Completely lower the forks, lift the lever to the floor and apply the brakes to the vehicle.
Turn off the forklift and remember to remove the key from the vehicle
Do not leave the forklift truck operating unattended.
