Lifting operations and working with forklifts can put you at great risk of getting injured. Because of that, it is very important the lifting operations to be planned and well-organized in advance so they can be performed safely. Every lifting procedure requires sufficient competence to be involved at every step.
Before you start using a forklift truck, you need to be aware of the risks this machine can bring. For a forklift truck safe operation, consider our tips:
You must be qualified: In order to ensure safety, you must be properly trained and to obtain a license to operate a forklift truck.
You must wear appropriate safety gear: Standard safety gear is consisted of hard hats, safety shoes, eye-glasses and hi-visibility jackets. They are needed to protect you from hazards.
Check the equipment before using it: A routine check up should include checking the brakes, steering, controls, warning devices, mast and tires. If you detect any cracks or damages, you should not use the machine until it is properly repaired.
Precautions when getting in and starting the forklift truck: For safety purposes, it’s important for you to use the steps and hand grabs to seat correctly in the machine. Do not start the forklift truck until you are correctly seated with the safety belt fastened. Also make sure that the controls, seat position and mirrors are correctly adjusted to your needs.
Examine your surroundings: Be extremely careful when operating a forklift truck close to a loading dock or ramp because the forklift can fall over. Keep a safe distance from the edges. Pay attention to the signs, especially to the signs that show the maximum permitted floor loadings and clearance height.
Operate at safe speed: Obey the speed limit and turn the forklift truck slowly in order to prevent tipping over.
Pay attention to hazards: Maneuver or avoid driving over bumps, uneven ground surfaces, loose ground objects, and always use the horn to alert others when moving through a corner or doorway.
Ensure load stability and security: Check the loads carefully before moving them. Ensure that the load is safe, stable, correctly stacked and positioned across both forks. If required, use security measures such as ropes or bindings.
Ensure a clear visibility: When operating the forklift truck in reverse, you need to have a clear view behind. It is extremely important to ensure that you can see clearly. If the visibility is poor do not proceed, and ask for someone to assist you.
Driving on ramps: When driving up on ramps, move in a forward direction. When going down, move in reverse direction.
