Forklifts can move just about anything.
Forklifts, or powered industrial trucks, are power-driven vehicles used in factories or industries to lift, stack, carry, push or pull various materials. Forklifts are essential for material handling, but if not handled carefully, they could cause serious accidents. As such, it is important to follow safe operating procedures. Personnel must be trained and also be cautious while driving them as rash driving could bring about very serious consequences or even be fatal.
Keep Loads Balanced
Employees must understand that a forklift is based on the principle of the load balanced on opposite sides of a pivot point. If either the load is more or the truck weight is more, the vehicle tends to tip over, which may cause accidents in most cases. The stability of the vehicle is determined by the location of the gravitational center.
Perform Routine Inspections
It is important to check the forklift regularly at least once per shift. There should be a check of wheels, tires, steering, brakes, forks, data plate, counterweight, horn, lights and control lever to avoid any untoward incidents in the workplace.
General Safety Considerations
General safety rules for forklifts are to keep the load minimal, avoid carrying riders, make sure you know the path to be traveled before beginning and do not go over speed limits. Park in a safe place, be watchful for anyone walking across your path, avoid sharp turns, be sure the visibility is clear and always use the horn. The operator must be on the constant lookout for hazards like any debris lying around and be sure to remove it.
Avoid speaking on the phone while driving, loading or unloading, especially with people in the vicinity. Also do not engage in horseplay, carry unsafe loads or use the forklift for unnecessary activities. The operator is required to wear a seat belt while driving so that even in case of an overturn, the operator is safe.
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