Ensure That All Forklift Operators Are Properly Trained and Certified.
Regularly Evaluate Operators to Confirm They Are Competent in Handling the Forklift.
Perform Daily Checks Before Operating the Forklift.Look for Defects Such As:
Low Fluid Levels (e.g., Oil, Water, Hydraulic)
Tire Condition (Check for Wear or Damage)
Brake Functionality
Operational Lights,Horn,and Warning Signals
Forks and Lifting Mechanisms for Wear or Damage
Operators Should Wear Appropriate PPE,Including Helmets,Safety Shoes,and High-Visibility Vests.
Ensure Seatbelts Are Used at All Times While Operating.
Always Check the Weight of the Load to Ensure It Is Within the Forklift’s Lifting Capacity.
Center and Secure Loads Before Lifting to Maintain Stability.
Do Not Lift or Carry Loads Higher Than the Operator’s Line of Sight.
Tilt the Mast Back Slightly When Carrying a Load to Increase Stability.
Drive at a Safe,Controlled Speed Appropriate for the Warehouse Environment.
Slow Down When Turning Corners,Entering Narrow Aisles,or Navigating Through Busy Areas.
Never Exceed the Rated Load Capacity of the Forklift.
Keep Loads Low to the Ground (About 4-6 Inches) to Prevent Tipping.
Always Face in the Direction of Travel.If the Load Obstructs Visibility,Drive in Reverse or Use a Spotter.
Use Mirrors to Monitor Blind Spots and Be Cautious of Pedestrians.
Follow Designated Travel Paths and Observe Warehouse Traffic Rules.
Keep a Safe Distance from Other Forklifts,Vehicles,and Workers.
Use Horns at Intersections,Blind Spots,and When Approaching Other Workers.
Do Not Make Sharp or Sudden Turns That Could Destabilize the Forklift.
Lower the Forks to the Ground When Parking the Forklift.
Set the Parking Brake and Turn Off the Forklift When Not in Use.
Never Leave a Forklift Unattended While It Is Running.
Travel with the Load Facing Uphill When Going Up Ramps or Inclines.
Move Slowly and Carefully When Navigating Slopes.
Never Turn on a Slope;Always Move Straight.
Be Aware of Pedestrians at All Times.
Implement Barriers or Designated Walkways to Separate Forklift and Pedestrian Traffic.
Make Eye Contact with Pedestrians to Ensure They See the Forklift Before Proceeding.
Keep the Working Area Clean and Free of Obstacles,Spills,or Debris.
Watch for Wet or Slippery Surfaces That May Affect Traction.
Be Cautious Around Overhead Obstructions or Low-Hanging Items.
For Electric Forklifts,Charge Batteries in Well-Ventilated Areas,and Avoid Sparking Near the Battery.
For Gas or Diesel Forklifts,Refuel in Designated Areas Away from Open Flames.
Know Emergency Procedures,Including What to Do in the Event of a Fire or Chemical Spill.
Report All Accidents,Near Misses,or Equipment Malfunctions Immediately.
Follow a Regular Maintenance Schedule to Ensure the Forklift Is in Good Working Condition.
Any Malfunctioning Equipment Should Be Reported and Removed from Service Until Repaired.
There Are Many Different Types of Forklifts,Each Designed for Specific Tasks.Including Manual Electric Forklifts,Manual Stacker Forklifts,and Reach Trucks,Each Designed for Specific Tasks.
Common Types of Forklifts:
Counterbalance Forklift:The Most Common Type,Designed with Forks at the Front and a Weight at the Rear to Balance the Load.
Reach Truck:Ideal for Narrow Aisles and High Shelving,Reach Trucks Have Extended Forks That Reach into Racking Systems.
Pallet Jack:A Basic Tool for Moving Pallets at Ground Level.
Order Picker:Allows the Operator to Be Lifted Alongside the Load for High-Level Order Picking.
Telehandler:Designed for Rough Terrain,Telehandlers Have an Extendable Boom for Lifting Heavy Loads at High Elevations.
Warehouse Operations Can Minimize Risks and Create a Safer Working Environment for Everyone Involved.It Is Important to Maintain a Culture of Safety and to Continuously Train and Educate Workers on Proper Forklift Operation and Safety Procedures.
It Is Important to Note That Specific Safety Regulations and Procedures May Vary Depending on the Industry,Workplace,and Local Laws and Regulations.With This Increased Efficiency Comes the Need for Stringent Safety Measures and Proper Training to Ensure the Well-Being of Operators,Non-Operators,and the Environment Alike.Safety Should Always Be the Top Priority for Everyone Involved in Operating Forklifts or Working in Proximity to Them.
By Adhering to Forklift Safety Rules,Fostering a Culture of Safety,and Ensuring That All Personnel Are Trained and Informed,Businesses Can Create a Safer Workplace and Streamline Operations Effectively.Whether You Are an Operator,a Non-Operator Working Around Forklifts,or a Manager Responsible for Forklift Safety,Adhering to These Guidelines Will Reduce the Risk of Accidents and Ensure That Forklifts Are Used Safely and Efficiently.
