Forklift Safety

Introduction

Forklift is a powered industrial truck used for lifting and movement of material over short distances.
It is also called Lift Truck, Fork Truck, fork hoist and Forklift Truck, Etc.
It also helps person to lift and place heavy load with little effort where human can`t lift.
It is widely used to move heavy loads in Construction, Manufacturing, Warehouses, Storage Godowns, Pharmaceuticals like industries.

Types of Forklifts based on Structure

Most popular types of Forklifts in market are:

Warehouse forklifts.
Site Loader.
Counterbalance Forklift.
Telehandler.
Heavy-Duty Forklift.
Rough Terrain Forklift.
Pallet Jack.
Walkie Stacker.
Order Picker.
Reach Fork Truck.

Types of Forklifts based on fuel

Diesel Powered.
Electric Powered.
Gasoline Powered.
LP-Gas Powered.

Forklift Safety while refueling and recharging

Park in designated while refueling and recharging area.
Do not block emergency equipments while operating forklift.
Make sure area is well ventilated.
Make sure availability of fire-fighting equipments nearby while forklift refueling or recharging.
Turn off Engine and Lights.
Do not smoke in the area while refueling or recharging.
Do not spill fuel during refueling or recharging.
Use only approved cans in case of refueling.
For LP, Shut off valves while refueling.
Make sure availability of Spill kit while refueling.

Forklift Operations Safety or Control Measures

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions while using forklift.
Only trained and certified operators allowed to operate Forklift.
Ensure operators are trained on types of trucks they are going to use.
Keep forklift neat and clean condition, free of excess oil and grease.
Always wear a seatbelt while operating Forklift.
Never exceed the rated load and ensure it is stable and balanced.
Do not raise or lower the load while traveling.
Keep a safe distance from platform and ramp edges.
Be aware of other vehicles in the work area.
Have clear visibility of the work area and ensure you have enough clearance when raising, loading, and operating a forklift.
Use proper footing and the handhold, if available, when entering the lift.
Use horns at cross aisles and obstructed areas.
Watch for pedestrians and observe the speed limit while driving forklifts.
Do not give rides or use the forks to lift people.
Drive with forks 15 cm away from the ground and mast tilted backwards.
Never Drive when load is lifted.
When loaded, always drive up or down slope with forks pointing towards the highest part of the slope.
When unloaded, always drive up or down slopes with forks pointing towards the lowest part of the slope.
Always drive slowly, especially driving down a slope.
Always park forklift in designated parking area with fork in lowered position, parking brake applied and engine off.
Never park forklift on slope.
Measure available height before lifting load,
While lifting load ensure nobody around it.
Always look towards the direction of movement.
Avoid carrying load that impair visibility, if required ask for person to guide the road.
Blow horn in case of dangerous places.
Never allow anyone under suspended load while operating forklift.
Avoid Pedestrians.
Avoid hard braking.
Never make curve on slope.
Never tilt a lifted load forward unless in it`s proper lifting site and even then, only a little.
Ensure three points of contact while climbing in Forklift operator cabin.
Never lift a load on slope.
Don`t drive hoses or power leads.
Don`t operate forklift under influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.