20 Tips for Operating a Forklift Safely

Guide to Operating Forklifts Quickly and Safety

20 Tips for operating a forklift safely, as many workplace accidents are caused by forklifts. This is why it is important to carry out all the safety procedures that have been implemented for forklift operators. These are not only designed to keep forklift drivers safe, but also for the safety of those working around them. Therefore, everyone is required to adhere to the guidelines set for workplace health and safety including but not limited to employers, operators, and pedestrians.

Safetyculture.com.au states that “the most common failures involve traffic management, maintenance, load shifting and operator competence”.

Below are some simple tips to follow to ensure safe forklift operation. They are a good starting point to support workplace health and safety guidelines.

 

1. Operator must be qualified

• Forklift operations should only be carried out by individuals who have been properly trained and have a licence to operate the unit.
• If there are novice operators in training or student apprentices, there must be appropriate supervision for them.
• Forklifts should only be operated by drivers who have undergone workplace health and safety training.
• Do not operate the forklift while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Do not operate a forklift if you are tired.

 

2. Safety clothing must be worn.

• Operators must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE); usually consisting of steel-toed shoes, high-visibility work clothes, goggles and gloves.
• Work clothes and PPE must be fitted reasonably as any loose clothing can get caught in the machine.
• Do not operate/handle any controls when your hands are covered in oil; it may cause them to slip and cause an accident.

 

3. Tips for Operating a Forklift: Check & Recheck

• Operators should complete a thorough inspection of the unit before operation, paying attention to common fault areas including brakes, steering, controls, safety systems, masts and tyres.
• If any malfunctions or issues are noted, management should be notified and the forklift should be signalled not to operate until repaired.

 

4. Tips for Operating a Forklift: Starting

• For safety purposes, it is important that the operator uses a ladder and handrails to the seat when entering the forklift.
• Before starting the forklift, it is important to ensure all equipment controls are within reach and the position of the seat and mirrors are adjusted to suit the operator’s needs.
• Operators should not start the forklift until they are properly seated with their seat belt fastened and all parts of their body are secure inside the operator’s cab or forklift.
• If it is determined that it is safer not to wear a seat belt, the operator should not wear one. An example would be when operating a forklift on a dock.

 

5. Pay attention to the surrounding environment

• When operating a forklift, you must pay attention and follow the rules and guidelines of the work site.
• Operators should only drive the equipment on the machine’s designated roadways.
• Observe all signs, especially on the maximum permissible floor load, speed limit, and clearance height.
• Be aware of the forklift’s load height, mast and overhead guard when entering or exiting a building.
• Be careful when operating forklifts near the edge of loading docks or ramps – forklifts can fall over the edge – keep a safe distance from the edge.
• Do not operate on bridge slabs, unless they can support the weight of the forklift and load.

 

6. Operate at a safe speed

• Never exceed the speed limit.
• Take any twists and turns slowly to minimise the risk of tipping over.
• Make changes in direction or stop gradually and slowly.

 

7. Tips for Operating a Forklift: Avoid hazards

• Avoid collisions or uneven ground and slippery conditions.
• Avoid loose ground objects that can cause loss of control of the equipment or load to move.
• Use the horn when approaching corners or doorways/entrances and around people to alert pedestrians or other forklift operators of your presence to avoid unnecessary collisions.
• Keep a safe distance from other trucks in case they move in an unexpected way.
• Make sure you always have enough space to stop safely.

 

8. Make sure your load is stable and secure

• Check the load carefully before moving it for stability and damage.
• It is important to ensure that the load is tilted back with the forks low when transporting to increase the stability of the truck.
• Check for any overhead objects before lifting or stacking the load.
• Do not lift or move unsafe or unstable loads.
• Ensure loads are stacked correctly and positioned on both forks.
• Stack loads on pallets or skids securely and correctly.
• Use safety measures such as ropes or ties if required.

 

9. Ensure you have clear visibility

• Operate the forklift in reverse when improving visibility; except when ascending ramps.
• It is important to ensure you can clearly see the rack where you are placing your load.
• If visibility is poor do not continue driving; in some situations, you may need a spotter for additional guidance.

 

10. Forklifts are for transporting loads only

• The operator must not allow another person to ride on the equipment unless there is another seat securely attached to the unit for the second person.
• If a person must be lifted, use only a securely attached work platform and cage and follow the appropriate operating instructions.

 

11. Keep away from the mast
    • Do not allow anyone to stand or walk under the load or forklift engine – The load may fall causing injury or death.
    • Keep hands and feet away from mast cross members – Serious injury can occur if the mast is lowered while your hands are on it.

 

12. Driving on ramps

• When driving on ramps, move forwards and down the ramps in reverse, especially when carrying loads.
• Do not load or unload goods or make turns while on a ramp.

 

13. Ensure that the forklift is not overloaded

• Do not use the fork tips as levers to lift heavy loads.
• Do not push the load with the fork tips.
• Know the capacity of your forklift and any attachments used and never exceed this capacity.
• Overloading can cause the rear tyres to lift off the ground and may cause the forklift to tip over.
• Ensure there is an established method such as a weight gauge to determine the accurate weight of the load.

 

14. Ensure the load is evenly distributed

• Do not lift or move the load unless both forks are fully under the load.
• Do not lift a load with one fork. Use pallets and skids that can withstand heavy loads.
• Do not use damaged, deformed or weathered pallets to hold loads.

 

15. Utilise a helper when in tight spaces

• Make sure you have a helper to assist you when you are working in tight spaces.
• Also, make sure to have some pre-agreed signals with the helper.
• Always make sure the helper is visible and follows the agreed signals.

 

16. Refuelling

• Forklifts should only be refuelled at specially designated stations.
• Switch off the forklift.
• For IC engine forklifts, no open flames or sparks are permitted, and refuelling must take place in a well-ventilated area.
• Follow the established safety procedures for refuelling

 

17. Operation in confined spaces

• Do not operate forklifts powered by LP fuel or gas in confined spaces.
• Instead, use an electric one to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If you must use and LP gas-powered or fuel engine, get a catalytic converter installed to oxidise carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, which is less toxic.
• Carbon monoxide levels should be monitored around workers.

 

18. Tips for Operating a Forklift: Pedestrian safety

• Always watch out for pedestrians and follow the traffic management plan.
• Be sure to pay attention and follow the two-foot rule when talking to pedestrians.
• You should always maintain a distance of two feet equivalent to an arm’s length whenever you stop to talk to a pedestrian.
• Always make eye contact with pedestrians, especially if the person intends to walk around the forklift. This includes walking past, behind or in front of the forklift you are operating.
• Don’t forget to use hand signals when communicating with pedestrians. This is an important part of forklift pedestrian safety. Hand signals usually include STOP and GO AHEAD. Wait for the pedestrian to wave before you pass through the intersection.

 

19. Tips for Operating a Forklift: Traffic management

• Forklifts should always be separated from pedestrians using restricted or exclusion zones.
• There should always be a written plan detailing how traffic management occurs in the workplace. All parties should be consulted.
• Loading docks should have safety barriers installed, as well as raised edges, barricades and warning signs.
• It is important to ensure that the area where the forklift is operating is well lit.

 

20. When the shift ends

• After use, ensure the forklift is parked in the designated or authorised area.
• Fully lower the forks to the floor and apply the handbrake.
• Switch off the forklift and remove the key.
• Do not leave the forklift running unattended.

 

Source : https://www.builder.id/20-tips-mengoperasikan-forklift/