Safety

Forklift Safety Precautions

1. Always wear a seat belt when operating a forklift.



2. Wear a hard hat and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.



3. Inspect the forklift for damage or malfunctions before use.



4. Always remain in the forklift seat when it is in motion.



5. Follow all relevant rules, regulations and procedures for operating a forklift.



6. Ensure that your view is not obstructed when driving a forklift.



7. Slow down before turning, especially when operating in tight spaces.



8. Never carry more than the rated capacity of the forklift.



9. Drive slowly, especially when travelling on inclines.



10. Park the forklift in a safe area after use and lower forks to the ground.

1. Ensure you have the necessary license or certification required to operate the lift before you begin using it.



2. Know and understand the machine you’re using, its components and its functions.



3. Only use the machine for what it was designed for and make sure the load does not exceed its rated capacity.



4. Inspect the lift thoroughly before use and make sure it is properly maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.



5. Wear the appropriate protective clothing when operating the lift, including hard-toed shoes, hearing protection and eye protection.



6. Pay attention to the area in which you are operating the lift, and be aware of the potential hazards that could be encountered, such as uneven floor surfaces, doorways and pedestrians.



7. Always maintain proper visibility while driving the lift, including in tight corners or while maneuvering around the facility.



8. Operate the lift slowly and with caution when carrying a load and turning.



9. Disengage the lift before leaving the controls, turning it off, or making any repairs or adjustments.



10. Use the lift responsibly, adhering to all local and industry regulations, as well as safe operating procedures.

Forklifts are used to lift and transport materials, but improper operation of forklifts can result in serious accidents, injuries and even fatalities. Following safety precautions is critical when operating a forklift in any setting.



1. Know and Follow Rules:



Only authorized operators should operate a forklift. Additionally, forklift operators should be adequately trained and certified. Every workplace should have an official set of rules and regulations to which all operators should adhere.



2. Pre-Inspection:



Before use, operators should inspect the forklift for proper functioning and safe operating conditions. Pay special attention to brakes, steering, and hydraulics, among other features.



3. Appropriate Use:



Always use the appropriate size of forklift for the job, as an undersized forklift could cause a load to fall and injure personnel or cause damage to the premises.



4. No Excess Passengers:



The driver should be the only person in the operator’s cab. Do not carry passengers, as the extra weight could affect the forklift’s ability to operate properly and safely.



5. Loading Limits:



Do not exceed the recommended load capacity of the forklift, as the equipment can become unstable when overloaded. When in doubt, check the weight before picking up a load.



6. Refueling Safety:



Forklift refueling should always take place in a designated area. Shut down and lock out all power sources, as well as allow all parts to cool down, before refueling.



7. Wear Appropriate Gear:



Always wear a safety harness or helmet when operating a forklift. In addition, other safety gear such as face protection, safety boots and reflective vests may also be required, depending on the location and application.



8. Avoid Collisions:



Never exceed a speed limit when operating a forklift, and pay special attention when driving in tight or enclosed spaces. Forklift collisions can cause significant damage and potentially injure workers in the vicinity.