While operating a forklift, there are some essentials that you need to know and practice. If you’re not safe, people can get hurt, just like a worker in Scotland that was crushed by a forklift. The two essential areas for forklift safety are parking and operation.
Parking a Forklift
Parking a forklift may seem an easy task, but there is more to it than just turning it off. There are two categories of parking: attended and unattended parking.
Attended parking is when you are 25 feet away from the machine and it is in full view. For safe and correct attended parking, make sure the forks are fully lowered, the controls are neutralized, and the parking brake is set. You also need to chalk the wheels so that if the parking brake fails, it will not roll.
Unattended parking is when you are further than 25 feet from the machine and it may not be in full view. For correct and safe unattended parking, make sure the forks are fully lowered, the controls are neutralized, and the parking brake is set, just like with attended parking. You also need to chalk the wheels and turn off the ignition so that if the parking brake fails, it will not roll and there will be no power to the wheels.
Forklift Operations
When operating your forklift, you want to make sure you’re working as safely as possible. Only lift loads when you are stopped. You also want a spotter if you cannot see where you are lifting so you do not hit anything especially when you are driving.
Another critical operation of a forklift is driving as it is what makes the forklift such an effective tool. When driving, you need to know what is always around you. You also need to use your horn when backing up and going to intersections at the worksite. You also want to use your horn when lowering the load.
With driving, you want to drive at a reasonable speed so you can keep control of the load. You also need to remember that forklifts have rear steering, which makes it different from a car. You need to always use your seat belt.
Conclusion
Forklifts can be a huge help if used correctly, but if not, they are a danger. Always park and operate your machine correctly and safely.
If you are in need of a forklift safety training, Safety Provisions and Hard Hat Training offer comprehensive sit down forklift training as well as stand up forklift training. Telehandler training and pallet jack training are also available.
For more information or other safety training topics, check out HardHatTraining.com.
Good luck and stay safe.