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Safety Benefits for Stand-Up Forklifts
Stand-Up Forklift Disadvantages
Safety Features For Sit-Down Forklift Operators
Stand-Up Forklift Type
A stand-on forklift is another name for a stand-up forklift. A stand-up forklift is categorized with the Class I forklifts. Therefore, it's an electric motor forklift that can accommodate a rider. All stand-up lift trucks are small and, as their name implies, are operated by an employee who stands while controlling the vehicle.
Stand-Up Forklift Benefits
There are many different benefits that come with the utilization of stand-up forklifts. Many of these benefits encourage productivity, are ergonomically favorable, and assist with safety issues. The following sections will highlight the best and most useful features of stand-up forklifts.
Productivity Benefits
Stand-up forklift drivers can easily get on and off of the stand-up forklift. This is very beneficial for operators with tasks that require them to continuously get on and off their machine.
Another great benefit of these forklifts is that they are compact and have a small turning radius. This means that they take up a minimal amount of space and are able to maneuver in and out of tight or congested spaces.
A stand-up forklift operator is positioned sideways while operating the machine. This allows them to have maximum visibility while lifting and carrying loads. They also have a greater lift capacity than most other types of forklifts.
Ergonomic Benefits
Stand-up forklifts are usually operated with a series of levers that control the forward and reverse motion, as well as braking. These controls were designed with natural hand motions in mind, meaning there is minimal strain on the operator's wrists and elbows.
As stated previously, stand-up forklift operators are positioned sideways, this helps to reduce the strain on their back and neck since they do not have to rotate or turn in order to see.
Safety Benefits for Stand-Up Forklifts
A stand-up forklift is not equipped with a seatbelt, which means the operators are not required to wear them. This is very beneficial for the safety of the operator in emergency situations. It allows them to immediately dismount from the truck.
Employees stay more alert and aware when they are standing rather than sitting. Therefore, a stand-up forklift operator would most likely have an easier time staying aware of their surroundings. This would allow them to protect not only themselves but also other employees who work around them.
Stand-Up Forklift Disadvantages
The most significant disadvantage of the stand-up forklift is that they are generally operated by a variety of levers and controls as opposed to the typical steering wheel used on a sit-down lift. This may necessitate more operator training.
Some other minor disadvantages would be that while standing may allow the operators to be more aware, some comfort may be sacrificed. If the operator will be driving the lift truck for a long period of time, fatigue is more likely to set in faster than it would for an operator who is sitting down.
The last disadvantage when it comes to using a stand-up forklift is that they tend to be more expensive than most other forklifts.
Sit-Down Forklift
Sit-down forklift trucks are the most commonly used forklifts today. As the name suggests, these forklifts are equipped with a cab and a seat where the operator will be when driving the machine. Like all forklift operators, a sit-down forklift driver must be trained and certified before attempting to operate a lift truck.
Sit-Down Forklift Benefits
Now that we have gone over the benefits and disadvantages of the stand-up forklift, we will now be going into detail about the sit-down forklift. The sit-down forklift also offers operators and employers many advantages. While they differ from those of the stand-up forklift, they are important to consider when choosing between the two.
Productivity Benefits
Sit-down forklifts typically have a steering wheel, similar to the wheel in a car. This means that operators will usually require less training than with other lift equipment. Sit-down forklifts are also great when it comes to needing to use a forklift attachment. These forklifts also allow operators to face forward and see the load at all positions of the lifting and lowering process.
Ergonomic Benefits
If the operator is on the forklift for extended periods, a sit-down lift may help to prevent fatigue and increase operator comfort.
Safety Features For Sit-Down Forklift Operators
Because sit-down forklifts have a lower profile than stand-up units, they are a preferable alternative in work areas with overhead obstructions. A sit-down unit is also more maneuverable on steep grades, so if your machine must travel steeply-sloping floors or worksites, a sit-down unit will be more practical.
On slippery surfaces or surfaces likely to be coated with loose gravel or spilled industrial materials, sit-down forklifts are often safer. Long distances are also ideal for sit-down forklifts.
Unlike stand-up forklifts, sit-down forklifts are equipped with a seatbelt. During a job, the seatbelt helps to maintain operator safety.
Sit-Down Forklift Disadvantages
As stated previously, the operator of a sit-down forklift is seated and usually faces forward. Because of this, the operator twists their upper body in the seat to observe the space behind the lift when operating in reverse. This means that the operator has less visibility and will put more strain on their neck and back.
While seatbelts are great safety features, they also come with disabilities. Sit-down forklift operators are required by OSHA to always wear their seatbelts. Thus if the operator is constantly getting on and off the forklift throughout a shift, a sit-down forklift may reduce productivity. It also prevents them from quickly getting off the forklift in the event of an emergency.
Another disadvantage that comes with the use of sit-down forklifts is that they have a bigger wheelbase and a larger turning radius compared to other forklifts. This makes it hard to operate them in tight spaces.
Which One Are You Choosing?
Regardless of the type of forklift you choose, you must ensure that your team adheres to specified maintenance schedules and procedures for all of your equipment. There are several other aspects to consider while deciding between a sit-down and a stand-up forklift. Some of these aspects are:
- The duration of use
- The task requirements
- The work area and amount of space
Many of these elements have an impact on productivity or operator comfort, but the most important issue to consider should always be operator safety.
Sit-Down & Stand-Up Forklift Training
Once you have chosen which forklift is optimal for your workplace, the next step is training. As stated earlier, all forklift operators are required by OSHA to complete training and receive an OSHA-aligned certificate before they ever climb onto a lift truck. Here at Hard Hat Training, we offer both Forklift Training (Stand Up) as well as Forklift Training (Sit Down).
Both of these courses comply with OSHA Requirements and were designed with our end-user in mind. This means that these courses are engaging and allows the student to work at their own pace. Start training today by purchasing the right safety training for you. Reach out to our wonderful customer support team for more information!