Forklift handling isn’t that simple as it looks; however, with good experience, it is a possible skill to master. To help safe handling, here are some tips to avoid forklift accidents. If you look at the fatalities happening across the globe, you would come to know that accidents happen due to overturning, while other causes being staffs struck by materials, forklifts, etc. For detailed guidance about onsite support and forklift safety and regulations, you can contact your local distributor partner. Gwent Mechanical Handling is a reputed supplier of forklift trucks, equipment, and materials in Bristol, South Wales; the company also provides forklift sales, hire, maintenance, and repair services.
Qualified Operators
Operating forklifts should be done by those professionals, who have enough experience or have been trained rigorously. The staffs should also hold a license to operate the model. Only those who’re licensed, authorized, and trained should operate forklift materials and equipments. Even the health and safety commission demands that certain set of legal standard of training people should be given before letting people to operate lift trucks.
Identifying Hazards
Take time to review the possible hazards and know ways to avoid them. Losing part or tipping over the load are common cause of damages; know the capacity limit of the load to understand the weight and size of your load. Avoid loose materials, holes, and bumps; be careful on slippery floor. Slow the lift truck and use horn to close the doors, entrances, exits, corners, and pedestrian walkways. Be cautious about uneven grounds, loose objects, and slippery grounds when moving a load.
Appropriate Clothing
Operator should wear the correct clothes, including hi-visibility jackets, safety shoes, and hard hat. The outfit should fit you appropriately, without being too loose or else you would get caught on machinery. Never operate a forklift with wet shoes, grease hands or else it’ll cause accidents.
Inspecting Equipments
To operate safely, trucks should be properly inspected before beginning to work and supervisor/manager should be updated about the issues, if any. The service and repair should be conducted by qualified professionals, like dealer service engineer. Operators should do a thorough check of the device before starting off. The basic things to be checked include warning devices, tires, mast, controls, steering, and brakes.
Starting Off
Make sure that you’re sitting in a comfy operating position and all controls are within your reach. Wear safety belt to operate correctly.
Observe Surrounding Operating
Follow all restrictions, regulations, and site rules and operate the forklift safely, if it’s designated roadways. Know all signs, such as clearance heights, and floor loading and keep a safe distance from corners.
Maintain Distance
Don’t drive a lift truck close to another object to avoid moving in an unpredictable manner. Ensure that there is enough space while stopping the truck.
Load Stability
Keep the load in center as much as possible; never over load and move with load titled back to enhance the stability of the vehicle.
Clear Visibility
You need to have good forward visibility and good view of top or rack of stack, if the load is installed.
Re-Fuelling
When refueling, ensure to park in authorized or designated area and turn off the truck, before refueling.
Keep these tips in mind each time you operate your forklift truck.
