Even though forklift trucks have been designed to perform laborious tasks, they could get damaged in any number of ways each time they are used. Hence, a careful check-up is of vital importance. Both a visual inspection of the general condition of the forklift, as well as an operational check to test its smooth functioning, is highly recommended before the start of each shift.

Here is an abbreviated version of a checklist for visual and operational inspections:-

Visual Inspection

• 1. Clear of obstructions overhead.
• 
  2. A charged fire extinguisher.
  
• 3. Battery fully charged and securely in place.
  
• 4. Vent caps not clogged.
  
• 5. Forks not bent or cracked.
  

  
  Operational Inspection
  

  
  

• 1. Horn loud enough to be heard in working environment.
  
• 2. Dash control panel - all lights and gauges operational.
  
• 3. Floor brake: pedal holds and unit stops smoothly.
  
• 4. Clutch and gearshift: shifts smoothly with no jerking or jumping.
  
• 5. No strange sounds.
  

  
  Forklift Operation
  

  
  No one should ride or operate a forklift truck unless he's a trained and skilled operator. Listed below are 3 essential guidelines for safety that would be useful to all forklift operators out there:-
  

  
  ➢ Traveling: It's important to keep your head, hands, arms, feet and legs inside the forklift truck. You want to make sure you travel, with forks as low as possible from the floor and tilted back. Avoid sudden stops and make sure to crank down the speed at all corners. Keep a sharp lookout for oil spots, wet spots, rough surfaces, pot holes, people and vehicles on the floor or roadway.
  

  
  ➢ Loading: You need to check out the recommended load limit of your forklift (displayed on the data plate) and the capacity of the fork, so as to ensure you never exceed these limits. Position the load according to the recommended load center. When inserting the fork, keep in mind that the mast of the forklift has got to be in an upright position, before inserting the fork into a pallet.
  

  
  ➢ Raising the load: Do not raise or lower the fork unless you're absolutely sure the lift truck is stopped and braked. Make sure there's enough overhead clearance before attempting to raise a load. Also maintain a safe working distance from overhead power lines. Don't allow anyone to stand nearby or walk under the elevated part of the forklift, whether it's loaded or unloaded.
  

  
  
  Here are a couple of random Q and A's on forklift safety:-
  

  
  • Why do forklifts overturn?
  

  
  

• 1. Driving way too fast.
  
• 2. Traveling with a load raised.
  
• 3. Traveling across an incline.
  
• 4. Turning sharply, etc.
  

  
  • What should you do if a forklift does overturn?
  

  
  In that case, the safest place for the operator is in the cabin, a seat-belt fastened around him. The most common cause of death with forklifts is when an operator tries to jump clear of an overturning forklift. So make sure you always stay inside the cabin when your lift truck overturns.
  

  |