10 Ways to Safely Use a Forklift

Accidents do happen.

It’s just the preventable ones that occur that are tougher to swallow. If you work inside of a warehouse or any other place that requires the use of a forklift, you may want to consider this checklist before use. I decided to take the liberty of conducting a forklift inspection list. This list will cover all the possible concerns that could endanger the operator or persons within the vincinity.

10 Warning Precautions to consider:

*Know your forklift – Do not operate this truck unless you have received thorough training and you are authorized to use it.

*Check your forklift – Forklifts should be checked on a daily basis before use.
(See checklist at bottom)

*Keep body inside at all times – Please do not attempt to place any part of your body within
the mast structure or between the mast and truck.

*Never overload – Don’t overload the forklift, check weight and capacity rules.

*Be visual of your surroundings – Be courteous to pedestrians by operating the forklift in a
safe and professional manner.

*Avoid sudden jerks/movement – Operate your forklift as smoothly as possible. Use precise
care when in use to avoid an overturn.

*Stablize your load – Try not to handle any loose or unstacked loads. Use special care when
Handling loads to avoid losing the load or striking pedestrians.

*Use work platform – Never lift pedestrians unless they are attached to a security harness.

*Please be certain to close down your forklift completely, never leave behind the key or leave
running with the key.

*Never allow or advise the use of the forklift to any particular persons who are not authorized
or have no experience using one.

Operator’s daily checklist

Visual Inspection

Tires/Wheels:
Check tire thread; wear, damage, nuts tight.

Head/Tail/Working Lights:
Check bulbs and if damaged, mounting, operation

Guages/Instruments:
Make sure guages aren’t damage, fully operation

Operator Restraints:
Inspect damaged, mounting, operation, check oil quality.

Warning Decals/Operator Manual:
Missing or not legible. Obtain one from manufacturer

Data Plate:
Check if missing or legible.

Overhead Guard:
Bent, cracked, loose, missing?

Load Back Rest:
Bent, cracked, loose, missing?

Forks:
Bent, worn, stops OK?

Hydraulic Oil:
Level, dirty, leaks?

Radiator:
Fluid level, dirty, leaks?

Fuel:
level, leaks?

Battery:
Connections loose, charge, electrolyte low?

Covers/Sheet metal:
damaged, missing?

Brakes:
Linkage loose, reservoir fluid level, leaks?

Operational Checkup:

Engine:
Runs thorough, noisy, leaks?

Steering:
Loose, hard to turn, leaks, operates properly?

Service Brakes:
Linkage loose, stops good?

Parking:
Loose, needs adjusting?

Horn:
Operates properly? (Please check, used to alert pedestrians)

Lights:
Need replaced, damaged, operates effectively?

Tilt:
Loose/ drifting, leaks?

Attachments:
Mounting, damaged, operation, leaks

Battery Test:
Indicator in green while holding full forward tilt.

Control levers:
Loose/binding, freely

Directional Control:
Loose/Binding, find neutral.

A good forklift operator is one who’s professional and respects his/her surroundings!