Every year people are killed or seriously injured by forklifts.
We're going to discuss forklift safety and what you need to do before and during
operation. Voltage should only be operated by someone who holds a current
LF class high-risk work licence and has undergone
training on the specific type of forklift. Check to ensure the operator's
licence and training is current and maintain a record of the licence.
Instruction, training and supervision may be required from time to time to ensure
that operators understand and operate the forklift safely and in accordance
with procedures. There should be systems in place to prevent unauthorised
operation of a forklift. This could include having an electronic sign-in
system or only authorised operators having access to the key.
Before operating the forklift, a pre-operational check should be carried out to ensure
the forklift is safe to use. If faults are identified, the forklift should not
be used and repairs should be organised. Checks can be carried out through an
electronic system or using a paper-based logbook system. Keeping records of
pre-operational checks is a good way of demonstrating that risks to health and
safety are being managed. The overhead protection structure should be in good
condition and show no signs of damage or modifications. There should be no items
blocking the view through the top of the structure. Where fitted, all lights must
be in good condition and operated correctly – this includes blinkers, brake,
reversing and driving lights. Where fitted, mirrors should be aligned
correctly, be clean and not damaged. Where fitted, warning devices such as the horn,
reversing beepers, flashing lights, blue light and other technology should be in
good working condition. Ensure that the forklift is fitted with a compliance
plate that provides details of the forklift – this should include the
manufacturer, model name or number, serial number, year of manufacture, capacity at
maximum lift height and load centres, capacity at other lift heights and load
centres, capacity when mast tilted. The plates should be legible and in English.
If any attachments are fitted or used, the forklift load rating plate should be
marked to identify these attachments and any alternative capacities. Load charts
should not be fitted as they are often confusing to read and may be interpreted
incorrectly. If the forklift is powered by LP gas, the forklift should be fitted
with a compliance plate. When mounted, the cylinder should be correctly orientated
with the pressure relief valve at the top and the locating pin in the slot at
the bottom. The cylinder should be correctly installed on the mounting
bracket and locked tight with the two clamping bands. The bracket should be in
good condition. The cylinder valve should be turned off when the forklift is not
in use. The operator's seat should not be damaged and the seat belt
should be in good condition and work correctly. Where fitted, the seat belt must
be worn. A seat belt that is electronically interlocked to prevent
the forklift from traveling until fastened is the best way to ensure that
the seat belt is worn whenever the forklift is operated.
The controls should be in good condition. Operation levers should be marked with
their operational function. Foot pedals should have rubber boots attached and
the boot should be in good condition. Check the tyres: the tyres should be in
good condition, free from damage. Wear must be within allowable limits. Tyres on
the same axle should be the same type, diameter and
tread pattern. Pneumatic tyres must be inflated to the tyre pressure specified
by the manufacturer. The mast and load guard need to be in good condition.
There should not be excessive oil leaks around the hydraulic hoses, fittings or
cylinders of the mast. The load guard should not be damaged – it should be
straight, securely mounted and not touching the mast.
If unwrapped segmented loads are being carried, the load guard should be of a
sufficient height to support 2/3 or the top tier of the load. The fork arms
should not be damaged and must not be modified – this includes by drilling holes
or fitting tow balls. The heel of the fork arm should not be worn more than 10%.
This can be checked by using either fork wear calipers or a ruler. Measure the
thickness of the vertical section of the fork arm and compare it to the thickness
of the heel section of the fork arm. If the thickness of a forkhill is less
than 90% the thickness of a vertical section, the fork arms need to be
replaced. Forklifts are designed to pick up and move loads – they are not to be
used to push or pull a load, especially by using the load guard or fork arms.
Loads should never be dragged. Persons should never be elevated on a pallet or
on the fork arms of a forklift. Loads should never be lifted over people.
Loads should never be carried on the tip of the fork arms. Forks need to be fully
inserted under the load and the load evenly distributed along the fork arms.
One fork arm should not be used to lift a load. Slings or chains or the like
should not be used to suspend a load from fork arms.
The forklift should be parked on level ground with the fork arms lower to the
ground, the hand brake applied and the key removed.
Keep your forklift maintained in a safe and compliant condition.