DO
q Issue keys for Forklift Trucks to authorised operators only who
should retain them until the end of the work period;
q On completion of work, park the Forklift Truck in the designated
parking area with the fork arms lowered to the ground, parking brake applied
and engine switched off. Disconnect the
battery on battery-powered Forklift Trucks.
Turn off the gas on LPG- powered Forklift Trucks. Return the keys to their place of safe
keeping;
q Be particularly careful when operating where there are
pedestrians. Observe the site rules
(banks man required when operating a Forklift Truck in the vicinity of
pedestrians) and take all precautions to avoid pedestrians;
q As a general rule, when operating, keep to the left. However, when driving between rows of
machines or racks it maybe safer (if a clear view can be obtained) to keep to
the centre of the gangway or aisle;
q Sound the horn in short sharp blasts at every potential danger
spot. Remember, the horn does not give
automatic right of way;
q Stop before doorways. Sound
the horn and proceed slowly if clear to do so;
q Avoid violent braking or sudden change of direction which may cause
the load to fall off or the Forklift Truck to tip;
q Where possible, travel with the fork arms lowered to within 150mm
(6”) of level ground and mast tilted slightly back. With some attachments, e.g. barrel clamps,
the mast should be kept vertical. Always
follow the instructions for use of the attachment;
q Always look in the direction of travel. When loaded, travel down or up slopes with
the fork arms facing uphill. When
unloaded, travel up or down slopes with fork arms facing downhill. It may be necessary to raise the fork arms
slightly at the bottom of slopes to avoid grounding the load or fork arms. Where it is impossible or hazardous to turn
the Forklift Truck to comply with the above, e.g. when loading containers using
a portable ramp, operate with the fork arms facing uphill for both directions
of travel. In this case keep the
Forklift Truck in line with the incline and do not attempt to turn until on a
level surface. Do not turn on or travel
across a ramp or incline;
q Travel slowly when descending slopes;
q When leaving the Forklift Truck, even for a few seconds, apply the
parking brake, make sure that it is in neutral and the fork arms are tilted
forward and lowered to the ground. It
the Forklift Truck is to be out of sight or remote, shut off the power and
remove the key;
q Before raising a load ensure there is sufficient clearance overhead
to do so and that objects which could fall and injure people nearby will not be
dislodged;
q When mounting or dismounting from the Forklift Truck use the steps
and handholds provided for the purpose.
Before dismounting, check that is it safe to do so and the Forklift
Truck is parked safely.
DON’T
q Do not permit operators to consume alcohol while at work. Even small quantities of alcohol can impair
judgement and put the safety of the operator and others at risk;
q Do not allow an employee who appears unfit through drink or drugs to
operate a Forklift Truck (a person who would be unfit to drive a vehicle on the
public road should be considered unfit to operate an Forklift Truck);
q Do not pick up a load if someone is standing close to it;
q Do not allow people to walk underneath the load;
q Do not move a load that appears unsuitable. Mark it as such and report its condition to
the supervisor. When using wooden
pallets follow the guidance in ‘Safety in the Use of Timber Pallets’.
q Do not leave an Forklift Truck unattended on a gradient except in an
emergency, in which case chock the wheels;
q Do not carry passengers unless the Forklift Truck is designed and
equipped to do so;
q Do not run over cables or flexible pipes etc that are on the floor
unless they are suitably protected;
q Do not operate with the load raised, because of the risks of
overturning, except at creep speed as part of a stacking or de-stacking
manoeuvre;
q Do not carry a load that blocks forward visibility. It is absolutely necessary to carry a bulky
load which blocks visibility, then the Forklift Truck should be driven in
reverse. If this is not possible, for
example when travelling up a slope, a banksman should be used to assist the
operator.