Safe Work Practices When Traveling With A Forklift

Forklifts raise heavy goods across long distances using a combination of hydraulics, a pulley system, and other mechanisms. They're prevalent in warehouses, construction sites, and other places where a lot of heavy materials need to be transported. We know where forklifts are utilized, but how do they work? To help you understand what a forklift is used for, the different pieces it has, and how it operates, we put prepared this tutorial.

1. The most basic rule for traveling is to keep your forklift under your control at all times.
2. Carry forks and platforms on lift trucks as low as possible, whether loaded or empty. This lowers the truck's center of gravity, lowering the risk of overturning or dumping the load.
   
3. Never start the forklift or use the controls while standing next to it.
4. Driving with damp or filthy hands is never a good idea. Keep a towel or rag handy at all times if necessary.
   
5. Do not put any portion of your body between the mast uprights or outside the forklift frame when traveling.
6. Passengers should only be allowed if the forklift was intended for them.
   
7. Only operate a forklift from a seat or operator's station.
8. Maintain a spacing of at least three forklift lengths between you and the forklift ahead of you.
   
9. Always maintain a clear vision of the travel path by looking in the direction of travel. If the load is blocking your view, go backwards.
10. Never participate in horseplay or stunt driving.
    
11. At work, always follow established speed limits (typically 5 mph). A forklift should never be driven faster than a rapid walk.
12. Make sure there's enough room for the forklift and load to pass beneath beams, lights, sprinklers, and pipelines.
    
13. If a forklift is moving in the same way and is in a blind spot, intersection, or other potentially dangerous place, do not pass it.
14. Never approach anybody in front of a bench or other fixed item with a forklift.
15. Allow no one to stroll or stand under the elevated forks, even if they aren't carrying anything.