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Guidelines for Forklift Operators


Operating a forklift that has been marked faulty, is in a state of repair, or has not been inspected. Inspect and verify the safety of forklift trucks before operation.


Always ride a forklift with powered front-mounted forks at safe ground clearance. Another important safety tip to remember while operating your forklift is to drive it on an incline, with the load facing uphill.


Whether you are carrying a lighter or heavier load, carry it uphill with your load facing toward the hill. Make sure that the load the forklift is carrying is not above the forklift's maximum lift capacity.


Make sure the weight of the load being carried is appropriate to your type and size of forklift truck. Each forklift has a maximum loading capacity (which should be marked on the device), and the size and weight of the load you plan to carry must be determined and checked before operations.



Dos and don’ts while operating a forklift

  1. Firstly, this might seem obvious but never load more weight than your forklift is capable of carrying. Do not use a forklift for lifting people, because forklifts are designed for carrying loads.

  2. Forklift operators must make sure that loads are placed evenly across the forks before moving or lifting. Ensure all working surfaces can support the machine, your load, and you before forklift operation.

  3. And then do not forget to make sure that forklift loads are secured, particularly when working at heights and other challenging surfaces. When operating your forklift, make sure you are following these safety guidelines on travel and manoeuvring.

  4. In addition to safely seating yourself, perform these steps before operating your forklift to improve safety. Never leave the forklift unattended, nor let someone with inadequate training operate it.


General forklift operator safety guidelines

  1. Firstly, to prevent it from catching the forklift, knot any loose garments. When seated on a forklift, operators must make good use of the stairs and handholds for safety reasons.

  2. Before getting out of the forklift, apply the parking brake and check that the motorised front forks are flat. The forklift should be moved at a speed adequate for the location and weight of the cargo.

  3. Then accident risk is reduced by the forklift operator maintaining weights level with their axles. A further error a forklift driver could do is to leave a loaded, high-rise unit unattended.

  4. Someone sitting or standing below may sustain serious injuries if the forklift cargo were to fall. Because forklifts are top-heavy, you should make sure that your lift's prongs are between six and ten inches high.

  5. Last but not the least, retests and retraining may be given even if no period has been specified in cases like near-misses and accidents, workplace changes, the development of unsafe operating procedures by an operator after forklift training, and the absence of an operator from the truck for an extended period.


If you are looking to be a forklift operator, you will have to pass a forklift training certification course. There are a variety of courses that you can take to obtain the certification. They include a forklift safety course, a forklift safety test, a forklift safety quiz, and a forklift course.


At Alexander Cromwell, you can take a three-day forklift safety training that teaches you all you need to know about forklift operation. The forklift safety test is another way to get your forklift certification. All you have to do is take a test on a computer and you will pass the test.


The forklift safety quiz will ask you questions about forklift safety. If you get a 90 percent or above, you will pass the quiz. The forklift driver training course is the final course you may enroll in. You will learn about the many components of a forklift, how to load and unload it, and how to operate it throughout this five-day course.


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