By Marketing Team (Sa'ad Jafar) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

How to use forklifts (MHE) safely around racking:

Used incorrectly or irresponsibly, MHE (Manual handling equipment), is like a loaded multi tonnne wepon in your workplace. The following covers a number of important prinicpals to using your MHE safely in a warehouse environment and operating around steel storage pallet racking.

Do's and Don'ts

• Do a pre-operational inspection is to be undertaken at the start of each shift, working day or prior to use, and documented in the log book;

• Do the pre-operational inspection and other visual inspections and functional tests as per manufacturer's requirements;

• Do operate the Forklift in accordance with the relative standard applicable in your country

• Do follow the specific manufacturer's instructions and requirements for safe loading. If in doubt, forklifts should not be operated, nor potentially hazardous tasks undertaken, until specific requirements have been determined to ensure safe operation.

• Do not operate on slopes or inclines that exceed manufacturer's limitations (these should be marked on individual forklifts). Note: The stability of a forklift carrying its rated capacity at full height can be significantly affected by floor imperfections of more than 40mm across the front wheels.

• Do wear a Seat belt at all times whilst operating a forklift.

• Do not lift a load that exceeds or may exceed the lifting capacity (SWL) of the forklift;

• Do not lift the load higher than necessary;

• Do not raise or lower loads unless stationary;

• Do not pass loaded or unloaded forks over other workers;

• Do not allow passengers to travel on a forklift unless an approved seat has been installed or the person is in an approved work platform and

• Do not reach through or around uprights of the mast or place any part of the body outside the confines of the forklift

• Do always raise loads with the mast vertical or tilted slightly backwards;

• Do always ascend and descend ramps slowly and at all times keep the load of the forklift facing up the slope;

• Do always carry a load with its heavy end against the heel of the fork arms;

• Do ensure that the mast is tilted to the rear when travelling with a load;

• Do not turn on a slope or drive across a slope;

• Do drive slowly when turning and always be conscious of rear-end swing;

• Note: Unladen forklifts are less stable laterally than a loaded forklift and can be easily overturned when cornering.

• Do avoid sudden starting and stopping to reduce the risk of load movement and overturning of the forklift;

• Note: A fully laden forklift can only apply 30% - 50% of the available braking before tipping occurs.

• Do always bring the forklift to a stop before changing direction from forward to reverse or vice versa;

• Do slow down and sound the horn when passing by or through access ways, at entrances to buildings, at crossings and any other location where vision is obstructed; and

• Do understand that driving with the load raised, or even with the empty load carriage raised, seriously reduces stability in all directions and should not occur except when manoeuvring during picking up or placing the load.