Forklift Trucks - Maintaining Truck Control

How do you maintain control of the load when handling pallets?

Ensure that forks are:

• requirement Level.
• requirement High enough to enter the pallet.
• requirement Proper width to provide an even distribution of the weight.
• requirement All the way under the load, reaching up to at least two-thirds of the load length.

How do you maintain control when lifting, tilting, and stacking a load?

• ppe Before any lift, make sure the forks are properly centred under the load, the forklift is stopped, and the brake is engaged.
• requirement Lift the load straight up until it is clear of the ground, rack, or other materials. Watch that the load does not catch on adjacent loads or obstructions.
• requirement Tilt the load back.
• requirement Slowly reverse straight back (if possible) with the load suspended, continuously checking for obstructions for the load and forklift. Once the load is clear from all obstructions, it can be lowered to a height of about 10-15 cm (4-6 in.) above the ground. It is now safe to travel with the load.
• requirement After placing the load down, make sure that the forks are no longer supporting the weight of the load and that the forks are tilted back to level before backing up.

How do you maintain control when travelling?

• requirement Tilt loads backwards.
• requirement Travel with forks as low as possible from the floor and tilted back (usually within 10-15 cm (4 to 6 inches) above the floor).
• ppe Match speed to, load, presence of pedestrians, obstructions, and driving and workplace conditions, including slippery surfaces.
• requirement Obey posted traffic signs and follow all traffic control requirements for that work location (e.g., driving on the right-hand side, lane markings, etc.).
• requirement Decrease speed at all corners, sound the horn and watch the swing of both the rear of the lift truck and the load.
• requirement Watch for pedestrians. Keep a safe distance from other lifting devices, pedestrians, elevated surfaces, ramp edges, machinery, etc.
• requirement Avoid sudden stops.
• requirement Travel in reverse when a load blocks your vision, and always look in the direction of travel.
• ppe Match speed and driving to the load, obstructions, and workplace conditions, including slippery surfaces.
• requirement Obey posted traffic signs and follow all traffic control requirements for that workplace (e.g., driving on the right-hand side, lane markings, etc.).
• requirement Decrease speed around all corners, sound the horn, and consider the swing of both the rear of the forklift truck and the load.
• requirement Watch for pedestrians. Keep a safe distance from other lifting devices, pedestrians, elevated surfaces, ramp edges, machinery, etc.
• requirement Avoid sudden stops (for example, unsecured loads may fall off the forks).
• requirement Travel in reverse when a load blocks your sight lines and always look in the direction of travel.
• requirement Check for adequate overhead clearance when entering an area or raising the forks (including the load).
• requirement Watch out for hazards while travelling, including oil spots, wet spots, loose objects, holes, rough surfaces, people, other vehicles, etc.
• requirement Cross railroad tracks at designated track crossing locations only. Drive over the tracks at an angle.
• administrative Maintain a safe working limit from all overhead power lines.
• requirement Do not turn on ramps.
• requirement Do not elevate the load when the forklift truck is on an incline.
• requirement Do not allow riders, unless the forklift is designed to have a passenger seat or if an approved man-lift forklift cage is in use (man-lift workers must exit the cage each time the forklift must drive to a new location).

How should you steer to maintain control?

• requirement Do not turn a lift truck steering wheel sharply at fast speeds.
• requirement Do not overload a lift truck. It can cause a loss of steering control.
• requirement Do not add extra weight to a counterweight to improve steering.

How do you maintain control when driving in reverse?

• requirement Face the rear.
• requirement Sound the horn before moving.
• requirement Drive slowly.
• requirement Stop when sight lines are limited or blocked.
• requirement Use a signaller when needed.

How do you maintain control when travelling up or downhill?

Always check with the manufacturer's operating instructions. In general:

• requirement Loaded trucks, when travelling up and down a hill that is greater than a 5% grade should travel with the load pointed uphill.
• requirement The unloaded truck should travel with the forks pointed downhill, regardless of the grade.
• requirement Do not turn until on level ground whenever possible.