Before getting onto a forklift and using it, there are several safety steps that should be followed as a matter of habit to ensure that the forklift is not involved in any kind of safety incident.Whether you’re looking for affordable used forklifts for sale or rent for your upcoming project, keep yourself and fellow workers safe and ensure maximum uptime by following these safety steps.
Carry Out Daily Inspections Before Using Any Forklifts
Regular inspections should be carried out on all the forklifts in use, ideally on a daily basis, before operating them. This includes checking lubrication levels, the state of the forklift forks, ensuring the hydraulic system is not leaking, making sure the lights are clean and operational, checking the engine, and ensuring that all of its fluid reservoirs are filled.
Check that all warning and safety labels are intact, that the tyres are in good condition, and that the battery is operational and properly connected, among other things. The daily inspection should be a regular part of the routine and factored into the daily work schedule.
Carry Out A Daily Test
A visual inspection is important. However, even after the visual inspection is carried out, a test should be conducted to ensure that everything operates as expected. This test will include testing the brakes to ensure that they function as expected, as well as testing the functionality of the lights, the horn or hooter, and the steering wheel.
Carrying out regular and controlled tests on forklifts can help guarantee the safety of the operators and other people in the workplace.
Wear The Right PPE
No forklift operator should get on the forklift without first being properly decked out in personal protective equipment (PPE). Usually, this would include a hard hat, safety shoes, high-visibility clothing, and, if necessary, ear and eye protection. PPE is important in industrial and warehouse operations to prevent incidents from causing injury.
Wear A Seatbelt
This might seem obvious, but it is common for forklift operators not to wear seatbelts. However, this small detail is important, as seatbelts can not only protect forklift operators in the event of a collision but also ensure their safety in the case of accidental ejection. If their forklift accidentally tips over, a seatbelt can prevent the forklift driver from falling out and becoming injured or crushed under the equipment.
Training and Certification
Nobody should get onto a forklift and begin operating it without being properly trained and certified to do so. Training and certification are critical aspects of ensuring the safety of both the operator and other personnel in the area. It is also a legal requirement that could land your company in trouble should any incident occur with an unlicensed operator.
As such, all forklift operators need to undergo formal training and be evaluated by a qualified instructor to receive the proper certification before operating the forklift. Failure to do so could land your company in legal trouble and lead to safety incidents.
If you are looking for affordable used forklifts for sale, First Forklifts is at your service. We have a wide variety of forklifts available. Contact us today to place an order.