If you’re searching for “forklift hire near me,” it would be wise to make sure you’re well-versed in safe lifting protocols to prevent forklift overloads, which can result in serious damage to your property and personnel.
Check out this simple guide on safe lifting practices, ensuring that when you rent a forklift, you can operate it with complete confidence.
Know the Load Capacity Limits
The first thing you need to do to ensure that you don’t overload a forklift is to be aware of the forklift’s nameplate load capacity. This will be indicated on the forklift itself.
If you exceed this limit, the forklift could tip over or you could lose control. This could cause damage to the equipment, the operator, or others.
Properly Train Operators
Forklift operators need to be properly trained to ensure that the forklift is not overloaded. This means training them to assess the weight of the loads accurately.
They should also know how to read and use load charts to understand the safe lifting range for their forklift, particularly at different heights and when handling different types of loads.
Use the Forklift’s Load Centre
It is crucial for forklift operators to understand what the load centre is and how to use it. The load centre can be defined as the distance from the vertical face of the forks to the centre of gravity of the load itself.
Using it means keeping the load as close to the load centre as possible to maintain stability.
Avoid Overstacking
When loads are stacked too high, they become at risk of falling, even if their weight has not exceeded the weight limit. High loads tend to shift the centre of gravity, increasing the risk of tipping over.
Distribute the Load Evenly
Another factor in ensuring safe lifting is to distribute the load evenly, as uneven weight distribution on the forks can destabilise the forklift and cause it to tip over. The load needs to be balanced, with heavier items placed toward the back of the forks, closer to the forklift itself.
Ensure Proper Fork Engagement
Before lifting an item, the operator must ensure that all forks are properly engaged. If there is partial or uneven engagement, the load could tip, shift, or slip during transportation.
Slow and Controlled Movements Are Essential
Forklift operators need to be trained to execute slow, controlled, and deliberate movements with caution, particularly when manoeuvring in tight spaces. Any fast turns, sudden braking, or sudden acceleration could cause a load to become unstable and tip or drop.
If you’ve been searching for “forklift hire near me,” you’ve come to the right place. First Forklifts has a range of forklifts available for hire to suit your operational requirements. Contact us now to find out more.