Forklifts are essential in many industries, and their safe operation is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring smooth workflows. Adhering to key safety protocols, from operator training to vehicle inspections and proper handling, helps maintain a secure and efficient work environment.
(A) Personnel
Operators must have received professional training, passed safety production assessments, obtained a special operations certificate, and received company approval before operating the forklift. Unauthorized operation is strictly prohibited.
Drunk driving is prohibited, and operators must refrain from smoking, eating, chatting, using mobile phones, or radios while driving.
(B) Vehicle Inspection
1. Before and after use, inspect the forklift for appearance, fuel, lubricating oil, and coolant levels.
2. Check the startup, operation, and brake safety performance.
3. Ensure that lights, horns, and signals are complete and functional.
4. During operation, monitor the pressure and temperature to ensure they are normal.
5. After use, check for leaks and replace seals in a timely manner.
(C) Starting
1. Before starting, observe the surroundings and ensure there are no obstacles that could interfere with safe operation. Sound the horn before starting.
2. For vehicles with hydraulic or pneumatic brakes, ensure the brake pressure gauge reaches a safe level before starting.
3. When starting with a load, the operator must confirm that the load is stable and secure.
4. Start the forklift slowly and smoothly.
(D) Driving
1. When driving, maintain a ground clearance of 300-400mm for the fork and tilt the mast backward.
2. Do not lift the forks too high while driving. Be mindful of overhead obstacles when entering or exiting work areas or while driving. The forks should not be raised too high to maintain the forklift's stability.
3. After unloading, lower the forks to their normal driving position before moving.
4. When turning, give a warning signal if there are pedestrians or vehicles nearby. Sharp turns at high speeds are prohibited, as they may cause the vehicle to lose lateral stability and tip over.
5. Never allow the forklift to coast downhill with the engine off, and avoid sudden braking while driving with a load, unless necessary.
6. Follow internal traffic rules, and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
7. When driving, the load must be positioned at the lowest point that does not obstruct the path. The mast should be appropriately tilted backward. Loads should not be raised unless stacking or loading.
8. The load height must not obstruct the operator's line of sight. If the load affects the forward view, drive in reverse at low speed.
9. Avoid turning on ramps or driving across ramps.
10. The safe speed for forklifts in the factory area is 5 km/h, and low-speed, safe driving is required when entering production areas.
11. Do not allow personnel to stand on the forks or balance the load while lifting or driving the forklift.
12. Report any issues promptly and refrain from operating the forklift with malfunctions.
(E) Loading and Unloading
1. When lifting items, adjust the fork spacing as needed to ensure the load is balanced. The load should be against the backrest.
2. Do not use a single fork or push/pull items with the forks. In special cases, use a safety warning sign to alert pedestrians.
3. Always engage the forklift's brake while loading or unloading items.
4. Drive slowly and carefully, ensuring the wheels do not run over pallet boards, which could cause injury if they spring up.
5. When using the forks to lift items, insert them as deeply as possible under the load. Be careful not to hit other items. Use the minimal backward tilt of the mast to stabilize the load and prevent it from sliding backward.
6. Avoid lifting items at high speeds or colliding with hard objects using the fork tips.
7. During forklift operations, do not allow personnel to stand near the forks to prevent injury from falling loads.
8. Never overload the forklift, and do not use the forks to lift people to high places to avoid accidents.
9. Do not use inertia or the rolling method to brake items, particularly round or rolling goods.
10. Do not use the forks to pry or flip pallets when unloading.
(F) Leaving the Forklift
1. Never leave the forklift with the load hanging. Always unload or lower the forks before leaving.
2. Engage the parking brake or pull the handbrake lever down before leaving the vehicle.
3. Turn off the engine and cut off the power (unless the operator is staying within sight of the vehicle for no more than one minute).
4. Remove the ignition key.
(G) Parking Considerations
1. Allow the engine to idle for a few minutes before turning it off.
2. After 2-3 minutes, turn off the engine. After stopping, engage the parking brake.
3. In low temperatures (below freezing), drain the cooling water or add antifreeze.
4. If the temperature is below -15°C, remove the battery and store it indoors to prevent freezing. Rotate the oil filter handle 1-2 turns and check for loose bolts and nuts.
5. Clean the forklift, perform routine maintenance, and park it in the garage or designated area.
(H) In Case of an Accident
In the event of an accident, follow these steps:
- Hold on to the steering wheel or control handle firmly.
- Lean away from the direction of the forklift's tipping.
- Protect your head and chest, and never jump from a tipping forklift.