To understand the value when it comes to the safe use of Forklifts, along with the responsibilities you will have as an operator, you must first be able to complete the appropriate training to gain your certification. This is in which you will learn all the safety procedures relevant. To find out about Forklift Training, you can read our blog post here.
The safe use of a Forklift is fundamental to keeping yourself and those around you safe. The core responsibilities when it comes to being a forklift operator are detrimental to help minimise the risk of incidents occurring. Negating these risks by staying compliant, adhering to best practices and updating your training regularly are just some of the tasks which you must be in control of.
Do you need a driver’s licence to operate a forklift?
You don’t need a UK Driving licence to operate a forklift. You only need to successfully obtain a Forklift operator’s certificate for the machine type you will be using. Depending on the Forklift Truck (FLT) you train for, you will have a specific code on your operator licence which will identify the training you have completed.
This is how you become a safe, and certified operator. Furthering this, it also shows others that you have completed the appropriate training and know how to operate a forklift safely.
If you are looking to use this type of machinery to gain your certification, you must complete the relevant training that is suitable to your experience and skillsets. This is dependent on whether you are a novice or an experienced individual, as the training length will differ according to your experience.
Once you successfully pass the training needed, you will be awarded a valid Forklift Operator certificate, lasting up to five years. After this, you will need refresher training, which will update you on safety procedures once more. This is done so that you as an operator are aware of the hazards and risks a Forklift can pose if not handled correctly or safely. This refresher training should be done within a 3-5 year period. This refers to the L117 Approved Code of Practice.
The Power of The Forklift
One key component which must always be discussed is understanding how a FLT can cause damage. This is in the instance of the truck not being handled properly, safely or without due diligence. Additionally, without consideration of the hazards posed, depending on the situation you are in. These safety procedures are in place to keep everyone in the vicinity of the FLT safe, while also reducing the risk of accidents.
Accidents From Poor Operator Use
Object Collision
An FLT could crash into another object. This could be from objects being placed in the middle of the warehouse floor, or an object falling off a shelf. To avoid this, staff and operators must be trained and refreshed as to where to place goods. If using a Forklift, you must know how to properly place these goods with the use of the forks on the truck. Regarding other warehouse workers, directing them with the appropriate safety procedures, such as object placement is paramount to reinforce a safe workplace.
Pedestrian Collision
As Forklifts tend to work within closer proximity of pedestrians, there is a risk of an FLT hitting an individual. One of the primary causes of pedestrian collisions is the operator not paying attention to their surrounding. To prevent these collisions, best practice is to follow your training and continue to do the all-round observational checks.
Falling Cargo
A load falling from the Forklift can be detrimental to the safety of many. Causes of falling cargo vary, but typically, it is because the load becomes unbalanced. To prevent this, ensure that the load is centre before lifting off. Also, make sure you pickup and carry the cargo smoothly, as erratic or jerky movements can cause the goods to become unbalanced.
Mechanical Failures
Forklifts must be regularly maintained for them to stay in good working order. Sometimes, machines break down, and this can cause a snowball effect. Components such as worn brakes, worn tyres and leaks can impact risk levels. This is where pre-use checks must be completed. Simply checking all the components within the truck so that they are in good working order will aid in reducing the potential of a machine failure. Also, noticing and fixing a potential issue with the truck before it becomes a failure will not put pressure on staff who may have to work without the correct equipment.
Forklift Tipover
Causes of tipovers range, from turning too quickly, to uneven surfaces and unbalanced loads. To prevent a rollover, you must:
- Not exceed the Forklift weight capacity
- Stick to speed limits within the warehouse
- Slow down when turning
These are only a handful of the many different incidents which can occur. Any of these can result in potential injury to yourself or other workers, as well as structural/environmental damage.
But who is at fault if any of these incidents are to occur?
The Operator
The operator must be competent in the full and proper use of an FLT. This includes:
- Being able to demonstrate good practice and behaviours while in the vicinity of an operated FLT
- Wearing the correct and appropriate PPE
- Understanding the pre-use checks and maintenance reviews
You must also be aware of the appropriate documentation for the FLT type, as different variations of Forklifts operate differently.
For example, a Truck Mounted Forklift (also known as a Moffett) cannot grab goods from a great height, whereas a Reach Forklift is designed to do so. Not to mention that you should only be operating the Forklift Truck you are trained on.
The Manager
The authoritative figure within the Warehouse or site where the FLT is used must also ensure their employees are staying compliant and completing the necessary procedures when it comes to FLT operating. From reviewing the pre-use checks conducted, to reinforcing best practices to keep operators’ learnings up to date, with the use of knowledge-based questions.
All in all, Forklift safety should be in the best interest of everyone working with, or around FLTs. From the Forklift driver, to the warehouse supervisor.
What Precautions to look out for
It can be easy to become more unaware of the hazards to recognise or think about. These hazards can include:
- Obstructions
- Obscure loads
- Other members of staff
- Environmental factors (such as uneven floors)
Knowing what to do in the event of a hazard occurring, such as trying to pick up an obscure load, and how to resolve the issue will enhance the safety of yourself and those around you.
Forklifts are powerful machinery that can turn dangerous when misused. Operators may not even realise that what they are doing isn’t best practice, and could harm others if anything were to go wrong.
Educating and informing others on what they can do to keep themselves and others safe will build your confidence.
Your Next Career Step
Being able to not only show your competence with FLTs, but also implement best practices when it comes to operating can aid in personal development in your employment. Career progression regarding the fundamentals of Forklift safety can lead you to becoming a warehouse supervisor, for example.
The supervisor of the forklift operator should also consistently be aware of what their employees are doing. This includes ensuring pre-use checks are completed, which may be done on paper and must be filed/logged.
2 Start provide Forklift Operator training for different levels of experience. Our courses are designed to give insight as to what operators must do before completing a task in their FLT. From Pre-Use Checks to checking the standards of the tyres and forks.
Our Forklift training courses are inclusive of Counterbalance; Reach; Pivot Steer and Powered Pallett Forklifts. Our ITSSAR accredited instructors help you and your fellow employees to reinforce good practices of Forklift operation.
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