Forklift handling is a vital component when you want to operate a forklift. Failure to control your forklift while in operation can be very dangerous to yourself and others in the surrounding vicinity. As such, we have supplied you with some of the top practices to improve forklift handling in your warehouse.
Keep Floors Clear
One of our tips for improving forklift handling is to conduct a plan from where you are and where you wish to finish. Once this has been settled, you may need to remove any objects that could obstruct the forklift’s path. Failure to do this could result in the operator driving over the obstruction and as a result, they could lose control of the forklift and tip over. By having a safe pathway and clever vision of where you want to be, you are ensuring that forklift handling is optimised and safety is taken into consideration.
Maintain Load Stability
One of the major tips for achieving optimal forklift turning efficiency is to maintain and check your load stability before operating your forklift. The load should be symmetrical and as secure as possible with a low centre of gravity. In addition, it should be carried as far back on the forks as possible rather than on the tips and even slanted towards the forklift to make sure the load does not fall when being transported.
Driving on Ramps
When driving on ramps, the load should be kept higher than the body of the forklift. With this in mind, we have listed some very simple rules in regards to driving up / down a ramp:
- If you’re travelling uphill, move in a forward direction
- If travelling downhill, move in a backwards direction
- Always look in the direction of travel
- Use a look out for additional safety if required
- Stay away from the edge of the ramp
- Do not travel on inclines that exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations
- Never change direction on a ramp
Control Speed
Possibly the main tip for maintaining your forklift handling is to control your speed. Safety always comes first when it comes to transporting goods between locations. An employer would much rather you move a palette slower yet safer as opposed to faster and dangerously. With this in mind, always maintain your speed wherever you are transporting goods in a forklift as this can give you adequate time to spot hazards and minimise risk in the workplace.