Do’s:
- Do undertake a pre-operational inspection at the start of each shift, working day or prior to use, and document it in the logbook.
- Do the pre-operational inspection and other visualinspections and functional tests as per manufacturer’srequirements.
- Do operate the forklift in accordance with the relative standard applicable in your country.
- Do follow the specific manufacturer’s instructions andrequirements for safe loading. If in doubt, forklifts should notbe operated, nor potentially hazardous tasks undertakenuntil specific requirements have been determined to ensuresafe operation.
- Do wear a seatbelt at all times while operating a forklift.
- Do always raise loads with the mast vertical or tilted slightlybackwards.
- Do always ascend and descend ramps slowly and at all timeskeep the load of the forklift facing up the slope.
- Do always carry a load with its heavy end against the heel ofthe fork arms.
- Do ensure that the mast is tilted to the rear when travellingwith a load.
- Do drive slowly when turning and always be conscious ofrear-end swing – Note: Unladen forklifts are less stablelaterally than a loaded forklift and can be easily overturnedwhen cornering.
- Do avoid sudden starting and stopping to reduce the risk ofload movement and overturning of the forklift – Note: A fullyladen forklift can only apply 30% – 50% of the availablebraking before tipping occurs.
- Do always bring the forklift to a stop before changingdirection from forward to reverse or vice versa.
- Do slow down and sound the horn when passing by or through access ways, at entrances to buildings, at crossings and any other location where vision is obstructed; and
- Do understand that driving with the load raised, or even withthe empty load carriage raised, seriously reduces stability inall directions and should not occur except whenmanoeuvring during picking up or placing the load.
