Whether you work in a warehouse / retail store, or you’re just a curious consumer who has come across a few forklifts before, there’s certainly a right and wrong way to operate them. As you can probably guess, driving a forklift isn’t the same as driving a car: the former requires special training and licensing. In addition, driving a forklift comes with a set of safety protocols that all operators should follow. Here’s 4 to be mindful of.
You Must Be Licensed
In order to even operate a forklift, you must take a forklift driving course. Attending the course is not enough; you must pass the class. After that, you will be authorized to drive forklifts.
Wear The Right Clothes
Forklift operators should wear a hard hat, safety shoes, and a high-visibility jacket. Their clothes should not be too loose fitting. This is because loose clothes could get caught on the controls or gears. In addition, you should not drive a forklift with greasy hands. Make sure to always wash your hands before operating a forklift.
Conduct an Inspection Before Driving
The point of this pre-operational inspection is to protect yourself and the people around you. You want to check the essentials: the brakes, the wheels, the horn, the position of the mirrors, and the height of the seat. Make sure that you are positioned in the seat to reach all necessary controls.
Ensure Your Load is Secure
The last thing you want is for whatever you’re loading to topple out while you’re driving or lifting. That’s why it’s very important that you check to make sure that your load is secure and stable before you start driving. Always ensure that the load is tilted back with the forks sitting low while you’re transporting.
Interested in Forklift Training or Re-certification?
If you’re in the Southern California area, then we can help! SoCal first aid provides forklift training and re certification services that you can really count on. Learn more here.