WAR-065 Forklift Operation in Warehouse

1. Safety Precautions

For safety, Operators are urged to observe the following warnings:

1.1. Operate the truck and auxiliary devices from normal operating position only.

1.2. The truck should be equipped with overhead guard and load backrest.  Use EXTREME CARE if operating conditions prevent the use of the overhead guard and load backrest.  If the truck is not equipped with an overhead guard, do not handle a load, which is higher than the load backrest or mast.

1.3. Be certain that direction levers are in NEUTRAL position and the brakes are set before turning the key switch on.

1.4. Never overload the truck.  See nameplate for capacity and load centre.

1.5. Drive carefully and slowly across dockboard and never exceed its rated capacity.  Be sure the load is properly secured.

1.6. Spread forks as far apart as the load or truck will permit and push completely under the load.  Be sure the forks and load are centred.

1.7. Do not handle unstable or loosely stacked loads.  Check the load first.

1.8. Use EXTREME CAUTION when handling long, high or wide loads.

1.9. Travel with the load or lifting mechanism as low as possible and tilted back.  When the load interferes with visibility, travel with load trailing except when climbing ramps.

1.10. Ramp operation requires special care.  Always travel slowly with extreme caution.  Do not turn on ramps.  If the ramp exceeds 10% grade ability when travelling unloaded, descend on ramp with lifting mechanisms facing downhill.

1.11. Start, stop, change direction travel and brake smoothly.  Slow down for turns and on uneven, slippery surfaces.

1.12. Elevate (load or lifting mechanism) only to pick up or stack a load.  Watch out for obstructions, especially overhead.  Check the clearances.

1.13. Use EXTREME CARE in tilting toward or backward when stacking or tiering.  Use minimum forward or rearward tilt to pick up or deposit a load when stacking or tiering.

1.14. Allow no one under or near load or lifting mechanism.

1.15. Carry no passengers.

1.16. When leaving the truck –

a. The lifting mechanism shall be fully lowered;

b. Controls shall be neutralised;

c. Power shut off;

d. Brakes set;

e. Key removed;

f. Block the wheels if the truck is parked on an incline.

g. Connector plug should be removed.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WILL CREATE AN UNREASONABLE RISK OF INJURY TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS.

2. Precautions when using the Electric Forklift Truck

2.1. Do not over charge the battery.

2.2. Do not use tips of forks for pushing or lifting a heavy weight.

2.3. Do not exceed the allowable load capacity.

2.4. Do not make sudden starts, stop or turns.

2.5. Do not make sudden movements of the lever while the load is in a high lift position.

2.6. Check that the truck does not start, by operating the control lever after turning off the key switch, when leaving the truck.

2.7. Do not turn the key on while depressing the accelerator pedal.

2.8. Be sure to disconnect the battery plug when inspecting the electrical system.

2.9. When taking a break or charging the battery, remove the key from the switch.

2.10. Clean the electrical components with compressed air.

3. Inspection of Forklift prior to operation

3.1. Check point

For safe and proper performance, use the following checklist prior to operation of the truck:

4. Forklift Operation under Load

4.1. For security, do not wear loose clothing, which can be caught or hooked on anything.

4.2. Do not operate the truck prior to carrying out the daily checklist.

4.3. The truck should never be operated by persons other than a qualified Operator.

4.4. WARNING – do not stand or ride on the forks, pallet or load.

4.5. CAUTION: Prior to operation check the weight of the load and the centre of gravity.  Do not overload.  Observe allowable load specifications.

4.6. Proper pallet and/or attachment for loading must be used.

4.7. Make sure palletised load is in a proper shape and securely palletised.

4.8. Do not place forks in improper position in pallet or under the load and/or do not place the load or the pallet to one side.

4.9. When lifting the load, stop travel.  When picking and stacking, operate hydraulic lever slowly.

4.10. Do not make fast turns or brake suddenly because the truck could overturn.

4.11. CAUTION:  When inching operation is being utilised for either stacking on or off, tilt the fork backward, retract the mast and travel as slowly as possible and do not make a sudden start, brake suddenly or turn quickly.

4.12. Do not stop suddenly during the hydraulic lowering operation.  This will cause the truck to overturn.

4.13. Pay careful attention to the condition of the floor.  Do not make the lift operation while the truck is leaning or on an incline.

4.14. WARNING:  Do not stand or walk underneath the forks.

4.15. Do not drag the forks on the floor; lift the forks 5-10cm above the straddle legs during operation.

4.16. Do not run the truck forwards when transporting a bulky load – reverse the truck instead.

4.17. When reversing the truck, make sure nobody is around the truck.

4.18. When turning, check rear clearance and make small, slow turns.

4.19. If visibility is poor, e.g. at an entrance, intersection, etc., stop the truck and make sure it is safe to proceed.

4.20. Do not make sudden starts, stops or turns at a high travelling speed.

4.21. Do not operate the truck at a high travelling speed on a wet, slippery, uneven or inclined place.

4.22. Drive the truck forwards to ascend and backwards to descend on an incline with a load.  Descend at a slow travelling speed applying brake.

4.23. Material handling on an incline could possibly cause the truck to overturn.

4.24. Do not run sideways or change direction along an incline.

4.25. Do not run over obstacles scattered on the floor/road.

4.26. Make sure that there is sufficient clearance between the mast and the ceiling or the entrance to an area.

4.27. CAUTION: Do not leave the truck with the mast extended, the forks lifted and the key switch on.

4.28. WARNING: Do not operate or move the truck prior to finishing repair work and carrying out safety inspection.

5. Summary of Changes