How to Ensure the Safety of Forklifts?
Ensuring the safety of forklifts is crucial for both personnel and operational efficiency. Here are several key measures to achieve this:
1. Personnel Management
Qualification Verification: Forklift operators must undergo professional training and obtain the necessary certification. Regular retraining and assessments should be conducted to ensure their skills and knowledge meet safety requirements.
Health Status: Operators should not operate forklifts when they are unwell, fatigued, or under the influence of alcohol.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Operators must wear safety helmets, safety shoes, and other personal protective gear.
2. Operating Procedures
Pre-Operation Inspection: Before each operation, the operator should conduct a thorough inspection of the forklift, including its appearance, tire condition, braking and steering systems, fluid levels, and battery status.
Safe Driving: Maintain a ground clearance of 300–400 mm between the forks and the ground. The mast should be tilted back. Slow down and signal when turning; sharp turns at high speeds are strictly prohibited.
Loading Standards: Loads should be placed stably on the forks, with the arms kept level to avoid overloading. The height of the load should not obstruct the operator’s view.
Parking Standards: After completing the operation, park the forklift in the designated area, lower the forks to the ground, and apply the handbrake.
3. Equipment Management
Regular Maintenance: Forklifts should be regularly maintained and inspected to promptly repair or replace damaged parts.
Equipment Cleaning: Keep the forklift clean to ensure it is in good working condition.
Technological Upgrades: Equip forklifts with modern safety features such as sensors and driver identification systems to enhance safety.
4. Environmental Management
Work Area Planning: Plan the storage locations for goods to ensure a safe working environment and clearly mark safety signs.
Speed Limitation: The speed of forklifts within the factory area should be limited to 5 kilometers per hour. When entering production workshops, forklifts must drive at low speeds.
No Passenger Rule: Forklifts are strictly prohibited from carrying passengers, except in the driver’s cab.
5. Safety Management System
Training on Operating Procedures: Companies should establish and enforce forklift operating procedures, and regularly provide safety education and training for operators.
Penalties for Violations: Penalties should be imposed for violations of operating procedures to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations.
Equipment Monitoring: Use monitoring systems to track the real-time status of forklifts and promptly address any anomalies.
By implementing these measures, the safety of forklift operations can be significantly enhanced, reducing the risk of accidents.
