Forklift Safety, Tips on How to Handle Loads Safely

If you are looking for forklift training classes, there are quite a few options including forklift training classes online. But before you sign up for the first class you come across, you may want to do due diligence and find out if the course is accredited and comes with a safety course as well. Above all, you would need to find out if the course content complies with the guidelines as laid out by OSHA.

Here are a Few Safety Tips that You May Want to Take a Closer Look At

• Inspect Your Machine: Before you start operating the forklift to move materials around, you may want to give your forklift a thorough inspection and make sure that it works fine. In case of any issue, call in maintenance and avoid attempting to repair it on your own. Make sure that the machine functions along expected lines.

• Use Proper Equipment: Make sure that you are wearing the right attire, from hardhats to easily visible jackets. And make sure that you use the right equipment, when transporting materials.
 
• Check List: Make a check list before operating a forklift and avoid wearing loose or baggy clothing as the same can prove to be a hazard when operating a machine. It is better to wear clothes like jeans, tight shirts, when operating the forklift. You may also want to avoid wearing shoes that slip, and instead opt for sensible ones, the sort that comes with a better grip.

• Safe Operating Distance: Always operate the forklift at a safe distance from other equipment, make sure that you do not operate it in close proximity to hazardous substances like flammable materials, toxic chemicals etc. Make sure that you maintain a safe distance and that you have enough room to spare should you need to apply brakes to avoid collision.

• Lifting: Make sure that you estimate the approximate weight of the load you are about to lift, for better stability. And on lifting the load, make sure that it is secure. Always keep the load tilted back and low, as this can further increase the stability and enable you to transport the same safely.

• Visibility: It is important to maintain good visibility when operating a forklift for obvious reasons. Make sure that you are able to see the path ahead and if the load restricts your line of sight, then step out of the cabin, double check to see if the path is clear and then move on to transporting loads from one place to the other.

• What Not To Do: Do not operate the machine under the influence of drugs, alcohol or other substances. This is not advisable and more often than not, will result in accidents as a result of impaired judgment. 

These are some of the safety tips that you would need to review when taking the OSHA forklift training online. You may want to do opt for courses that provide you with in-depth knowledge on how to operate forklifts and educate you about some of the current regulations governing forklifts.