Your forklift assessment will test your knowledge and understanding of the machine. The person conducting the test will have to pay careful attention to your abilities and confidence with the mechanisms, as passing would enable you to work with these vehicles daily. In addition, you must be able to responsibly operate and maintain this machine to ensure the space you work in remains safe and managed. Read on to find out more about hazards you need to know for your test.
Improper Operation and Use
Operating a machine improperly through actions like speeding or sharp cornering is a serious hazard to operators, loads and the vehicle itself. Operating in the above manner greatly increases the chances of accidents such as collisions or unit tip-overs, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and product and equipment damage.
Load Hazards
The manufacturer rates every machine to be able to lift a maximum load safely and within the limitations of the specific model. Overloading the forklift above its maximum safe load limit is a serious hazard. Overloading will decrease its stability when the tynes lift the load, heightening the likelihood that the load will fall. As a result, the vehicle may tip over, endangering the operator and damaging the load and forklift.
Insufficient or Incorrect Maintenance
Not properly maintaining machine parts can increase the risk of an accident. For example, broken lights, alarms that don’t work, worn tynes, damaged chains, and fluid leaks are problems if a forklift isn’t properly maintained. Therefore, it is important that any forklift with problems like those mentioned above is tagged out and not used until everything has been repaired.
Pedestrians
Non-essential pedestrians working in the same area as forklifts are a major hazard as they can be seriously injured if they were to be struck by the unit. A clearly defined traffic management plan for areas where forklifts and pedestrians work nearby is imperative to increase pedestrian safety.
Floor Conditions
The condition of the floor of the vehicle working area can present several hazards, including debris, puddles, unstable ground and floor obstructions. In addition, wet and slippery floors can cause a vehicle to skid, whilst cracks and potholes in the ground can cause the unit to tip over.
Overhead Obstructions
Overhead obstructions such as mezzanine levels and low-hanging doorways present another potential hazard for vehicles. If a load is being transported with the tynes raised too high, a collision with the obstruction may cause damage to the load, vehicle, driver or overhead obstruction.
Completing a forklift assessment will allow you to operate this machine within the working environment. With the right training and understanding, you can be a proficient operator. Contact us today to find out more about what these tests entail.
