AngelaJohn
Forklifts are perhaps the most widely used material handling equipment in the world. From construction material to chemicals and agricultural supplies, there is no material whose transport and movement they cannot be used for. Even though we have come a long way from using conventional forklifts, safety remains a major priority as always.
The newer Moffett forklifts provide better safety than their old-fashioned predecessors, yet it is up to the managers and operators who use the forklifts to be up to date with all the knowledge that helps them minimize risk and maximize profits and efficiency.
Here we shall take a look at the four fundamental basics that you should know regarding forklift safety.
- Proper Training:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the organization responsible for ensuring the safety of all operators in their respective forklift handling occupation through comprehensive training guidelines/programs they provide. They estimated that there occur around 35,000 serious injuries annually resulting from forklift accidents. As such, the first and foremost way of preventing these injuries from happening is through proper training.
OSHA compels each employer to ensure that their forklift operator is licensed and has completed the relevant training required to acquire the license. This is because an untrained equipment operator poses great safety threats to himself and all those around him. OSHA requires that the operators have both formal education, which includes lectures and written material, as well as practical training and workplace performance evaluation to qualify for a license.
This helps the operators to operate different kinds of forklifts easily even with their different dimensions and features. They can also improve their proficiency by taking part in forklift competitions also known as Forklift Rodeo or Forklift Championships. Machinery such as Moffett truck mounted forklifts provide greater ease of use to operators because of their superior design and lightweight, that is why they have gained immense popularity with many companies across the United States as the forklift of choice for any onsite operations.
- Knowing the Machinery:
The next step involves knowing about the machinery you are going to be operating. Knowing the machine involves knowing the specifications and limitations of the machine. Especially in case of forklifts, you need to be aware of the maximum weight you can lift with the forks, the maneuverability, and flexibility so that you may be able to accomplish tasks without putting yourself in danger.
Here are a few things to look out for in every forklift design that provides good safety measures:
- Open structure for the operator, so that he is not completely closed in case of emergencies.
- Have a sufficient lifting capacity beyond 500kg.
- Three-point suspension
- Tighter turning radius for confined space
As mentioned above, Moffett piggyback forklifts are the forklifts of choice nowadays not only because of their efficiency but also safety optimization. Even used Moffett forklifts for sale provide exemplary features of safety for the operator. Such features include 360 degrees visibility for the operator, elimination of manual handling, interlocking seat belts and road safety tools such as flashing beacon, work lights and reverse beepers.
A Moffett Truck is available all across the United States and is used in a number of industries which is a testament to their reliance and efficiency.
- Performing Regular Maintenance Checks:
This is extremely important as it ensures that the forklifts in use are the ones that are in the best possible state. This also allows the defected equipment to be taken out of circulation in time before it can cause any problems. There is no set time for maintenance checks but OSHA advises operators to check their machinery before every task. In case of forklifts, it is essential to check seat belts, lights, horn, tires, brakes, backup systems and fluid levels.
- Know the Load:
Lastly, it is important to know the load you will be lifting with the forklift. As you would already be aware of the forklift’s capabilities so you would know how much load it can lift. Thus it is essential to check the load before you pick it up with the forks. This check would require ensuring that the load is stable and does not exceed the recommended load capacity. All of this is to prevent the forklift from tipping over because if the load is heavier than the counterbalance as used in the conventional forklifts, the forklift would tip.
But in Moffett truck mounted forklifts, there are hydraulic stabilizers that can be lowered to make them the point of pivot for the load. This ensures that the forklift does not tip over. Moreover, you want to ensure that the forks of the mast are as far apart as possible while picking up the load so that it provides extra stability.
After knowing these basic principles of forklift safety, you should be able to operate them without the hassle and ensure that all tasks are completed on time and safely.
