Only after you’ve checked the forklift and the work environment, should you start using the forklift. 

Safety basics 

 Only use a forklift for the purpose it was designed. Dangerous work practices include bumping pallets, pushing piles of material out of the way, moving heavy objects by using makeshift connections and attachments. 

 Wear a seatbelt (if fitted). 

 Obey speed limits and stop signs. Drive at speeds suitable to the road surfaces and traffic conditions. 

 Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from dust and debris when you move stored products from overhead shelving. 

Operating basics 

 Use extra caution and avoid turning when negotiating grades, ramps and inclines. 

 Slow down and sound your horn before going through a doorway; before entering or crossing a main aisle and approaching an intersection or corner (especially blind corners). 

 Always travel at a safe distance behind another forklift or other vehicles. 

 When moving, tines should be just below axle level or at a safe height. 

 Be aware of blind spots created by the mast and other parts of the forklift. Even small parts may block out large areas of your view of the workplace. 

 Don’t reach through the mast or place parts of your body outside the forklift while it’s in operation. 

People 

 Do not carry passengers unless the forklift is designed to carry more than one person. An additional seat, footrest and seatbelt should be provided. 

 Do not raise people on tines or pallets. 

 Do not allow anyone to stand, work or walk under raised tines. 

 Be conscious of people working around you (for example, tail end swing). Do not allow people to walk beside you while you are using the forklift.

Work environment 

 Do not drive over spilt liquids or powders as this reduces the traction of the tyres and spreads the substance, causing problems for other traffic. 

 Remove hazards or obstructions from the floor rather than drive around or over them. (Report any dangerous surface conditions to your supervisor immediately.) 

 Be aware that driving from a wet to dry surface or dry to wet affects tyre traction, braking and stability. 

 Allow enough time for your eyes to adjust when you move from dark to light areas and vice versa. 

Guardrails and safety harnesses 

 Order-picking forklifts must have guardrails to prevent falls. 

 If it is possible for someone to extend their body over the guard or step from the platform of an order-picking forklift, then a safety harness must be  prevent falls. 

 If it is possible for someone to extend their body over the guard or step from the platform of an order-picking forklift, then a safety harness must be provided and worn. The harness must be attached to a strong anchor point by an approved lanyard and shock absorber. Working through the four Safe Steps of hazard management will help you determine the type of travel restraint or fall prevention system appropriate to your workplace and the work you do. 

Work cages 

 Work cages must be used to raise people performing short-term tasks and the cage must be securely attached to the forklift. 

 Work cages should only be attached to a compliant forklift, with a load capacity data plate stating the attachments that may be used. 

 Ensure your traffic management plan deals with tasks involving work cages. 

 Before starting work, ensure the parking brake is set, the controls are in neutral, the mast is vertical, and all controls are immobilised except lift and lower. 

 Employees should be trained in the safe use of work cages including emergency procedures to ensure occupants can be rescued if an incident or breakdown occurs. 

 Employees must stand on the floor of the work cage, not on a ladder or other object. 

 Do not use work cages to transport people. 

 The employee operating the forklift must remain at the controls at all times. The forklift operator should perform an initial trial lift without a person inside, to ensure the cage has a clear path.

Incidents 

 Develop and implement incident procedures (including forklift breakdown). Make sure everyone knows what these are and what to do. 

 If a forklift overturns, do not jump off. Stay in the cabin with your seatbelt on, hold on and brace yourself with your feet pressing down and your arms pushing you back into your seat. Stay with the forklift and lean in the opposite direction of the tipping. 

 If the forklift touches an overhead power line, stay in the forklift and warn others to stay away. Keep still and avoid touching anything in the forklift. Wait as long as it takes for confirmation that the power has been disconnected/isolated before leaving the forklift. Then, if practicable, move the forklift off the power line.

Finishing work 

 Before getting off the forklift, lower the tines to ground level, ensure the parking brake is engaged, and the controls are in neutral. 

 If the forklift is liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) powered, turn the LPG off. 

 Do not park the forklift near a source of ignition, near a doorway, or near a pit. 

 Park the forklift in a well-lit area under cover and on an even surface. 

 Remove the ignition key and secure the forklift at all times when not in use. (This will stop unauthorised people from using the forklift.)