Forklift capacity

Employers and supervisors should be involved in knowing how loads and loading are being controlled.

 A forklift’s capacity (also known as the rated capacity) is the maximum weight it can safely carry at a specified load centre. Overloading can damage the forklift and increase the risk of forklift-related injuries. 

 Load capacity data plates detail the load each forklift can safely lift at different mast orientations, or when fitted with an attachment. 

 The model number of some forklifts may be confused with its lifting capacity. Ensure you use the load capacity data plate to accurately determine the capacity. 

Loads

 The weight, shape, size and composition of a load affect the way it should be lifted. 

 When a load is raised, the forklift is less stable. Tilting forwards or backwards with a raised load will also affect stability. 

 Driving with a raised load is dangerous. It makes the forklift less stable and leads to tipping over, particularly if the forklift is being driven at speed, around a corner, or on an uneven surface. 

 Take the time to familiarise yourself with each new type of load before you start work

Check the load before you start

 Know how to read load capacity data plates. 

 Know the capacity of your forklift and do not exceed it. Check the marked weight of an object, or use a weight gauge or scale to weigh loads. 

 If the load is not placed safely and correctly, reload it. 

 If the pallets are damaged, remove them. 

 If the load is particularly long or wide, see if you need to take an alternative route. 

 If the load comprises different lengths of material, ensure the point of balance is in the middle of the tines when the load is lifted. 

 Set the tine width to provide the greatest support for the load, and position the load so it is balanced evenly on the tines. Take special care with irregular loads or loads that may slide (such as steel on steel). Ensure the tines and the loads are centred. Insert the tines fully beneath the load. 

 Check around the load before lifting to ensure it does not affect anything or anyone around it.

Carrying the load 

 Ensure each load is carried, lowered and set down according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and your safe work procedures. 

 Do not drive with a raised load. Lower the load before moving or turning. 

 Do not lift a load that extends above the backrest unless the load is secured. This way, it can’t fall back on you. 

 Do not attach a towrope to the mast to pull or drag loads. Do not tow with a forklift unless a proper towing connection is fitted. 

 When operating the forklift on an incline, the load must be tilted back and raised only as far as needed to clear the road surface. The load must be facing up the incline. Do not try to turn on an incline. 

 Do not add additional counterweight to the forklift. 

 Do not sling loads from tines, as there may be a risk of the load sliding off the times. Always use a jib. 

Driving onto trucks 

Develop and implement a safe work procedure. Before driving onto the back of a truck, make sure: 

 the truck’s tray is sound, and it can support the forklift and load 

 the truck wheels are chocked and the parking brake is on 

 the access ramp is sufficiently locked so it won’t come adrift, and make sure it can support the forklift and load. 

Also: 

 implement procedures to make sure the truck is not driven away until loading is finished 

 it is preferable that the truck remains attached to a trailer during loading, as the legs (or the ground beneath the legs) may not be sufficiently stable to support the forklift and load on the trailer. 

Using ramps 

Develop and implement a safe work procedure.

Ramps must be:

 wide enough and strong enough to take the forklift and load 

 maintained in good condition 

 have good traction in wet weather 

 have side rails to prevent wheels slipping off 

 allow a smooth weight transfer on and off the ramp 

 have a gradient that does not exceed the angle recommended for safely operating the forklift. 

All variable level ramps that a forklift is required to work on must be provided with locking and interlocking facilities.

Seeing clearly

 If the load obstructs your view while travelling up an incline, get another employee to guide you from a safe position. Ensure all other people are in full view at all times. If you lose sight of them, stop immediately. 

 Drive in reverse if a bulky load obscures your forward view. However, the load must lead when travelling up inclines. Use another employee, safely positioned, as a spotter in this instance.