10 rules for forklift safety


date : 2025-11-23

Many industrial facilities have become heavily reliant on forklifts for lifting and moving heavy equipment and materials. Like other industrial equipment, forklifts carry some risks if safety standards are not strictly followed.

Accidents resulting from the misuse of forklifts can lead to serious injuries and significant material damage. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to the safety instructions for forklifts specific to this equipment to protect workers and ensure a safe working environment.

The most important of these instructions is that the driver must be trained and qualified to operate the forklift correctly. In this article, we will discuss the most important safety guidelines when using forklifts, focusing on the standards of Taiba Hydraulic Industries

 

Hydraulic forklift

forklift safety

That Hydraulic forklift It is a type of forklift that is used through a hydraulic systemTo raise And the movement of heavy loads.

Hydraulic forklifts rely on the force of hydraulic pressure to operate their arms and move materials to different heights and are widely used inside warehouses and shipping areas.

Hydraulic forklift requires that you carefully follow the forklift safety instructions during use and check the integrity of the wheels and brakes in order to avoid accidents and damage.

This type of crane works by pumping fluids into the cylinders, which causes the arms to move in order to lift the loads. This feature is what makes hydraulic forklifts strong and effective when dealing with huge loads.

This type of crane is also distinguished by its ability to provide precise control over the movement of propulsion and direction, which makes it an ideal choice for use in narrow spaces.

Forklift hazards

Forklifts are considered dangerous machines when used, according to some accident statistics that prove that there are about 1% of forklift accidents inside warehouses.Or factories There are also about 10% of physical injuries.

We will quote you 5 statistics For accidents forklift safety must be followed, which are:

  • Forklifts cause about 85 deaths every year due to failure to follow safety instructions.
  • It can cause a total of 34,900 serious injuries annually.
  • Non-serious injuries due to it may reach about 61,800 every year.
  • Forklift overturns are one of the most common accidents, representing about 24% of all accidents.

Therefore, companies must implement training policies in more important ways, based on statements by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It is estimated that about 80% of forklift accidents around the world could be prevented if safety methods were applied.

Why are forklifts dangerous to use?

There are many reasons why these machines pose a danger to the workplace, such as:

  • A forklift can weigh up to 9,000, which means it is three times heavier than a car.
  • Forklifts have a different configuration than cars. The brakes are located in the front, which makes stopping them more difficult.
  • Forklifts are heavier at the rear in order to compensate for the weight of heavy loads at the front, which makes it difficult to handle the cranes.
  • Forklifts are designed to move through the rear wheels, which increases the rate of rollover in turns and narrow aisles.

Employees must be trained to follow forklift safety instructions in accordance with OSHA standards to maintain employee safety.

 

Safety requirements for cranes

Safety instructions for forklifts are essential to ensuring worker protection and maintaining facility safety during daily operations, especially when handling heavy equipment or in industrial environments. These requirements help reduce the risk of accidents and protect employee health, and the following points should be considered:

  • Inspect forklifts before use
    • Before using the forklift, a thorough daily inspection must be carried out under the supervision of the shift supervisor to identify and record any problems or malfunctions. Recommended inspections include the following:
    • Make sure the fuel tank is full and there are no leaks if it runs on diesel.
    • Check the coolant and engine oil levels.
    • Checking the operation of the operating counters and control switches.
    • Check the alarm and signal devices and their functionality.
    • Check the condition of the wheels and brakes (foot and hand).
    • Raise and lower the two forks to ensure they are working correctly.
    • Check the condition of the rearview mirror and lights.
    • Check for the presence of a fire extinguisher and the safety of the seat belt.
    • Check the hydraulic system to ensure there are no oil leaks and that the safety bolts are intact.
    • Check the battery and electrical connections for damage.
  • Personal protective equipment
    • Safety equipment must be worn before operating the forklift:
    • Safety helmet
    • Safety Shoes
    • High-Visibility Jacket
    • Remove loose clothing to avoid it getting caught on the hoist.
  • Driving Guidelines
    • Only trained and qualified drivers should operate the crane.
    • Adherence to the speed limit set within the factory (20 km/h).
    • Do not stand in front of fire hydrants or emergency exits.
    • Avoid sharp bends to prevent the crane from tipping over.
    • Use the horn and flashing light when approaching intersections or blind spots.
    • Drive slowly in reverse if the forks are obstructing your view.
    • Do not extend any part of your body outside the cabin while driving.
    • Consider the height of doors and pathways before passing through.
    • Never leave the crane running unattended. If you need to leave: return the forks to the ground, lift the handbrake, and turn off the machine.
    • Report any malfunction immediately and do not use the crane if there is one.
  • When lifting loads
    • Ensure the weight of the materials does not exceed the crane's specified capacity as indicated on the data plate.
    • Position the forks correctly under the load to ensure the stability of the load and the crane's center of gravity.
    • The distance between the forks and the ground when lifting the load should be between 10–20 cm (4–8 inches).
    • Lifting any worker with the forks to reach materials on the upper shelves is prohibited.
  • Upon completion of the work
    • Return the two forks to the safe position, take the operating key, and hand it over to the warehouse manager.
    • Recharge the batteries of electric hoists in well-ventilated areas.

Information about forklift

The forklift, or as it is calledFork-lift It is a truck used to lift heavy and large equipment that a human being cannot handle.It is called a forklift because its arms closely resemble a fork. This type of truck was developed in 1960 by several companies, including Clark Company.

 

Since this time, forklifts have become an essential component in factories and warehouses, including battery-powered types and other types equipped with powered engines.

One of the important aspects while operating forklifts is that they must have rear-wheel steering because this will increase their ability inside tight turns, but before driving these machines, you must follow all forklift safety to avoid risks.

Forklift trucks are available in many variations and loading capacities. Most cranes have a loading capacity ranging from 1 ton to 5 tons, and there are larger machines whose load may reach 50 tons.

 

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Forklift driving licence

A forklift driving license is a mandatory certificate that the driver must obtain because the driver must be aware of the forklift safety in order to use the forklift, so if you are looking for a job, obtaining the permit may help you, as it may enhance your success rate.

Forklifts are machines used to transport and move goods and heavy loads in many workplaces such as agricultural or industrial warehouses.

In order to obtain Driving LicenseFor the crane Fork must that You have got it on A forklift driving certificate, which can be obtained after taking training courses and passing tests.

As the law prohibits the use of forklifts for workers who do not have a license, in the case of inspections, workers and employers may be subject to paying fines. Therefore, one of the most important forklift safety is for the driver to obtain a license.

 

Manual forklift prices

Manual forklift prices depend on several factors, including maximum load, lift height, and manufacturing quality. In general, manual forklifts are an economical option compared to hydraulic and electric forklifts.

Manual forklift prices can range from 00.00 to 00.00, depending on the specifications and features.

 

Simple forklifts that ensure manual lifting without additional mechanisms are usually on the lower side of price, while manual forklifts that provide many functions and effort may be more expensive.

Tiba Hydro Racks Company, the leading company in. Preparing warehouses racking You will find all types of forklifts that suit all your needs and your budget. We also offer highly trusted brands that guarantee quality and durability.

 We also take into account the provision of after-sales and maintenance services. Contact us now through our phone numbers, or if you want to obtain the forklift PDF, contact us through our website.

 

The most important safety instructions for forklifts

forklift safety

 

One of the most important safety instructions is checking Manual Electric Forklift Well before use, it is also recommended to conduct daily checks with the supervisor to identify defects and problems. It should also include some checks, such as:

  • You must ensure that the fuel tank is full and that the diesel is not leaking.
  • Check the coolant level.
  • Check engine oil level.
  • Checking equipment meters and operating switches.
  • Inspect the equipment wheels to ensure their suitability.
  • Check the brakes well (hand brake and foot brake)
  • Raise and lower the forks to ensure they are working properly.
  • Check special lighting and ensure its validity.
  • Ensure that the fire extinguisher is valid.
  • Make sure your seat belt is on.
  • Ensure the safety bolt of the lifting chains is secure.
  • Ensure that there is no oil leakage in the hydraulic system.
  • Ensure that the electrical connections are complete and that there is no damage to its insulation.

One of forklift safety is to wear protective safety equipment, such as:

  • Helmet.
  • Safety shoes.
  • High-Visibility jacket.

 

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common questions

What are the safety procedures for using forklifts?

  • Do not exceed the speed limit inside the factory, which is 20 kilometers per hour.
  • Do not stop forklifts in front of fire hydrants.
  • Bends must be avoided so as not to cause the crane to tip over.
  • The horn and flasher must be used when approaching intersections.

How much does a forklift weigh?

The weight of the forklift and its carrying capacity vary from one type to another, but in general the weight of the forklift can start from 7.5 tons.