(Your Business Name Here) – Safe Work Procedure

FORKLIFT TRUCK
DO NOT use this equipment unless you have been instructed
in its safe use and operation and have been given permission

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

PRE-OPERATIONAL ENDING OPERATIONS

SAFETY CHECKS AND CLEANING UP
 Locate and ensure you are  When stopping the forklift:
familiar with all machine - Park on even ground and
operations and controls. lower the forks to the
 Check brakes, lights and horn ground.
before use. - Shift the gear selector to
 Ensure reversing beeper and park position and apply the
warning lights are operational. parking brake.
 Ensure seat belt/safety - Turn off the ignition and
restraint is in good condition. remove the keys.
 Know the capacity of the  For gas-powered vehicles,
forklift before using it. Do not turn off gas and don’t park
use a forklift without a load near an ignition source,
rating plate. doorway or pit.
 Check gas-powered vehicles
for gas leaks in fuel lines.
 Ensure the lifting forks are in
DON’T
 Do not use faulty equipment.
sound condition and centred
Report any faults immediately.
either side of the mast.
 Do not use engine-powered
 Check tyre pressures. Never
forklifts in poorly ventilated
drive with a flat or under-
areas.
inflated tyre.
 Do not allow anyone to ride
on the forks.
OPERATIONAL SAFETY  Do not lift a load with the mast
CHECKS tilted forward.
 Watch out for pedestrians.  Do not travel with forks raised
 Ensure the lifting tines are secure into the pallet and or reach mechanism
the load is stable before lifting or driving off. extended.
 Be careful of ceiling clearance or overhead  Never travel with the load elevated.
obstructions when raising the mast.  Do not attempt to turn on an incline or sloping
 Always remember that the safe working load of a surface.
forklift reduces as the mast is tilted forward.  Do not dismount from a forklift while the engine is
 Always put the heavy end of the load against the running unless the vehicle has completely stopped,
load backrest. transmission is in park position, and the parking
 When approaching a blind corner, use horn and brake is effectively engaged.
drive slowly.  Do not leave forks elevated when forklift is
 Always have someone guide you if a load restricts unattended.
your vision.  Do not refuel an engine-powered forklift unless the
 Slow down when changing direction or on wet or motor is stopped and ignition turned off.
greasy surfaces.
 Avoid harsh braking, especially when carrying a
load.

REFUELLING
 For gas-powered vehicles, change gas bottles in a
well-ventilated area clear of a naked flame or source
of ignition.
 For battery-operated vehicles, charge in well-
ventilated area. This SWP does not necessarily cover all possible hazards
associated with this equipment and should be used in
conjunction with other references. It is designed as a guide
to be used to compliment training and as a reminder to
users prior to equipment use.

This information is based on material published by the

South Australian Department of Education and Children’s
Services.