Page 100 - HIL Operatives Training Manual V4 16022024_Neat

O P E R A T I V E S T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 4

21.2 Forklift Trucks
OPERATION

• No person will be allowed to drive any forklift truck unless they have
attended the relevant course, are qualified and/or authorised by the
Company.

• Operators must ensure, by use of signals and horn, that others are aware
of their intentions. Trucks must never be drive directly towards anyone.

• If requested to take a fork truck onto the public highway, both the truck and its operator, must
be correctly licensed to do so. The operation of the fork trucks must be restricted to their
authorised working area, except if given explicit instructions to the contrary by a Manager,
Engineer or Foreman.
• At all times when a truck is moving, whether a load is being carried or not, the forks must be
in the lowered position, unless stacking.
• Fork trucks must be operated a safe speed, taking into account both the type of load and the
prevailing conditions.
• Approach hazards, such as corners and doorways, with great care. Sound the horn and be
prepared to stop. Sharp turns, or sudden stops should be avoided except in an emergency.
• Hazards such as, humps or raised sliding door tracks etc must be crossed slowly and at an
angle of about 45 degrees so that only one wheel rides the hazard at a time. Stop and
remove loose objects lying in your path, do not drive over them.
• Ensure the truck has overhead clearance and will not collide with overhead obstructions.
• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and never operate with slippery hands.
• Hands, feet and head must be kept within the limit of these trucks and never put between the
mast uprights.
• On inclines:-

a) With a laden truck, have the forks facing uphill.
b) With an unladen truck, have the forks facing downhill.
c) Never turn on an incline.

• Forks should be kept as close to the ground as possible approximately 100 - 150mm, making
allowances for ramps etc. Adjust both tilt and height to suit any incline.
• Operators must look in the direction of travel, and not reverse without looking. If the load on
the forks obstructs forward vision, drive in reverse, keep a good lookout all around. On
inclines the load must still face uphill, so it will be necessary to obtain assistance.
• No one should ever stand, work or pass under raised forks, whether loaded or not.
• Do not carry passengers unless the truck has been properly adapted for use by more than
one person.
• Remember what the truck is intended for, and do not use it for pushing or towing any other
vehicles (unless the truck has been constructed or adapted for such a purpose and you have
been specifically authorised).
• Ensure that the driver of any vehicle which you are about to load or unload is aware of your
intentions and has taken the correct precautions with his vehicle, i.e. handbrake on, wheels
chocked, gears in neutral.
• Keys are to be kept by each vehicle operator, no key is to be passed or loaned to a non-
qualified operator. Do not leave keys in unattended trucks.
• When picking up or placing a load with a fork truck, always ensure that the load to be picked
up is securely bonded without any loose items which could become dislodged, and the load
is within the capacity of the truck. Never add additional counterweights to the truck.

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