Forklifts are powerful and indispensable tools in industrial areas. Forklift accidents often occur as a result of simple safety rules or carelessness. Ensuring the safety of both the operator and the surrounding employees should be the top priority of every business. At Izmir Demir Lift, we prioritize the safe use of every machine we produce and remind all operators of 10 life-saving safety rules they must adhere to.
1. Only Trained and Authorized Personnel Should Operate: Operating a forklift requires specialized skills and knowledge. Never allow anyone without a Forklift Operator's License (license) to operate the machine.
2. Pre-Shift Inspection Required: The operator must perform daily inspections of the machine before starting work. Brakes, tires, steering, lights, horn, and hydraulic systems should be quickly inspected, and any abnormalities should be reported immediately to the supervisor.
3. Obey Speed Limits: Forklifts are not race cars. A speed limit of 5 kilometers per hour is generally recommended indoors, while 10 kilometers per hour is recommended outdoors. Speed should be reduced, especially in corners, on ramps, and in crowded areas.
4. Handle the Load Properly: The load should always be carried fully against the lift and as low as possible (approximately 15-20 cm above the ground). This lowers the machine's center of gravity, reducing the risk of tipping. Never operate with the load at heights.
5. Never Block Your Visibility: If your load prevents you from seeing clearly, consider walking backward or calling for assistance instead of moving forward. Back up with the help of a spotter.
6. Caution on Ramps and Slopes: Always move backward when descending a ramp and forward when ascending. Whether loaded or unloaded, the forks should always point uphill. This prevents the load from slipping and the machine from tipping over.
7. Never Carry Passengers: Never carry a second person on the forks or in the operator's cab. This is extremely dangerous and prohibited.
8. Be Alert to Your Surroundings: Always be aware of pedestrians, other vehicles, and obstacles around you. Slow down and sound your horn when approaching blind spots, doorways, and aisle intersections.
9. Follow the Rules When Parking: When finished, park the forklift in the designated parking area. Lower the forks completely to the ground, shift into neutral, apply the parking brake, and turn off the ignition. Never park the machine in a driveway, in front of an emergency exit, or in front of fire extinguishers.
10. Wear Personal Protective Equipment: Operators must wear the personal protective equipment required for the job, such as hard hats, steel-toed shoes, and reflective vests.
While these rules may seem simple, they are fundamental principles that prevent hundreds of potential accidents every day. Safety is not an option; it is a necessity.
As Izmir Demir Lift, we wish all our users a safe and efficient operation.
