5 Safety Tips When Choosing Forklifts for Hire

1. 5 Safety Tips When Choosing Forklifts for Hire Choosing forklifts for hire from Access Hire is a great way to supplement your fleet to meet unexpected demand or to replace equipment that’s out for repair. However, the supplied forklift could be a little different from your regular lifting equipment. Also, over time operators can become complacent if they don’t undergo regular training to refresh their knowledge and skills. In this article, we will look at five safety tips that you need to follow when using a forklift. 1. Only Use Qualified Operators A forklift should only be operated by a person that has received formal training and appropriate certification. A license is a legal requirement; it’s essential for safety and insurance purposes. It can be tempting for people to hop on a piece of equipment to quickly move it, but this should never be allowed or encouraged. It’s also a great idea for forklift operators to undergo some training on a regular basis to keep their skills relevant and ensure that they are up to date with the latest developments. 2. An Operator Should Wear Appropriate Clothing Most modern worksites have very specific requirements for the clothing that should be worn there. The most common examples of these would be a high visibility jacket or a hard hat. However, it’s also essential to wear work boots to protect the operator's feet from dropped loads. All work clothing should be well fitted; this will help to prevent loose items from being snagged on the forklift and other equipment. 3. A Routine Forklift Check

2. Before any forklift is used it should be thoroughly checked to ensure that it’s ready to be used. Every component should be examined, including steering, braking, control systems, tyre pressures, mast functionality, and warning devices. If there are any loose parts or pools of liquid under or around the machine, a supervisor should be contacted. The forklift needs to be in full working order before any work can begin. 4. The Working Environment It’s vital that the forklift operator pays close attention to all of the worksite rules. The forklift should only be used in designated areas or assigned lanes when moving around the worksite. This is especially true for speed limits and clearance heights to minimise the chances of tipping and collisions. 5. Steer Clear of Hazards There could be areas on the worksite that are rough, uneven, or slippery. If these areas are in an area where a forklift is used they should be cleared up and made safe. This is true even if the forklift is a diesel variant with a capability to be used outdoors. If the unsafe areas are outside the area where the forklift will be used they should be clearly marked with signs and/or an appropriate perimeter. This will prevent the forklift from drifting into areas where it could become unsafe to use. It’s also important to keep the forklift away from other equipment that’s operating in the area wherever possible to minimise the chances of a dangerous collision. If you’re considering a forklift rental for your business get in touch with Access Hire for expert advice and equipment hire. Recommended Reading: https://www.accesshire.net/access-hire-news/the-case-for-forklifts-for-hire/ https://www.accesshire.net/access-hire-news/7-reasons-to-choose-a-short-term-forklift-for-hire/