4 Safety Tips if You Need Forklifts for Hire in Your Business

If you need forklifts for sale or hire to equip your business with the capability to unload and load transport you need to also consider the safety implications. A forklift is a very useful piece of equipment, but it can be dangerous if used incorrectly or by untrained personnel. Thinking about safety earlier may also help you to really understand how you will use the forklift and what kind of equipment you need. Let’s take a look at four top safety tips that you need to bear in mind if you’re going to be operating a forklift in your business.

1. Provide Good Quality Training

Forklifts must be operated by qualified operators that have received adequate training. This will include an operators licence to drive the specific type of forklift that you’re using in your business. Don’t ever allow unqualified personnel to operate a forklift, this is very dangerous, and it may have drastic legal and insurance related ramifications.

2. Check Your Equipment at the Start of Each Shift

Over time, equipment can become subject to a variety of issues that will prevent it from working correctly or it may even be dangerous to use. As a vehicle that handles a great deal of weight, sometimes in tight spaces, it’s vital to make sure that your forklift is ready for work. Carry out a routine check of the steering, brakes, control systems and warning devices before the shift commences.

3. Start the Forklift Correctly

The operator needs to stay safe when the start up the forklift, they must use the steps and handholds to seat themselves correctly. Then all the controls must be checked to ensure that they are within reach and ready for use. The operator should then fasten their safety belt and ensure that their body and limbs are fully inside the confines of the cabin area. Then check the surrounding area, if the coast is clear, they can start up the forklift and get started with their shift.

4. Being Aware of the Surrounding Environment

All work site rules must be followed closely, and the operator needs to understand any additional guidelines. The forklift should only be operated in areas that have been specifically designated for their use. All signs, especially those for clearance heights and permitted floor loadings should be strictly observed. The operator needs to take special care of their load height when they are entering or exiting building openings. If they are looking for forklifts rental in Australia based warehouse managers should get in touch with us here at Access Hire. We supply a wide selection of high quality lifting equipment, and we have forklifts for hire and sale. A good forklift can be a real asset to your business, but you need the right equipment and excellent support too. Our team is looking forward to discussing your specific needs in greater detail, and they will be delighted to answer any remaining questions that you may have.

Access Hire Australia is a specialist division of Access Group Australia that facilitates the hiring, selling, servicing and transportation of boom lifts, scissor lifts, telehandlers, all-terrain forklifts, generators and lighting towers.