Safety Forklift Driving Instructions

Safety first, start from wearing the proper personal protective equipment every time you work in warehouse especially when drive. The outfit should be made from quality material to ensure it can be 100% protected you from accident. Here are the general PPE, headwear, safety glasses, mask, safety shoes and earplugs as well as wearing gloves if need to touch something dangerous.  

A forklift driver must sit properly and move carefully. To enter the forklift, hold the handle at the upper left with your left hand and the truck frame with your right hand. Step up with your left foot, then use it to push yourself up into the seat, ensuring you are seated securely before operating the forklift.

Before moving goods, ensure the pallet is properly positioned and the items are balanced. Slowly insert the forks into the pallet, pushing the carriage closely. The load backrest should be aligned with the center of the masts, and the forks should be in the middle position. Tilt the masts back toward the truck and check that there are no obstacles in the aisle or path before moving.

Maintain a gap of at least 30-50 centimeters between the drop station and the truck. Tilt the masts upright, then move the truck to the designated spot for dropping the pallet. Slowly lower the forks to the floor and reverse the truck until the pallet is fully cleared from the forks. Finally, lift the forks 15-20 centimeters off the ground.

Park the forklift in the designated spot, ensuring the steering wheel is in the correct position. Shift to neutral (N) gear and lower the forks to the floor. Finally, engage the handbrake and remove the key.

Drivers must drive carefully at all times, maintaining an appropriate speed, especially when turning, going uphill or downhill, or approaching areas with many operators. Additionally, reduce speed when driving on wet floors, lifting, or loading heavy products.

When driving a forklift, always maintain a safe distance from obstacles ahead, ensuring at least three times the stopping distance to avoid collisions during an emergency brake. Additionally, leave sufficient space between the forklift and racking when driving through aisles.

Loading goods that exceed the forklift's load capacity poses a significant risk, potentially causing damage to the truck and leading to breakdowns. Always check the item's weight beforehand to ensure it does not exceed the forklift's capacity, as excessive weight affects the truck's balance. Overloading can result in accidents.

When lifting a pallet to high racking and visibility is obstructed, ask someone nearby to guide you in the right direction. This enhances safety and helps prevent accidents. It’s crucial to carefully follow the guide’s instructions for safe and efficient operation.

Even if you rent a forklift for only 1–2 days, possessing a valid forklift certification for the specific model is essential. Drivers must complete training and pass assessments conducted by qualified instructors with expertise in forklift operations, as outlined in the curriculum specified by the Director-General. Operating a forklift without proper certification is a violation of ministerial regulations, exposing both employers and employees to legal consequences.

Additionally, having a forklift certification under ministerial regulations serves as proof that the operator possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties safely and efficiently.

As per the current ministerial regulations, there are no specific requirements for the frequency of forklift training. However, as a service provider in the forklift industry, we recommend that operators receive regular training to refresh their knowledge and enhance their skills in accordance with safety standards. This could be every 6 months or once a year, ensuring that operators are fully prepared for their work.

In addition, special training sessions may be organized during certain periods, such as when equipment is changed or after an accident occurs within the organization. Regular and updated training helps maintain high safety standards and operational efficiency.

The forklift certification obtained through training, as per the guidelines set by the Director-General, is valid for the entirety of the operator's career and does not expire. However, for safety and operational efficiency, most companies require employees operating forklifts to undergo annual refresher training. This helps operators continuously refresh their knowledge, skills, and expertise, ensuring they remain proficient and up-to-date with safe operating practices.