Forklift trucks play a critical role in many industries, and are widely used in settings such as warehouses and construction sites. They are powerful work vehicles that are used as an efficient alternative to manual lifting. They can also pose risks to people and objects if not operated and maintained correctly. This article will cover some of the key considerations for forklift use, and answer some commonly asked questions.
In many countries, there is strict legislation regarding the use of forklifts. This often includes clear requirements for certification, maintenance and safety. Employers must familiarize themselves with the legal requirements in their country before operating forklifts to ensure their business complies with all relevant regulations and safety standards.
Regular maintenance is the key to long life and optimal performance for your forklift. Common maintenance for forklifts can include regular lubrication of moving parts, checking hydraulic hoses for leaks and wear, and regular inspection of tires for damage. It is also important to check the braking system, the steering system and the lifting mechanism for any problems.
In addition to regular maintenance, it is important to conduct daily pre-work checks of every forklift to ensure every truck is working as it should. This may include a visual inspection for damage, a check of oil and fluid levels, and a functional test of all controls. Safety equipment within the forklift such as seat belts and emergency stops must also be checked to ensure they work properly.
Safety is a top priority when it comes to the use and maintenance of forklifts. Those operating forklifts should keep these important points in mind:
Regular thorough inspections of forklifts by third party experts are necessary procedures that ensure forklifts are in proper and safe condition for use. These checks are carried out by a certified expert or organisation that has sufficient knowledge and experience to assess the forklift's technical condition, including the condition of safety equipment. Expert inspection involves a thorough review of the truck's mechanical components, lifting functions, brakes, steering, as well as an assessment of its general maintenance status.
In Norway, the requirements for inspections of forklift trucks are regulated by the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority. The frequency of the inspection may vary, but annual checks are common. In the UK and USA, inspections by a third party certified professional must be conducted at least annually. The purpose of these checks is to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment for those who use and work around these machines. Always check the requirements in your country and for your equipment. Inspection intervals may vary based on a range of factors including the frequency of forklift use.
Onix Work is a digital solution that helps companies keep track of their checks, inspections and subsequent documentation for work equipment including forklifts. With Onix, you can easily collect and organize all relevant documents in one place. This can include technical specifications, maintenance history, inspection reports, certifications and more. This helps to simplify maintenance planning, prevent human error, and ensures that all necessary documentation is easily accessible.
Onix Work also allows the creation and implementation of digital checklists for forklift operators to guide them through required daily processes for use. Operators of forklift trucks can also be given direct access to statutory documents through a QR code. As a result, operators always have access to updated and relevant information about the truck's status and maintenance history, which helps improve both safety and efficiency in the workplace.
While forklifts are usually operated within closed environments such as warehouses, it is sometimes permitted to drive a forklift on public roads . To do so, they must adhere to strict requirements which vary between countries.
In Norway, it is legal to drive a forklift on a public road but there are special requirements that must be met. The forklift must be registered, insured, and the driver must have the correct certificate. It's also important to note that the forklift must be equipped with the necessary lights and reflectors.
Yes, according to the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority, all trucks must be equipped with an effective parking brake.
Norwegian law uses the term "truck" to describe this type of vehicle. The specific legislation that deals with the use of forklifts is "Regulations on the execution of work, use of work equipment and associated technical requirements".
The support surface of a counterbalance forklift is usually rectangular. The support surface is the area between the wheels that is in contact with the ground.
In order to obtain a forklift driver's licence in Norway, a course is required that has a duration of at least 56 hours. This includes both theoretical and practical training. Requirements for forklift licenses vary across countries.
No, it isn't legal to drive a forklift without a valid forklift driver's license in Norway. This same rule also applies across countries including the UK and USA. According to the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority, the use of a forklift in a work context requires that the driver has documented safety training.
T1 and T2 are categories of forklifts according to the EN 1525 standard.
The T1 category includes counterbalanced forklifts with a centered load, i.e. where the load is placed between the wheels both in terms of width and length. An example of this could be a standard counterbalance forklift.
The T2 category includes side loaders, where the load is placed on one side of the forklift. This is particularly useful in tight spaces and when handling long objects such as timber or steel sheets.
Want to read more about work equipment? Here is a complete guide to lifting equipment.